A Day Out on the Farm for Everyone
EKU’s Collegiate Farm Bureau celebrated Kentucky agriculture at Eastern Kentucky University and helped to increase awareness of Farm Bureau and EKU’s Department of Agriculture by hosting Agriculture Celebration Day.
The event was held on April 28 and included: farm tours, live music, animals, food, and lots of fun at Meadowbrook Farm. This was the first time hosting this spring event and the department was pleased with the turnout -- over 200 students, alumni and community members came out. The group hopes for even more growth in the years to come.
Participants got to see the milking of cows and an education on Kentucky dairy industry by Jennifer Hickerson from Kentucky Dairy Council. Students were able to make personal relations to the farm as well as see advances such as the new robotic milker which is being installed and will be up and running in the coming months.
There was a drone presentation by Dr. Joshua Jack with the University of Kentucky, Agriculture Engineering, to show how they can be used to scan crops or check on livestock. Mike Lewis with UKY AgriAbility also provided a demonstration on how tractors can be modified for producers facing disabilities, such as being in a wheel chair. All were fun, hands-on ways to show and educate attendees on all the different things that are done with agriculture.
According to faculty advisor Dr. Ed Fredrickson, “Collegiate Farm Bureau members develop strong networks in the agricultural community that last a lifetime. This year Collegiate Farm Bureau participated in regional and national meetings where relationships were built and strengthened. They also put Eastern Kentucky University on the cognitive maps of agriculture’s greatest 'movers and shakers'.”
The group also elected their 2018-2019 officers:
- President: Mr. Jeffery Browning
- Vice President: Ms. Bethany Cruse
- Treasurer: Mr. David Gabbard
- Secretary: Kasi Shneid
- Parliamentary Procedure: Eric Bullock
- Advisor: Mr. Jackson Tolle
Published on April 28, 2018