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COWBOY JOURNAL pring 2006

Volum

CowboyJournalStaff ------------------

MichelleClogston(backleft), RandallHel.dermon,Matt Kelly,DarrellHansen,Jared Wiley,Gretchen Adams, SarahPrice middle),MarcusAshlock,CaraBrookeAdams, KeliiArmbruster,Amber Harrel/Simmons,LindseyChildress,KellySitter {front),EverettBrazil, KaseyWitherspoonand Alicia Evicks

Editors

Sponsorship Coordinators

Gretchen Adams Alicia Evicks

Lindsey Childress Mace Kelly

CirculationCoordinator

PhotoCoordinator

Everett Brazil

Randall Heldermon

GraphicsCoordinators Cara Brooke Adams Michelle Clogston

Staff Kelli Armbruster• Marcus Ashlock• Darrell Hansen • Amber Harrell-Simmons aral, Price • Kelly Sierer • Jared Wiley• Kasey Witherspoon

ManagingEditor helly Peper Sitton

Assistant Managing Editors Dwayne Cartmell • Cindy Blackwell• Julie Focht

Founding Sponsors Limousin World• Oklahoma Farm Bureau • Quebecor World

Visit the Cowboy Journal Web site· http://cowboyjournal.okstate.edu Oklahoma~r..ue-Uni\~r!iiry, in compli=-oo:: withTitleVI Jnd Vil of the C!YURlght.S 1kt of 1964,b«uth•e Or<ler11246:;is .;imi:nded. ·nt1cIXof rhc-EdtK',.uion.:J Amcndmenuof 1972,Amt:ricamwith DisabililiCli An of 1990,and o,hcr f~e':.i bw,:1nd regul:ation!, d~ n,ordiscrimin:atton the \wilsof me, coto,.n:111on:1l 0nJin. .sex.i1!J;C:, religion,disabili'}·or scams~ a ,,.-ner.m in and o iu.poli1ta.pr,1cti~or procedu~- "fhi.s includesbut is not limi1~ m admissions,c:mploymcn,. fin:inti.da.it.I ;andtduc.uionJIii:nices.Thi~p1.1hlia1io11 is-print~i ,;am.I i~i:<I two rimesJ ,,earby J.Sriculmnlcommunlc.uioru scniol'!i in 1hc >lli:ge of Agrir.uhunlxicnce5 Jnd N':ituralRc:soutUS and h:1$btt:n prepucd and dimib,.m:d,11 no c, 1 to ,n~ 1apiyeN ofOkl11.hi0ma.

4 CowboyJournal

Contents

Featurestories

Oklahoma or bust Our-of-stare and international choose co attend OSU

srndents

Agritourism brings reality home

From the Tuscan sun to Oklahoma's red dirt

OSU participates in Oklahoma's newesc reality· agricourism

FAPC help Oklahoma' wine industry

In the magazine

New OSU swine center offers a "breath of fresh air" wine facility has new state-of-the-art waste management sysrem

A Cowboy, a soldier, a writer OSU alumnus writes a book about his experiences in Iraq

Mitchell shares timeless values Mitchell shares his experiences of helping srudencs and tillwacer

Teaching for excellence CASNR professor receives national U DA teaching award

Students

Alumni

destinationSuccess 7 CAS R's source for student development

New turf's "roots" run to CASNR 32 CA NR alumnus Dan Almond designs new football field

CASNRCowboys creating excellence 12 CA NR students participate in homecoming Gear up for student successwith the essentials, extras 14 All the gadgets you need to survive college From internship to dream job 16 Steps for srudenrs to ger an internship We've got a job for you! 18 Demand for agriculcure reachers is on the rise

Monitoring the weather The Oklahoma Mesonet monirors rhe weather

Let's take a ride! 34 ew therapeutic riding center brings benefit co its participants

Research Developing a renewable future for Oklahoma 41 Oklahoma finds advantage in renewable energy

Extension

News

Operation 4-H 24 4-H expands to military bases nationwide

Cowboy Bullets 47 Ag Alumni Association 49

Onthecover...-----

From wineries to historic landmarks, OM1homn offers a variety of attractiow for residentsand t(}urim to explore.(photo

by Michelle Clogston) Spring2006 5

CAS-NRdestinationSuccess

by MichelleClogston,Afton,Okla.

