2001/2002 Abstract
University of Tennessee, Knoxville

The University of Tennessee Block and Bridle Club started off the year with the annual Animal Science Smoker.  The purpose of the “smoker” is to gather everyone with common interests (animal science & the livestock industry) and have a huge meet and greet session. Everyone sits down to renew old friendships and introduce new students into the close-knit family that is the trademark of our department and club.

In September, our major fund-raising effort began.  Club members served as “corn cops” for the Maple Lane Farms “Corn Maize”.  The “Corn Maize” is an 8-acre cornfield planted in a maze.  The maze ran from September through October.  The responsibility of the “corn cops” was to serve as guides to help people through the maze.  Del Harris and Dr. Chris Richards coordinated this major fundraiser.

At the end of September and first of November, the club participated in Ag Day and Varsity Visit with the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. On Ag Day, the college is opened to the public for two days allowing them to see agriculture at work. Varsity Visit is a time for FFA members to visit UT and become acquainted with various aspects of college life.  Block and Bridle Club members serve as group leaders and answer the questions of the students, as well as serving lunch for almost 400 FFA members at Varsity Visit.   

November 8-11, 2001 , 5 students and 1 advisor traveled to Louisville , KY for the National Block and Bridle Convention.  We spent 5 days learning more about the agricultural and animal science industry, seeing the sights of Louisville , and having fun with other B&B Members from across the country. University of Tennessee Block and Bridle Club brought home the National Award for our Web page for the second year.

On December 1, the Block and Bridle club sponsored the Rocky Top Classic Prospect Steer and Heifer Show. This show is designed to allow competitors to exhibit their animals before competition begins in the spring. Brad Shaver coordinated the event consisting of 27 exhibitors, 48 calves, and monetary awards, presented to all exhibitors, totaling over $2000.

In December, our club participated in another college wide event, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Knoxville - CASNR Christmas Party. Club members helped at the party by providing a petting zoo and a nativity scene for the kids.  We also co-sponsored a toy and stuffed animal drive for all of the clubs on the Ag Campus.  

Spring Semester started out successfully for Block and Bridle with the East Tennessee Angus Banquet on February 15, where students cooked and served steaks to the sellers and buyers of the next day's show and sale.  Erica Arnold did a wonderful job reviving an activity that has not been performed for many years.

On March 2, we hosted our 63^rd annual Round-Up.  This event includes Livestock and Dairy Judging clinics and contests as well as a Quiz Bowl for FFA and 4-H members in the junior and senior high division from across the state. We also have a Collegiate Livestock Show and a Block and Bridle Queen Court .  Club members and other students have the opportunity to groom and break beef and dairy cattle, sheep and swine, and then show them on Saturday night. Round-Up was chaired by Karen Newsom and Laura Moss.  Thanks to the help of all members, Block and Bridle's largest event ran smoothly and scores were tabulated in record time and posted online that evening.  Karen Newsom was voted Round-Up Queen and Jen Shaver was the Grand Champion exhibitor.

On April 12-13, we participated in the annual Open House for the College of Agriculture and the College of Veterinary Medicine .  This joint effort has brought literally hundreds of thousands of people each year onto our campus including many school groups.  This year, under the direction of Malinda Burkhart, our club’s display included a petting zoo, an interactive livestock breeds quiz, a video display of Block and Bridle Activities, as well as a coloring contest.

On April 14, the club held it's annual Club Lamb Sale headed by Jennifer Shaver and Rob Fitzgerald.  There were a total of 16 buyers from Tennessee , Virginia and Georgia who purchased 53 lambs from 13 consignors.  The sale average was $146 and total sales amounted $7,585.

To top off the end of our activities, Block and Bridle was selected for the University of Tennessee Provost's Citation for Extraordinary Community Service.  Block and Bridle is a service organization and our selection from the entire university is truly an honor.  Congratulations to all of our members and special thanks to our advisors.

To close the year out right, we had our Animal Science Awards Banquet on April 25.  This is an opportunity for students to be recognized for all of the hard work they’ve done throughout the year.  Two special awards are given at this time.  Karen Newsome was honored as the Outstanding Senior from Block and Bridle.  Tennessee Representative Ken Givens, a beef and tobacco farmer in Hawkins County who has served as chairman of the House Agricultural Committee for many years was given honorary membership into Block and Bridle Club.  Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Dan Wheeler, a former graduate of the University of Tennessee where he was active in meats and livestock judging, and Block and Bridle where he served as president in 1963-64, was presented the Distinguished Alumni Award.

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