The Virginia Tech Block and Bridle Club takes pride in promoting Animal Science and the agriculture industry throughout the state. With membership growing by leaps and bounds each year to include over one hundred fifty students, there are many eager new members and pledges, along with veteran members, to perform the required duties for club events. This year the club hosted its annual Spring Judging contests, which attracted a large number of participants. Selling barbecue at the Virginia State Fair was a profitable fundraiser for the club once again, but it also held more sentimental value than ever before because the fair grounds will be relocated in the near future. The Livestock and Horse Judging teams had a competitive season, and the new teams have already begun practicing. The Quadrathalon team also placed well at the regional competition. Block and Bridle continues to host or help in important agriculture industry events like the Hokie Harvest Livestock Production Sale, Meat-In Day, Animal Industry Day, Virginia Food Festival, New Student Picnic, Virginia Tech Quadrathalon and Virginia Tech’s Homecoming activities. The Little International Livestock Show each April is our most popular event. Little International is an opportunity for members to educate any student who wishes to participate on the joys of animal husbandry. Little International is a wonderful learning experience for both the experts and the newcomers, and it also gives students of all backgrounds the chance to compete in a showmanship competition. After the Little International Livestock Show, a Ham Sale is hosted in which ham cureres from across the state donate hams for auction. The proceeds from the hams go to Block and Bridle to help fund these activities. Members begin to set up the groundwork months in advance to ensure that Little International and the Ham Sale provide positive experiences for all involved. In addition to these accomplishments, Block and Bridle was well represented at National Convention in Atlanta, Georgia. The club placed first in both the annual and scrapbook categories, with chapter activities as an impressive fourth. Block and Bridle members hardly have time to take a breath during the year, but all of our hard work is worth it when we continue to fulfill our duties as Block and Bridle members in such an outstanding way.
Club Officers
President: Angela McDowell
Vice President: David Poyser
Secretary: Susan Miller
Treasurer: Rachel Evans
Reporter: Emily Horsley
Historian: Christina Welsh
Alumni Secretary: Misty Manuel
Membership Coordinator: Justin Boyle
Marshall: Lee Hankins
Club Advisors
Dr. Cindy Wood
Dr. John Hall
Dr. Joe Fontenot
