National Block and Bridle Convention

Students and faculty represented the A&E department at the National Block and Bridle Convention in Louisville, Ky.  This was the ninetieth national convention for the association.  It was held Nov. 12-14, 2009.

Dr. Ed Brokaw, professor of animal science, and Dr. Michael Nicodemus, assistant professor of environmental science, as well as 14 students attended the convention. 

“The trip provided an opportunity to connect with students and faculty within the department, as well as network and develop relationships with other students attending the conference,” said Kaitie Kirkpatrick, senior animal science major from Richardson, Texas.

The program consisted of several speakers sharing information poke about both traditional and non-traditional career opportunities in the field of animal science, as well as the current technology being used in the field.  Also, the topic of animal scientists’ role in responding to biotechnology was emphasized.

At the awards ceremony, awards were presented to chapters for their efforts during the last school year.  Recognition included plaques for chapter activities reports, chapter Web sites, published yearbooks, the Outstanding Sophomore Scholarship, the Outstanding Junior Scholarship and the Scrapbook and Outstanding Senior Awards.  Each award was presented by Dr. Brokaw, National President.  Dr. Brokaw introduced the officer team and was presented a plaque recognizing his service as president for the past two years.

In addition to the professional program, the group went on several tours around Louisville.  Kirkpatrick said  the most interesting event for her was touring the Thoroughbred Center where they train and house 1,000 thoroughbreds.  They also had a chance to attend the horse races at the famous Churchill Downs on Saturday and the North American Championship Rodeo on Friday night.

“Students should definitely consider going on this trip next year and if I wasn't graduating in May, I would go again,” Kirkpatrick said.  “The trip provided valuable information about the future of animal agriculture and career opportunities within the field.”