Alexis Schindler
Staff writer
aschindler1@murraystate.edu
Photo by Richard Thompson/The News
College is a place for young adults to discover themselves, their likes and dislikes, connect with others with similar interests and prepare for the workforce. For new students, getting out and socializing can be hard sometimes.
Coming to a new, sometimes far away place, with so many different opportunities can be overwhelming.
Murray State University has over 170 on-campus organizations in place for students to find their niche on campus to connect with fellow students with common interests.
For students with an interest in animal agriculture, the Block & Bridle club in the Hutson School of Agriculture might be the place for them.
“The mission is to sponsor and promote livestock-related youth events; develop fellowship among members, stimulate interest in animal agriculture; and support teaching, research and service activities that will promote livestock production in our region,” according to the Murray State website.
Though it is through the Hutson School of Agriculture, the club is not only for agriculture majors. It is open to anyone who would like to join. The club currently has 70 members.
The club meets bi-weekly in Oakley Applied Science. There are only three more scheduled meetings for the spring semester. The time and dates can be found on the Murray State Block & Bridle Facebook page. Students wishing to join the club are required to pay a $15 fee.
Ty Allen, freshman from Berea, Kentucky, said this is his first year being involved in the club, and it has been amazing.
“Being able to find an organization of individuals who all care so deeply about the future of agriculture was truly a blessing,” Allen said. “I haven’t just made new friends, I have gained a family of incredible people who all have a diverse array of experiences in the world of animal agriculture.”
He said he grew up on a poultry farm where he became knowledgeable of the animal industry and the agricultural lifestyle.
Noah Lamb, senior from Morganfield, Kentucky, has been a member since spring 2017.
“I have enjoyed every bit of it,” Lamb said. “It’s a great way to make new friends and learn more about livestock production.”
Cheyenne Sieberns, senior and club president from Corydon, Indiana, said the club is very active throughout the school year, and one of the goals of the club is to provide its members with the opportunity to see a variety of farming operations and different aspects of animal agriculture.
“We know that you can only learn so much in a classroom setting, so we try to fill the gap between book knowledge and field knowledge,” Sieberns said. “I would have to say there are two main things that members really like about the club: the hands-on experience and the laid-back atmosphere.”
The club stays active throughout the year, assisting with events such as Fall on the Farm, Ag Safety Days and Ag Appreciation Week while also working concessions at locally-held rodeos.
Block & Bridle pushes its members to connect with one another through the cookouts and movie nights it hosts.
“The atmosphere of our club is also very relaxed,” Sieberns said. “We pride ourselves on being professional, yet approachable. We want everyone to feel welcome. We’re just a bunch of simple college students who have a passion for agriculture and want to have fun.”
Sieberns said many club members like to call her “Ma,” further showing the family atmosphere the club prides itself on.
The club recognizes its senior members and their achievements at the end of every school year with a Senior Send-Off.
Sieberns said the annual Open Steer and Heifer Show is the largest event the club hosts.
The event will be held April 6 at the William “Bill” Cherry Exposition Center in Murray.
“Anyone who wants to show their steers and heifers are more than welcome to come and join us,” Sieberns said. “The Supreme Champion Steer and Heifer will win $600 each, and the Reserve Champion Heifer and Steer will win $400 each. The top 3 placings in each class also win money: first place wins $50, second place wins $30 and third place wins $20. We also have belt buckles to give to those who win Showmanship.”
For more information about the Murray State Block & Bridle club, contact Club President Cheyenne Sieberns through email at csieberns@murraystate.edu or through the club’s aforementioned Facebook page.