2003/2004 Abstract
The Ohio State University

The Ohio State University Block & Bridle Club, known to the Buckeyes as Saddle & Sirloin, gathered one last time at the OSU Sheep Facilities for an annual picnic before departing for summer break.  The Scarlet and Gray Lamb Show followed one week later in June, bringing in about 150 head.

After a few months off, the new and old members came together in mid-September to grill nearly 3,000 pounds of pork chops for their food stand at the Farm Science Review.  Food was served to thousands of exhibitors and visitors at this three-day farm show.  The club was also an integral part of preparing and serving the food to Ohio’s legislators during the Vice President’s Luncheon.  These events serve as the club’s largest fundraisers.

Concluding fall quarter, members met to socialize, eat and dance the night away at the winter formal event.

Winter Quarter is considered to be our busiest time of the year.  Before classes started up again, members work together with the Alpha Gamma Sigma Fraternity to coordinate the annual weekend beef/heifer show at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio.  The Scarlet & Gray Midwest Showdown was again sanctioned by the Oho Cattlemen’s Association as a BEST (Beef Exhibitor Show Total) Show. This year, the club brought in 734 head.

In late January, the club hosted a judging contest for FFA Chapters and 4-H Clubs.  There were about 150 participants from across the state evaluating classes of beef, sheep and swine.

At the end of Winter Quarter, members travel to the Eastern Ohio Agricultural Research Development Center in Belle Valley, Ohio.  Here, members clip bull entries before the annual sale in April.  This year we clipped 85 bulls.

The club conducted a Scarlet & Gray Prospect Hog Show and Market Hog Show in both winter and spring quarters at the Greene County Fairgrounds in Xenia, Ohio.  The winter hog show worked with the Buckeye Show Circuit to award points to the young showmen of Ohio.  The winter show brought in 240 head and the spring show brought in 150 head.

During Spring Quarter, members worked with the Agricultural Education Society and the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow student organizations in one of their largest undertakings.  The Scarlet & Gray Ag Day promotes the agricultural education of inner-city elementary students.  Saddle & Sirloin members served as tour guides and also prepared the lunch for nearly 450 students, teachers and chaperones who attended this extraordinary event.

Despite the rainy conditions in mid-May, the club held its Scarlet & Gray Equine Extravaganza at the Seneca County Fairgrounds in Tiffin, Ohio.  There were about 20 horses present at this year’s show.

The 90^th Little International was held in mid-February at the OSU Horse Facilities.  There were many outstanding participants in the beef heifer, swine, sheep, horse, guys and gals lead, and dress-a-lamb competitions.  In conjunction with the Little International, the club holds a ham and corned beef curing contest.  The hams and corned beefs are evaluated and the top five are auctioned off at the recognition luncheon to raise money for the meat and livestock judging teams.  Many people were recognized at the luncheon for their support and dedication to the club:  Outstanding Sophomore, Outstanding Junior, Outstanding Senior, Outstanding Committee, Outstanding Committee Chairperson, Aunt/Uncle, Honorary Member, Seniors, Officers, Advisors, and the Little International King and Queen.  A pictorial slide show was presented to recap the year’s activities.   

In addition to our major events, Saddle & Sirloin holds regular meetings on the first and third Tuesdays of each month.   Industry representatives are invited to meetings to speak to the club about current issues.  Members also organized and participated in other social, fundraising and community service activities:  National Block & Bridle Convention in San Antonio, Texas, barbeque stands, Operation Feed, and the list goes on.

Saddle & Sirloin is an organization rich in heritage at Ohio State.  Each year members do their best to perpetuate its traditions and ideals.  This year has been a very successfully year and we look forward to the challenges and activities of the upcoming year.

2003-2004 Officers

President:  Greg Griffin
Vice President:  Kenny Wells
Treasurer:  Anita Miller
Secretary:  Lindsay Risch
College of FAES Student Council Representative:  Samantha Steiner

2003-2004 Advisors

Dr. David Zartman
Dr. Mike Day
Gary Dunlap

Chapter Abstracts