Spring Break
Ag department still growing
Agriculture department hosts a day filled with events to help interested students
Stacey Howe
Issue date: 11/2/09 Section: News
|
The department began with only a few courses, but educators soon recognized a need for more, and in 1919 created a four-year program.The courses have changed greatly over the years because of the rapidly changing agriculture industry.
There are 14 student organizations on campus for the agriculture department, including clubs such as the horticulture club, agricultural fraternities and sororities, Collegiate Future Farmers of America and many more. The department also holds an annual Farm Expo, which is the largest student-run farm show in the U.S., and next February they will be celebrating their 39th year.
Different organizations gathered on Saturday for the annual Agriculture Festival, including the Collegiate FFA, Alpha Gamma Sigma, Alpha Zeta, Sigma Alpha and the Ag Ed Club.
Alpha Gamma Sigma held a pumpkin carving contest, and all the pumpkins were carved by the organizations of the agriculture department. While running the pumpkin-carving contest, they also had a petting zoo for those who attended the fair.
Two agriculture fraternities and sororities, Alpha Sigma and Alpha Zeta, were present to show their support for the agricultural department and promote themselves as well. They participate in fundraisers to help with this department for the university.
The Collegiate FFA helps out the community as well as high school students interested in agriculture by bringing them together for competitions in the department.
"We hold contests for high school students that include topics such as state ag sales, ag issues, mechanics and horticulture," said Stephanie Bogner, junior agriculture business major.
"It gives the students an opportunity to participate in activities in the department they are interested in."
Be the first to comment on this story