‘Day on the Quad’ celebrates agricultural beginnings
Those who’ve seen the recent trends in agriculture know: It ain’t just cows and plows, anymore.
Despite the rain clouds gathering overhead Wednesday afternoon, the College of Agriculture, in conjunction with other Ag Week activities, held their annual “Day on the Quad.”
The event included many booths and displays such as a bigger-than-life-size cow and a demonstration on plant soils and biometeorology. Lassoes were swung through air filled with smoke from the barbecuing shish-ka-bobs.
Originally established in 1888 under the land grant system as an agriculture school, USU has since undergone a major shift in educational opportunities.
Today, the university is no longer devoted simply to better fields and gardens, but is, instead, an institution made up of seven different colleges which focus on diverse educational pursuits such as business and engineering.
But even though agriculture is no longer the focal point of the universities activities, it still plays a major role in the lives of many students. Ag Week provided an opportunity to remember and celebrate Utah State University’s agricultural roots.
“The purpose of Ag week is to display the college of agriculture and to have fun, educational activities for the student body as a whole,” said Chad Warnick the College of Agriculture Senator.
“It’s a fun tradition where everyone remembers USU’s beginnings.”
Tables for chicken bingo, the ultimate farmer’s club and soil erosion awareness were set up.
“Soil Science majors find dirt fun for some reason,” said Jeff Pace, a senior majoring in soil science, as he pointed out the differences between sands and silts.
Crowds gathered to watch fellow students ride the mechanical bull.
Julie Bope, owner of the mechanical bull named Buster, laughed as a student grimaced in pain as they fell off the bull. “Slide all the way up there and ride it like a man,” Bope said to one rider while flipping the switch to activate the bull.
Free Aggie ice cream and 25-cent shish-ka-bobs attracted crowds and Got milk? stickers were distributed as miniature tractor races were held.
Even when the rain started to come down students wearing green “Nothin’ runs like an Aggie” shirts continued to lasso hay bales.
“Besides the rain, Ag week has been great,” said business administrations freshman Brian Francom as he walked away with two half-gallons of ice cream.
Ag Week, under the name “Hayfever,” has included many activities meant to educate the students about the college and the students in the program.
According to its Web site, www.ag.usu.edu, students in the college “are learning to clone animals, create new snack foods, deal in futures markets, understand the technology that ensures a safe and productive food supply, and how to become the leaders in the political process.”
As a culmination to the week’s activities, Friday night there will be a scholarship concert at the Kent Concert Hall. Country singer Brenn Hill will be performing at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $5.
Don’t worry, everyone who missed Wednesday’s mechanical bull have a second chance to ride Friday during an Ag Week dance in the TSC.
mcc@cc.usu.edu
Clay Swan, an undeclared freshman, team ropes during one of the many activities held during “The Day on the Quad” Wednesday afternoon. (Photo by Jennifer Wheatley)