2002/2003 Abstract
University of Tennessee, Knoxville

The University of Tennessee Block and Bridle Club began the year with our annual Animal Science Smoker. The purpose of the “smoker” is to gather everyone with common interests (animal science & the livestock industry) and have a great time socializing. 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. At the end of September and the 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. Block and Bridle held a petting zoo for the public with dairy calves, chickens, piglets, and sheep. 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.

October saw the revitalization of the annual club calf sale after a two-year postponement. The club saw 22 lots sold and three lots of semen. The sale broke club and department record excelling in both price per calf and quality of calves at the sales. Buyers from Tennessee and Virginal came bringing the sale average to $829.55 and a total gross of $18,250. Due to the dedication of the club, beef magazines and periodicals have highlighted the sale across the state. It was a welcome return to one of our best activities.

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 26 exhibitors, 54 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 sponsored a toy and stuffed animal drive for all of the clubs on the Ag Campus.

In January 9 students and 1 advisor traveled to Washington DC for the National Block and Bridle Convention. We toured our nation's capitol and saw many different agricultural operations, and had 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.

February consisted of 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. Lake Elliot did a wonderful job with staffing, the menu, and the planning.

On March 1, we hosted our 64th 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. 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. Malinda Burkhart was crowned Round-Up Queen, Del Harris was crowned our first ever Round-Up King, and Brandon Cobble was the Grand Champion exhibitor.

On April 11-12, 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 Rachael Burkhart, our club’s display included a petting zoo, an interactive livestock breeds quiz, a matching game, and prizes available to kids through a bit of repro. Work. The club won best overall attraction in the college, as well as most eyes appealing display.

On April 14, the club held it's annual Club Lamb Sale headed by Malinda Burkhart and Whitney Jones.  There were buyers from Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia who purchased 38 lambs from 8 consignors. The sale average was $176.18.

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. TJ Wilson was honored as the Outstanding Senior from Block and Bridle. Dr. John B. Riley, professor of Agricultural Economics at UT was presented with Honorary Membership for his hard work and dedication to Block and Bridle, which is outside of his department. Mr. Joe Elliot was presented the Distinguished Alumni Award for his work in the Angus Association and Livestock work, which has benefited both our club and university over the term of his career.

Officers
President – TJ Wilson
Vice President – Whitney Jones
Secretary – Alisa Doan
Reporter – Melanie Moore
Treasurer – Malinda Burkhart
Activities– Andy Holt, Charlie Mays, Clint Shipper
Club Lamb – Malinda Burkhart, Whitney Jones
Club Calf - Brandon Cobble, Brad Shaver, Del Harris
New Member Marshals – Andrew Proffit, Alee Lynch
Student Council Rep– Amy Willis
Rocky Top – Nathan Coleman, Jeremy Williams, Tony Greer
Scrapbook – Meg McConahy, Jessica Huffman
Yearbook – Carrie Harris
Web page- Claire Griffin, TJ Wilson
Roundup – Laura Moss, Jen Shaver
National Convention Coordinator - Katherine Cain
Advisors – Dr. Chris Richards, Gregg Upchurch

Chapter Abstracts