DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — High school students across the Wiregrass will roll up their sleeves this week to plant peanut seeds as part of the WIREGRASS Peanut Project, now entering its third year.
The program, launched by HudsonAlpha, is designed to give students hands-on agricultural research experience while contributing to the development of drought- and disease-resistant peanut varieties. The name WIREGRASS stands for With Innovative Regional Experience Growing Real Advancements through Student Scientists.
Seven schools will take part in the fall semester: Ariton High School, Ashford High School, Dothan High School, Carver 9th Grade Academy, Cottonwood High School, Slocomb High School, and Houston Academy. Enterprise High School, Headland High School, Rehobeth High School, and Wicksburg High School will join the project in the spring.
The curriculum includes planting and growth observations, DNA extraction, and analyzing genome sequencing data. By blending classroom lessons with real-world science, the program highlights the importance of peanuts, crop central to the Wiregrass region’s economy and heritage.
“I’m very excited to be a part of the WIREGRASS Peanut Project this year,” said Emmanuel Fields, a senior at Slocomb High School. “I’ve heard other students talking about what a great experience it has been and can’t wait to get started.”
HudsonAlpha faculty investigator Josh Clevenger, Ph.D., and Vice President of Educational Outreach Kelly East lead the initiative, working with students and educators to foster the next generation of agricultural leaders.