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ID Even the most organized and prepared tuden c can feel ove1whelmed. Pressure to be more involved, co make good grades or to find the perfect internship are common sources of student stress. ow rhe College of Agricultural ciences and atw:al Resources has a new way to help tudent reach their destination uccess.

To meet students needs, CAS R will open the tudent uccess Cenrer in Spring 2006. The center, whose slogan is destination uccess, provides recruirment, cudenr development and career development services. Located in Agricultural Hall's renovated lobby, the center is available to all CASNR tuden rs.

"The Student SuccessCen ceris a place for all stages of development," said Amy Gazaway, CAS R career development coordinator. "Ic provide a physical space for the college's philosophy of imegrating academics and development with career services and student services."

Construction and remodeling for the center cost about 65 per square fooc, said Ed Miller, CAS R associate dean. Ar 2,050 square feet, the center's coral cosc was dose co $200,000 after purchasing furnicure and computers Miller said.

Amy Gazaway(left),Jamie Norrid and Allison Hayespreparefor the openingof the tudent SuccessCente1:(photoby Michelle Clogston}

Th Scudem Success Center replaced ooms 03 and 105 (known co many a the "reaaing room') in Agriculcural Hall.

Befi re the opening of the cencer, CAS R student services offices were housed ·11 many different spaces on the rsc Aoor of Agricultural Hall. Only one coordin mr, specializing in career developent, s available co offer guidance and ssiscan e on smdenc developmenc and career p anning.

A student development coordinamr d a re ruitment coordinamr were hired n ove ber 2005 m provide addiciona1 s i ran e co student .

part1c1pate in career developme t activiries earlier, thus making the ran ition from college to career less s essful and more successful.

To help with the transition, Gazaway lends guidance on exploring car · r options and planning for areer ucce s. She helps srudents ma e them elv more marketable by rev· wing thei resumes and letter of inter st. azaway h lps students define career a_ndlifegoal d assists chem in developing a plan to achieve chose goals.

The center provides resources to help students achieve their goals, including ompurers for career-relared activities, an expanded career library with employer licerarure, and books related to job searching and preparing for graduate school, said Gazaway.

Ready references designed to answer students' questions on a variety of job search and career development topic.s are available at the success cemer. The ready references also can be downloaded from the CAS R Career Services Web sire.

ediately inside e r a s front, • t c e1r familie with Robyn , spectiv t c rdinator, p ides informanon on admission, olar ps a d de ree options.

C purer on are available, wing potenri ems to browse the ernet for i t1on about the univeriry and the ti water commurury.

Mary Ann Harri , tudent develThefinancing pm.en coo.r.din.ato dire~rs CJ!,,LJ;,......,,.u..o.o crihu: o relevant m scudents' personal growth and the center through sru.dent fees; however, leadership development Focusing on student fees did nor increase to help pay retention leader hip development and for the success center, said Miller. academic success, Harris helps students ince students contribute financially define and plan for their life goals by to the success cemer, it is important for providing connections to various learning them co gee their money's worth, aid Aland involvement opportunities. lison Hayes, agriculcural leadership senior "These opportunities may include and CA R Career Liasion. activities on campu , in the tillwater "Students need co cake the Erse step community or even around the world," and come co the center," said Hayes. "Like aid Gazaway. rhe computer labs [in Agricultural Hall The Scudem uccess Center also proand Animal cience], students are already vide career development services. paying for it; they might as well gee good As a pare of the campuswide O U use our ofir."

Career ervices unit, Gazaway help tuMiller agrees srudent fees do make a dents with the transition from college co difference in studenc development ervices. the workplace.

"All students pay fees," said Miller.

"I cry m provide resources to help "They need to make sure chose fees come scudenrs ger off on the right foot," back co help chem. The fees chey pay do said Gazaway. resulr in better services."

Gazaway said she hope the high Sponsorships are another imporvisibiliry of c:hecenter will help students cant source of financing for rhe center.

Spring 2006 7

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"I am excited becausewe can help more students more effecrively,'said Miller.

Regular hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday thru Friday. Additional outreach activities may be coordinated during evening and weekend hours.

