Dordt University offers an agriculture communication emphasis

Dordt University now offers an agriculture communication emphasis, which prepares students to understand and communicate specialized agricultural science and information through journalism, public speaking, advertising, public relations, graphic design, and other media.

“Communication, for the purpose of consumer and public education, is an important emphasis for all levels of business in the ag industry,” says Dr. John Olthoff, professor of agriculture. “That is demonstrated by the opportunities for employment. Communication skills are very valuable in many of the other job opportunities that our graduates take.”

“Communication holds a key place in the agricultural sector because it helps to provide information to fill knowledge gaps within the system,” says Dr. Bruce Kuiper, professor of communication. “Effective communication in agriculture helps people tell the story of ag and the environment to consumers, farmers, organizations, legislators, and a host of other key stakeholders.”

This is a collaborative program between the Agriculture Department and Communication Department.

Dr. Ethan Brue, dean for technology and applied sciences, says the new program is a great example of the shared mission that extends across academic departments at Dordt.

“Interdisciplinary program options like this reflect the reality that, in the ever-changing landscape of agriculture and food production, responsible agriculture involves more than just livestock or land management; it requires an ongoing dialogue with communities, producers, and consumers,” he says. “For Christ-followers in agriculture, this communication is at the heart of our lived-out witness to the Gospel. God deeply loves his creation. How we cultivate it and steward it matters as well!”

An emphasis in agricultural communication is fairly unique in the academic landscape, adds Olthoff. “It is exciting that we now have the opportunity to train students in effective communication about agriculture, how and why things are done, from a Christian perspective. That is lacking in most existing programs.”

For more information, visit the agriculture communication page.

About Dordt University

As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by U.S. News and World Report, the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.