Patrick Goode really believes in the value of agriculture. A 1999 graduate of the Institute of Applied Agriculture’s Agricultural Business Management major, Goode has spent the past 15 years working for a farm service agency in Southern Maryland.
“I work between the counties of Charles, Prince George’s and Anne Arundel,” he said. “My job deals with implementing the programs of the 2014 U.S. Farm Bill.”
Goode started working as a field assistant soon after graduating from the IAA. He particularly remembers his experiences in his Soils and Fertilizers, and Agricultural Mechanics classes.
“I liked both because of the hands-on experience,” he said.
Speaking of hands-on experiences, Goode’s favorite memory of the IAA involves taking apart a generator under the direction of instructor Roy Walls.
“I was able to put it back together, and we still use it at home 20 years later!" exclaimed Goode. “Roy knows everything about everything.”
Goode is pleased with the career path he chose and would tell ag business majors that they’ve made a great decision choosing their course of study.
“There’s always a need for agriculture,” Goode said. “A person will find their niche in ag industry, especially in Maryland. And the IAA is a great place to be. For those who think they’re not ready for four years of college, the IAA is a good place to be because you’re doing things that are hands-on, and you’re always going to need to apply that kind of learning in your life!”
