The Clemson University Block and Bridle Chapter is the largest club in the College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Life Sciences with approximately seventy members. The club participates in fund raising events such as registered cattle sales, the Western Carolina Horse Sale, working concessions at the T. Ed Garrison Livestock Arena, ham sales and hat sales. The club also stays busy with trips to the South Carolina State Fair, the Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Ga., and touring farms throughout the state educating members about cattle, swine, equine, and row crop operations. The club also participates in Kiddie Day at the Garrison Arena where approximately 1,600 children from local area schools come to learn about different types of livestock and their uses.
At the beginning of each school year, our annual Welcome Back Cookout is held to welcome all students, faculty, and staff back and to become acquainted with the new freshman and transfer students. Approximately 200 people attend the function; hamburgers, baked beans, and desert are served.
Every semester CU Block and Bridle holds an initiation for all new members at the Brickbarn (B&B arena). Twenty to thirty initiates participate in the event which, being ag related, can get a little messy. Hamburgers and hot-dogs are served with the event which is a fun time for old and new members and advisors.
One of the club’s biggest events is the Little North American Livestock Exposition and Judging Competition held in the spring of each year. Students have the opportunity to show a beef heifer, dairy heifer, horse, pig, or sheep. A judging competition is also held for state FFA and 4-H high school and middle school students.
The Clemson University Block and Bridle Club concentrates on educating its members and the public about the livestock industry. Teaching them to appreciate the value and continual growth of agriculture is our main concern. If you would like to contact us you can e-mail us at bbc@clemson.edu.
