The College of Agricultural Sciences  Professor and New Professor of the Year award will be announced June 6^th, at the Agricultural Education banquet. Students in the College of Agricultural Sciences, please vote for a professor that has had a positive impact on your education. This is a very important award acknowledging the two professors who teach to the best of their abilities, and promote higher education. There are voting forms available in Strand 137. For more information please contact an officer on the Agricultural Executive Council.

        The Agricultural Executive Council hosted their annual Agricultural Awareness Day this last week May 6-8, with the theme Preserving Tradition, Agvocating Today, Growing Tomorrow.  This year “Ag Day” was a three-day event leading to the future goal of a 5 days.  The week began with a motivating speech Monday night by Marty Campbell who spoke about sustainable agriculture, and the challenge of feeding the world when the population reaches 9 billion people. Students filled the Memorial Union quad Tuesday morning prepared to share the importance of agriculture to others on campus. Booths were set up with food, animals, tractors, and more exhibiting the many commodities of the agricultural industry. The Young Cattleman’s Association provided a BBQ, the Dairy Club brought ice cream, and the Country Western Dance Club taught line dances to onlookers. Wednesday ended the week of activities with a new community service event held in the Oldfield Animal Teaching Facility. Students brought canned food, as well as sent letters to troops overseas. It was a very successful week and we are very thankful to those who helped out!

The agricultural industry that feeds the world population today needs a future. With seven billion people currently living on the planet, and a projected nine billion by the time Oregon State University’s current students retire, there are immense challenges ahead. It is the agricultural students today that will be feeding those tomorrow while making sure farming practices remain sustainable. To learn more about the future of sustainability in agriculture please join the Agricultural Executive Council in the Memorial Union Ballroom at 7:00pm Monday, May 6. Marty Campbell, 2010 Oregon Agriscience Teacher of the Year will inspire the audience with humor and his challenge for agriculture tomorrow. For more information please contact an officer on the council or visit the facebook event page.

https://www.facebook.com/events/300576320075547/

Officer Applications are now available to those interested in running for a position on the Agricultural Executive Council for the 2013-2014 school year. The mission of the council is to promote club activities within the College of Agricultural Sciences, along with acting in cooperation with the administration of the college to further public relations. This is a great leadership and networking opportunity for students interested in benefiting the College. Positions available include President, Vice president, Director of Correspondence, Director of Finance, Director of Public Relations, Director of Agriculture Day, and Director of New Fields. Additional information about each position can be found on the application. Applications will be due Wednesday May 15, by 5:00pm in STRAND 137, or via email to Florencea@onid.orst.edu. Elections will be conducted Wednesday, May 29 at the Agricultural Executive Council meeting. If you have any further questions please contact a current officer.

The Agricultural Executive Council hosted their annual industry tour this past weekend April 12 – 14.  The trip enabled students within the College of Agricultural Sciences to visit a variety of agricultural related industries throughout Central Oregon. The tours included a visit to an alternative farm, Bend Equine Vet Center, OSU Extension Service, Ochoco Forest Service, Deschutes Brewery, Coyote Rock Ranch, and High Desert Museum. It was a very successful weekend full of learning opportunity, and we would like to thank everyone who attended.

Oregon State University recently hosted the 85^th Oregon FFA State Convention on March 22^nd -25^th. FFA is a national organization that promotes leadership and personal growth. The convention consists of a variety of competitions including public speaking, Ag Issues, Proficiency Interviews, Scholarship Interviews and many more. There is also a career fair that takes place at convention showcasing careers in agriculture, OSU organizations for student involvement, and college choices. Several clubs within the College of Agricultural Sciences displayed their unique opportunities at OSU and how future students could become involved. The event was a huge success thanks to all of the amazing faculty and students at OSU.

This year the Agricultural Executive Council will be headed to Central Oregon on April 12th-14th for our annual industry tour.  On Friday the tour itinerary includes an alternative farm with mule foot hogs, buffalo and yak, a visit to the Equine Vet Center and a tour with the OSU Extension Office.  Saturday we will be visiting with the Ochoco Forest Service, where they will show us their seed extractor practices and discuss current issues facing forestry within the Central Oregon area, Deschutes Brewery for a tour of their facilities and become educated on the variety of brews they offer, and a horse ranch where will learn their families breeding and farming practices. Ag Exec will be paying for dinner on Saturday night at one of Central Oregon’s classic restaurants and have the opportunity to speak with the owner and watch a historic video.  Sunday will be a tour of the High Desert Museum and from there will head back to Corvallis. This is not only a great opportunity to learn about different aspects of what agriculture has to offer, but is also a great way to get involved with other students within the College of Agricultural Sciences. Applications are due Friday, April 5th at 5pm along with a $30.00 payment. We will be boarding our charter bus Friday morning April 12th at 7am. The council hopes you will join us on this great adventure!

The Sigma Alpha sorority is currently recruiting new members for their chapter. Sigma Alpha is an un-housed professional sorority for women in agriculture and forestry, but will accept any major. The sorority works closely with Oregon Women of Agriculture and Agriculture in the Classroom. There will be an informational meeting Monday, April 8 in the Memorial Union at 7:00pm.  This is a great opportunity to become more involved on campus and meet women with the same interests and classes. Please feel free to contact the Recruitment Chair, Shelby Coshow for more information.

Email: coshows@onid.orst.edu

Last weekend the Oregon State University Dairy Club hosted their biannual cattle sale in the Oldfield Animal Teaching Facility. About 350 people came out for the event, and a number of supporters opted to make a cash donation to the club, as well as sellers offered to donate calves. The club’s net earnings were 15,000 to 17,000 and will go towards an endowment fund for future activities. There was an incredible support from the industry, and it is greatly appreciated. To read more about the sale please follow the link.

http://www.gazettetimes.com/news/local/dairy-students-milk-surge-of-support/article_53deecfa-85e5-11e2-8529-0019bb2963f4.html

Sigma Alpha will be hosting a Boot Scoot N Boogie fundraiser Saturday March 9. There will be country line dancing lessons provided along with the dance and everyone is welcome. The dance will be held in the Women’s building at 7:00 pm, and is $5 admission. Put your boots on and come support the Sigma Alpha Agricultural Sorority!