The Dordt College Agriculture Stewardship Center (ASC) operates upon the Biblical principle of acting as caretakers or stewards of God's creation. Stewardship implies that we have been given the privilege of caring for and using creation, but that it belongs to the Creator.
The Ag Stewardship Center, located approximately two miles north of the college, consists of 270 acres, where livestock, row crops, small grains and produce are grown. Agricultural buildings are also available for class sessions, student research, livestock production and animal care.
The hands-on applied learning opportunities offered at the ASC complement education in the natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences to help students develop a comprehensive view of agriculture.
Students interested in agriculture, biology, environmental studies, and related disciplines may learn by doing at the center, conducting group research projects on a diverse array of investigative topics. The information gleaned by experimentation is shared with peers in courses and regionally at field days, workshops and conferences.
Crop and livestock production and management is continually evaluated at the Ag Stewardship Center. Some examples of recent research projects include a Vistive™ soybean trial, a Processor-Preferred™ corn trial, a corn rootworm emergence and management trial, as well as a field managed organically. Other studies have focused on animal feeding trials with ethanol industry byproducts, water quality, and small rodent populations in natural areas.
The Ag Stewardship Center is a key element in preparing students to work as professionals and servant-leaders in agriculture. Dordt students are guided and encouraged as they attempt to evaluate technology and practices used in this discipline from a Biblical, Reformed perspective. Students see that God calls them, through the power of his Holy Spirit, to transform local and global food systems so that they better reflect the biblical principles of justice, love for one’s neighbor, and care for creation.
Click here to find out more about agricultural degree programs at Dordt College or contact the admissions office at 800-343-6738.