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StudentSuccess CenterResources • • • lhe CASNR student successcenter offersa multimedia conferenceroom to provide spacefar student organizations,like the Ag Ambn.ssadors, to discussbusiness.(photoby Michelle Clogston)

ponsors can become annual or lifetime sponsors. Those businesses, organizarions or individuaJ who comribute to the success center are recognized on the CASNR Website and are showcased in the entrance of che center.

"Private cornributions are increasingly imporrant as ruition and fees go up because students bear a lot of rhe burden," aid Miller.

Shawnee Milling of Shawnee, Okla., was rhe center's fir c sponsor. Ics commitment co help O U students is realized each time a srudenr uses resources ac the success cemer, said Miller.

Organizing CAS R Student Services into a central, visible location makes it easier for students co find servicesthey need and helps the student service coordinators better organize resources for student use.

Workingthroughthe datly crosswordpuzzle doesn't have to stop being your favoritepastime.

• • • •

tudent career resource library Multimedia conference room Career and srudenr services coordinator ' offices Computers for recruitment, career and student development Rooms for interviews Multi-purpose rooms Welcome area

For moreinformation on Student SuccessCenteractivities,orfor moreinformation on becominga sponsor,call(405) 744-5395.

Tolearnmoreabout CASNR CareerServices resourcesvisit http://www.casnrcom.

OKLAHOMA FFAALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Stay connected by receiving The Daily O'Collegian throughe-mail!

Visit www.ocolly.com and sign up so you don't miss out.

The Daily O'Collegian (405) 744-8373 www.ocolly.com 8 CowboyJournal

FORINFORMATION CALL (405) 743-5489

ESTABLISHED 1971

OKLAHO OB JJU§T!

by DarrellHansen,Wilton,Calif

Many consider Oklahoma the crossroads of America, and for a large number of oLLC-of-state and inrernational a.griculrura.l students, that statement is true.

In-state students make up 77 percenr of Oklahoma. State University's 200506 freshman class, while 22 percent are out-of-state students and 1 percent are international students.

The number of Oklahoma freshmen admitted to OSU this year increased by 2 percent, while the number of freshmen entering from our-of-scarehas increased 11 percent, with all 50 states being represented, said OSU President David Schmidly.

Borh undergraduate and graduate students help increase the diversity of the OSU student body.

"While I was doing my undergraduate work here, I really enjoyed the meat science classes and wanted to see what the graduate program had co offer," said Megan McMichael, a meat science graduare student from Scottsburg, Ind. McMichael earned her Bachelor of Science degree in animal science from OSU in 2004.

"It just seemed like a good fit for me," said McMichael.

Julia Burnett, from Healdsburg, Calif., received her Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural economics from OSU in 2000 and is now in the agricultural education graduate program.

"I did my undergrad here and then went to work for a few yea.rs,"said Burnett.

"When I made the decision ro return to school for my master's degree, OSU was a natural choice. In addition ro the reputation of the program, I already knew the area and the professors. It just felt right continuing my education at OSU" Compared co larger cities, students enjoy the small-town atmosphere of Stillwater and the surrounding area.

"When I visited OSU, I just loved the campus and the small-rown feel ir had," said Jessica Jeffrey, an agricultural

economics senior from Bells, Texas. "It's just so beautiful on campus."

The city and the people are rwo reasons students choose to artend OSU, bur the university also has a reputation for high academic standards and qualifications.

"Several of our programs are considered among the strongest in the nation," said Linda Marcin, College of Agdculrura.l Sciences and Natural Resources assisranc dean for academic programs. "The faculty is committed to the academic and professional growth of our students."

Another draw for students is the opportunity to represent OSU nationally.

Jeana Sankey, from Council Grove, Kan., is a senior seeking her bachelor's degree in agricultural communications.

"The livestock judging team and agricultural communicarions program were much more appealing for me than at any school in Kansas," said Sankey.

"Being on the judging team is something I have always wanted to do, and OSU has one of the best," said Sankey. "ft was a great opportunity for me co come here and be able to do rhar and also be involved in one of che best ag communications programs in the coLtntry."

However, a price comes with being an our-of-state srudenr at OSU The difference between in-state and our-of-state tuition can be high. With the cost of each

credit hour being more than $ 100 for inscare scudenrs and nearly $400 for our-ofscacestudents, the decision to attend OSU can be a rough one. A typical schedule of 15 hours per semester can cost an out-ofstare srudenc as much as $6,000 "For me, it is completely worth it co pay rhe extra money," said Sankey. "The reputation a degree from OSU brings will make up for it in rhe long run."

