Key Takeaways
- Devante Mason, an Air Force veteran, is pursuing degrees in Sustainable Agriculture and Agribusiness Technology at Wayne Community College.
- WCC’s programs focus on both technical skills and real-world agricultural experience, essential for modern farming practices.
- Mason emphasizes the importance of networking within WCC’s agricultural community and plans to advocate for formal agricultural education.
A Return to Roots in Agriculture
Devante Mason, an Air Force veteran from Goldsboro, North Carolina, has turned his passion for agriculture into a formal education pursuit at Wayne Community College (WCC). Growing up on his grandfather’s 100-acre farm in South Carolina, Mason felt a strong connection to agriculture, which ultimately guided his decision to return to school after six years of military service.
Mason acknowledges the need for formal studies, despite his practical background. WCC’s Sustainable Agriculture program provides the entrepreneurial and technical skills essential for managing sustainable and profitable farms. He is also enrolled in the Agribusiness Technology program, which delves into the business aspects of agriculture. Both programs culminate in Associate in Applied Science degrees and offer opportunities for transfer to the University of Mount Olive for further education.
A significant aspect of Mason’s education is work-based learning, allowing him to gain hands-on experience at 12:03AM Farm in Faison. His role involves livestock management, crop rotation, and implementing sustainable practices alongside modern agricultural technologies. Mason believes that the theories learned in class translate directly into real-world applications at the farm.
WCC’s agricultural programs also foster a close-knit community that enhances professional networking. Mason values these connections, noting that working in a small community facilitates stronger relationships and opens career doors. This aspect is particularly beneficial in Wayne County, where agriculture significantly contributes to the local economy.
Mason aims to graduate in spring 2026 with two associate degrees and is considering further studies in agribusiness, focusing on agricultural policy. He advocates for formal agricultural education and encourages prospective students to consider WCC for its supportive community and resources. As he prepares for the next phase of his career, Mason looks forward to sharing his knowledge with his grandfather, who introduced him to farming.
He summarizes his belief in agriculture by stating, “Agriculture is great because of what you can learn through it—what’s necessary in life.”
The content above is a summary. For more details, see the source article.
