Secretary’s Report

This year, Block and Bridle members have been busy with events, mingling with one another, faculty and staff, and learning more about the animal science industry. We kicked off the fall semester with the officer team recruiting new members at the Big Red Welcome and East Campus Welcome Back Club Fairs where we had many students interested in the club. Also within the first month of the school year, we helped with the Nebraska Cattlemen’s Beef Pit at the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island where we served meals and bussed tables, as well as with our annual Steak Fry that was held at the Animal Science Complex, which was another hit with serving steak dinners to attendees. New initiates were welcomed with a week of fun-filled activities to allow current members and initiates to mingle and get to know one another. A little friendly competition in meat and livestock judging practices and competitions were also held this fall. The fall semester was rounded out with our annual Holiday Gathering to show our appreciation for the Animal Science faculty and staff, as well as our holiday party that was filled with minute-to-win-it games, an ugly Christmas sweater contest, a white elephant gift exchange, and Raising Cane’s.

The spring semester was also packed with opportunities for members to plan and participate in. Due to an unexpected blizzard and ice storm, the industry tour to Kansas and Oklahoma, that was planned for January, was canceled. We brought back Little AKSARBEN for all students to partake in, and contestants could break and show sheep, hogs, and/or horses. Despite the unfavorable and unpredictable weather conditions in February, our second annual Porkfest still had a good turn-out. Porkfest included the bacon eating contest once again, but we limited the amount of bacon to one pound and set a time limit of five minutes. We also added speaker Trent Loos from the radio show ‘Loos Tails’ to the event this year and many found him down to earth and relatable. Members also attended Lincoln Public School’s Science Fair where we had a booth to walk students through the process of where the components for cheeseburgers come from as well as animal plinko. Several days later, many of the members traveled to the state fairgrounds in Grand Island to put on the Big Red Beef Show which included exhibitors from several states.

As you can see, Block and Bridle has had another successful year with the help of our advisors Brad Bennett, Dr. Tom Burkey, Dr. Benny Mote, and Dr. Ty Schmidt and other Animal Science faculty and staff.

It has been an honor serving as Block and Bridle Club Secretary this year, which not only permitted me to grow as a leader and to learn along the way, but also allowed me to get to know members better. I highly encourage every member to remain involved in Block and Bridle and continue to take advantage of opportunities the club offers.

Respectfully Submitted,

Miranda Wordekemper 2016-2017 Block and Bridle Club Secretary