Compared to some colleges in other states, OSU still has affordable tuition.

"Ar the time I was doing my undergrad work, it was actually cheaper to go to school here than it was at some of the schools in California," said Burnett. "Tuition has gone up since then, but it is still a great deal for the quality of education you ger here."

OSU has many ways to help students waive their OLLC-of-scare tuition. Entering the university with a high grade point average and mainraining it, participating in one of the many competitive reams OSU has to offer or applying for a scholarship are a few ways you can cur down some of the cosrs. Another is if a family member is an alumnus or alumna.

"I don'r have to pay our-of-scare tuition," said Jeffrey. "My grandfather went to school here, so I got a waiver to cover the our-of-state fees."

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JeanaSankeyo/Coimcil Grove,Kan., will have a worldof opportunityaftergraduation.(photos

by DarrellHansen) Family tradition is strong among all universities, and O U is no exception.

Many scudenrs choose to attend OSU based on one or more of their family members being alumni.

"My grandfather, along with five cousins and one si ter all went here," said

Jeffrey. "So, it is kind of a family tradicion for me."

For some incernarional srudents, prestige and academic srandards are the reason they attend OSU, not family tradition.

Nearly 1,800 international students arrend O U representing 1 I 4 countries, wirh India and Japan sending the most student ro O U Koichiro Ito, a plant and soil cience senior from Yokkiachi, Japan, had no hesication in choosing OSU "There were two big reason I came to OSU," said Iro. "O U is famous for it agriculrure, and chat is whac I wanted co learn about. Plus, it is cheaper than any ocher univer icy that I looked ar."

Some internacional students are able to attend college in their home country but choo e co come ro the United States for their education.

"I had the opporcuniry ro go ro college in Japan, but I wanted ro learn English and soil irrigation so I decided to come co OSU," said Iro. For many our-of-state and international students, staying in Oklahoma after graduation will depend mostly on finding a job and making money. For some of rhe academic departments, available jobs allow the srudenrs to sray in Oklahoma. For ocher , it might nor be that easy.

"I really have no idea ifI am going to

stay here or nor," said Jeffrey. "Right now I am looking inco going back ro Texas for grad school or maybe even law school."

OSU and CAS R have many sources available to student to help them find job after graduation.

"The ag communication department does a great job of letting us know about jobs char are our there," said an key. "Ir all depends on who is going ro offer me rhe most money. l already moved away from home on e, so doing ic again wouldn't be that hard."

Money, or the lack of money, can be the driving facror for many scudems who are contemplating their futures.

"If I can, I want co attend graduate school in the United rates, bur 1 need ro go back to Japan and save ome money fir r o I can return," said Ito. ome students have fallen in love wirh the area and have no plan ofleaving anytime soon. "l have been here almost eight years and have spent a large part of my adult life here," said Burnett. "Ac this point in my life, I can't really imagine living anywhere el e. For me living in Oklahoma is like coming home."

Choosing a college is a crossroad in everyone' life. For students following the road ro OSU, their choice made perfect sense.

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Join SWCS to uphold and pursue the conseNation of land, water and related resources.

AND WATER CONSERVATION For more information send a message to: SOCIETY okstatesoi ls@yahoo.com

10 CowboyJournal

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(405) 880-4267 Spring2006 11

C4SNBCowboys creating excellence

■■■

(photo by Dwrin Mielke)

Studentsin the OklahomaState UniversityCollegeof AgrimlturnlSciences a11d NaturalReso11rces donateirmumernble ho11rs in varioushomecoming activities that rnnge frompompinghoraedeerandpaintingHesterStreetto b11ildi11gjloats far the paradeandcreating gamesfor theHarvestCarnival.Mostof all, CASNRstudents, alongwith CASNRalumni,alwayscheer for theirCowboys.

Five-year-old Nathan Waldrop(top)"pumpkinbowls"at the HarvestCarnivalas LeslieSmithlookson.

