For over a century, members
of the Agronomy Club have gathered together for the sole purpose of learning
more about the most up-to-date issues affecting the world of agriculture
and to gain speaking, literary, and social skills. The Agronomy Club was
established in the year 1900 and was initially known as the Agricultural
Club. Members of the club consisted of faculty, students, and assistants
who registered for agricultural and veterinary courses but anyone interested
in agricultural science was welcome to all the meetings. When the club was
first started, the meetings were held every two weeks in the Agricultural
Hall for the sole purpose of discussing agricultural, horticultural, veterinary
subjects and scientific problems of the day while operating without the
aid of a written constitution. The students often presented papers and faculty
members gave talks. Discussions always followed the presentations.
The club remained strong from 1900 to 1925 with only a few noted
changes affecting the club. One significant change was the evolution of
the club's name. Starting out as the Agricultural Club in 1900, it evolved
into the Ag Club by 1913 to the present day title Agronomy Club by 1921.
During this time, there was also a change in membership. Once including
all students and faculty within the college, membership became limited
to students and faculty strictly interested in agriculture and/or majoring
or expecting to major in agronomy. Shortly after the 1917 Fall term, the
Agronomy Club was made a branch of the American Society of Agronomy and
remains as such to this day.
Between 1925-1934, the club was discontinued for unknown reasons
but was reorganized in 1934 and has remained strong and active to this
day. With the reorganization of the Agronomy Club in 1934 came the introduction
of new structure for the club. New structure included the overseeing of
a faculty adviser to the Agronomy Club as well as the first mention of
fundraising to benefit the club. The members also began assisting with
and furnishing the sweepstakes awards for the annual High School Crops
Judging Contest. In 1934, the only social activity was the annual Spring
Picnic as the club's focus was the promotion of scientific thought, education,
and discussion of agricultural topics.
Over time, the club has only continued to evolve and expand upon
the foundation in which it was laid and the traditions of its predecessors.
The present day Agronomy Club continues to gather together students with
similar interest for their common benefit and advancement with a focus
on agriculture. The Agronomy Club provides an opportunity for students
to take an active part in their department through fundraising projects,
social events, and scholastic activities. As an active member of the Student
Activities Section of the American Society of Agronomy, the Agronomy Club
travels to the National and Regional meetings to participate in various
contests, activities, and events relating to the agricultural industry.
The annual Ag Banquet is still held each spring and is a strong tradition
within the college. The Agronomy Club to date has developed some new traditions
such as the Chili Cook-Off, Casino Night, Bowl-a-thon between the faculty
and students, and a Spring Picnic for the gathering of faculty, students,
and their families. The club members continue to be active in volunteering
with the annual Crops Judging Contest and have assisted with the Ag Adventure
for Youth Program since its establishment in 2001. By the means of tours,
guest speakers, hosting of events, fundraising, volunteering, and social
interaction, students continue to gain valuable skills and insights that
helps prepare them for the challenging field of agriculture.
Article written by Margie Komistra and Carissa Schow, November 2002
**Information for this article was obtained from the Silver Spruce
Yearbooks that are housed in the Colorado State University Morgan Library
and from Todd Gaines, Club President 2002/2003 and 2003/2004 terms**
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