Matt Tucker

In his own words ...

Where are you from, and why did you choose to study at UGA/CAES?
Camilla, GA.

Undergrad: I chose to study at UGA because I have been wearing red and black my entire life and wanted to follow in my older brother's footsteps.

Grad School: After graduation with my B.S. I started working as a Precision Ag Specialist for a 10,000-ac grower in SE Ga. I was able to gain incredible amounts of hands on experience, learning how a large operation worked both inside and outside the office. Returning to grad school had always been something I wanted to pursue, but I wanted to gain more real world experience before I took the steps to continue my education. 

What is your major/degree program, and what department?
B.S. Agriscience and Environmental Systems, Precision Ag emphasis and Agribusiness minor (completed in May 2020).

M.S. Crop and Soil Science (Intended Fall 2023)

Why did you choose your major?
I was interested in agriculture from a very early age growing up on a farm and learning from my grandfathers, father and older brother. The interest for technology began in high school. I knew I wanted to combine these two interests in my college education/ career path, so AES and Precision Ag was the perfect fit. My M.S. is allowing me to further my knowledge in both of these areas.

What is your favorite class you have taken?
Advanced Topics in Precision Ag

Who has been your favorite instructor?
Dr. John Snider

What has been the best experience you've had so far at the college?
Meeting so many people from all over the world and learning about their culture. And of course, proposing to my fiancé on South Campus! 

What do you want to do with what you have learned here?
I would like to work as a precision agriculture consultant to help growers be more efficient and profitable by use of technology. 

How has your experience at UGA changed you?
UGA has/is one of the best decisions I have made. I have been exposed to so many different areas of agriculture and have been challenged to step outside of my comfort zone. 

Thinking of the word agriculture - what does agriculture mean to you? In what ways does agriculture impact your life and your culture?
Agriculture is survival. We are taught at a very young age the three things needed for survival are food, shelter, and clothing. Agriculture plays a huge role in all three of these areas. Growing up on a farm and managing it with my dad and brother has been hard but rewarding. It has taught me how to work hard and never take for granted how simple it is to make a trip to the grocery store.

What do you like to do outside of class — hobbies, interests, secret talents?
Farm pecans with my dad and brother. Play piano.