AGRICULTURE STUDENTS RECEIVE CERTIFICATION

April 18, 2003

     Five Ferrum College agriculture and science students recently received certification in Artificial Insemination (AI) through a Select Sires bovine breeding course. The students were taught cattle reproductive anatomy and physiology, estrous synchronization programs, artificial insemination techniques, semen storage and handling methods, and sire selection.

Click here for photos from the Ag Student Cattle Show Saturday, April 26, 2003

  The students completing the certification program are as follows:

Bryce Burnett of Ocala, FL

Jason Eggleston of Martinsville, VA

Lars Lyman of Washington, VA

Trish Moyer of Rocky Mount, VA

Cliff Turner of Boones Mill, VA

     The course taught students how to use their genetic and reproductive classroom studies to develop superior herds and exceptional animals. Large animal experience is also critical for students interested in becoming large animal veterinarians or applying to graduate school animal science programs.

     AI-certified students are often recruited as technicians, herd managers, and diary management (individual and corporate roles). Many AI-certified individuals also use the training to enhance their own stock.

     Ferrum College’s Agriculture major provides students with a diversified four-year curriculum and the opportunity for practical experience. The curriculum stresses the theory and practice of agriculture, while also emphasizing the importance of economic and business knowledge. Teaching includes numerous “hands-on” experiences, developing practical skills in students. The required internship furthers this facet by placing students in situations of responsibility and creativity.

     The Agriculture Club is one of the largest and most active clubs on campus. The club will host a Cattle Show on April 26 at 1:00 p.m. at the Agricultural Education Center.

     Ferrum College is a four-year, private, co-educational, liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Ferrum offers a choice of nationally recognized bachelor’s degree programs at a cost well below the national average for private colleges. For more information on Ferrum, visit www.ferrum.edu. # # #

Student Cattle Show
Saturday, April 26, 2003

     The show was the culmination of the Fitting and Showing class (AGR-150), which is taught each spring. The judges were Walter McClure of Rocky Mount and Jason Thurman of Redwood. Walter is a semen salesman for ABS (American Breeder's Service). Also, the former College dairy farm (currently owned and operated by Mark Newbill, Mayor of Rocky Mount) was at one time owned by Walter. Jason and his father, John, are the owner's of Lazy Acres Angus. Cattle for the show were loaned to the students by Leo Scott (Red Angus), Mark Newbill (Holsteins), and the Ferrum College Agriculture Club (Red Angus). Hay was donated by Leo Scott, and grain was donated by Southern States Cooperative, thanks to the efforts of Ferrum agriculture alumnus and Southern Sates employee, Sam Goin. Cattle fitting and showing demonstrations were given by two Ferrum alums, Hunter Chapman (beef) and Gayle Cox (dairy). Each year the students in Fitting and Showing vote for the Cattleman's Awards, given to the two students who helped their classmates the most and gave extra effort to prepare and show their cattle. This year's Cattleman Award winners were Jason Eggleston (beef) and Ken Bradshaw (dairy). Both received plaques at this year's Agriculture Banquet.

There were 4 classes judged on Saturday. The placings in each class were as follows:

Beef Heifers (Red Angus)

Fitting:
1st) Jason Eggleston
2nd) Billy Hughes
3rd) Lars Lyman

Showing:
1st) Billy Hughes
2nd) Jason Eggleston
3rd) Lars Lyman

Dairy Heifers Class #1 (Holsteins)

Fitting:
1st) Courtney Puster
2nd) Matt Dittler
3rd) Cliff Turner

Showing:
1st) Matt Dittler
2nd) Courtney Puster
3rd) Cliff Turner