Highlights from our 2024 Agronomy Clubs & Teams Competitions and Meetings
Recently, our clubs and teams travelled for their respective competitions and meetings. These events provide great opportunities for students to learn and grow outside the classroom - and typically outside the state. Here are some of the the highlights from each group.
Forage Team
American Forage and Grassland Conference Forage Bowl Competition
Mobile, Alabama
The Purdue University Department of Agronomy's Forage Team placed second at this national event. The team members were Jill Meritt, Francis Corvin, and Camden Calloway. Dr. Keith Johnson serves as Coach for the team, with Stephen Campbell serving as the Graduate Assistant Coach.
Left to Right: Stephen Campbell (Graduate Assistant Coach); Camden Calloway, Jill Merritt; Francis Corvin; Dr. Keith Johnson (Coach)
Crops Judging Team
NACTA 2024 Crops Judging
Twin Falls, Idaho
The Purdue Collegiate Crops Judging Team traveled to twin falls, Idaho, to compete in the NACTA (North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture) competition in April. Purdue's primary and alternate crops teams placed 7th and 11th, and had the 5th highest individual overall score at the competition. 115 individuals from 22 universities/colleges competed at this national event. While in Idaho, the Purdue Crops Team toured sugar beet, potato, and alfalfa seed production, and visited multiple irrigation systems. Coaches for the team are Dr. Corey Gerber and Dr. Jeff Bradford.
Left to right: Dr. Corey Gerber (Coach); Andrew Miller; Kate Alsdorf; Josh Havron; Maddie Brink; Jason Emsweller; Kirra Gehring; Benton Berger; Madelynn Keiffer.
Soils Judging Team
ASA (American Society of Agronomy) National Soils Judging Contest
Ames, Iowa
The Purdue Soils Judging Team was represented in the national competition in Ames, Iowa by 12 students on two teams. Team members were Chase Abernathy, Matt Antony, Levi Brush, Nick Emge, Emily Harker, Kyra Kiel, Allie McCabe, Katelyn McMillian, Jackson Metz, Madilyn Morgan, Emmeline Seest, and Kaia Wright.
A total of 208 contestants from 25 universities from across the country competed. Purdue's primary team placed 4th overall with high individual placing of 8th. Purdue's alternate team placed 2nd overall in their competition with high individual placing of 2nd overall. Coaches for the team are Dr. Jeff Bradford and Dr. Gary Steinhardt.
Left to right: Jackson Metz; Emily Harker; Kyra Kiel; Chase Abernathy.
Agronomy Club
Regional Meeting of the Undergraduate Program of the American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society (CSSA), and Soil Science Society (SSSA) at The Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio
Five Purdue Agronomy Club members represented Purdue at the spring regional meeting of Students of Agronomy, Soils, and Environmental Sciences (SASES) at The Ohio State University. While at the meeting, they toured agricultural facilities in the area and attended leadership development workshops. All returned with renewed energy, ready to share with club members and looking forward to attending the national meetings to be held in San Antonio in October.
Left to right: Ruby Slentz (SASES National Secretary); Emily Harker; Madelynn Keiffer; Kathryn Alsdorf.
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