MerlMiller(bottomright},J958 OSUanimalscience al11m1111s, drivesthetractor he rebuilt,leadingthePayneCounty4-H'ersin the "Seaof Orange" Homecoming Parade.WhitneyHighsmith(bottomleft)showsher Cowboyspiritwhilepainting HesterStreet. (photo by Todd Johnson) (photo by Alicia Evick.I)

(photo by Sarah Price)

(photo by Ayschia Saiymeh)

(photo by Jared Wiley)

(photo by Gretchen Adams)

(photo by Shelly Sinon) (photo by Shelly Sinon)

JakeJones(topleft)workstofinishtheFarmHouseandAlphaDeltaPihomecoming housedee.Ali,mnusSeanKouplenandhis wifeAngela(topright)and Wesand LouWatkins(bottomleft)ridein the ''Seaof Orange" Homecoming Parade.

Mike AlbertandAshleyBoggs(bottomrighr)lovetQ supporttheirCowboys.

Homecoming 2005 Spring 2006 13

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Gearup forstudentsuccess with

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by GretchenAdams,McKinney,Texas

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So, you have made ic co che nexr level in your educational journey. As in every journey, you will need che righr gear ro make ic easy and successful.

To be successful in elemencary school, you were given a list of supplies. ln college, your professors cell you what cexcbooks ro buy, buc purchasing chose rexrbooks does nor guaranree your success in the class (ir would probably help, however) You will need some orher icems ro enable you co achieve your goals as an Oklahoma State University scudenc.

Now, let's be honesc. Everything you boughc for school was noc a necessity do you seriously need rhac scooter or flatscreen TV? Thac's whac I choughr. Let's break this survival list (compiled by asking OSU College of Agricultural Sciences and Nacural Resources students) inro two secrions: essenrials-and exrras.

The 2005 Alloy College Explorer Study determined 16 percent of all college students regard "themselves an early adopter of electronic devices and gadgecs."

"Electronics keep students on the curring edge," said Andi Canseco, an animal science senior. "Srudenrs always have rhe upper hand when they have technology at their fingertips."

Theessentials To ensure your success ac OSU, ic is important ro have the following items.

Alarm clock - you don't wane to be late to a rest or oversleep and miss class.

"Alarm clocks are essencial for college scudenrs," said Justin McConaghy, a senior agricultural economics and agricultural education double major. "The key ro passing a class is going ro the class every day."

Computer/laptop - helps a lot with class work. The average student will type multiple papers and gather research information on the Internee. Professors posr homework and class notes on the Web. Connectivity is important co many students, and many colleges across che United States, including OSU, offer wireless Internet hot spots on campus. Instant messenger and e-mail allow students co 14 Cowboy Journal

be connecced at all times. Web logs, social networks and personal Web sites allow srudems ro keep crack of their friends.

"Computers help by having resources on the Incerner righr there," said Brody Buzzard, a biosystems and agricultural engineering senior. "You don'r have co go ro che library ro look scuff up."

Calculator- chis cool will be helpful in math, science and engineering classes.

"We've become so dependenr on calcularors ro speed things up," said Pam Turner, a plane and soil sciences senior.

"You should be able co do [problems) in your head and by hand, but just to speed che process up, a calcularor is mosr important."

Cell phone - Forbes.com listed che Sidekick lI as the new cell phone srudents have in cheir possession. Cell phones connect scudenrs ro each ocher and ro che Internet, and they can serve multiple purposes such as an alarm clock, watch and calendar.

The Alloy srudy found 85 percent of college srudenrs own a cell phone.

"Three-quarters send and receive rexr messages, and nearly two-chirds play games," according to che Alloy srudy "Sixty percent can access che Internee through d1eir phone, and 36 percent can rake, send and receive pictures." jump or Flash Drive - a plug-andplay portable srorage device using flash memory. Many rimes you see chesedevices attached to key chains. A jump drive replaces floppy disks, Zip drive disks and compact discs.

"Flash drives are quickly becoming very helpful rools," said McConaghy "I find them extremely useful for chings like group projects where you may need a loc of rewritable srorage rhar you can carry with you to computer labs and then back home."

Mortar Board calendar - you will need a calendar co keep track of all your assignmenrs, resrs and evenrs. Any calendar will work, bur the Mortar Board is more chan just a calendar. Ir gives viral information like club and organizational

meetings, blood drives, school holidays, ticker purchase dares, athletic evenrs and imrammal sporting events.

"My Mortar Board is my lifeline ro Oklahoma Stare University," said Canseco. "Ir has all my cests, events and assignments. Everything!"

Backpack/book bag- you will need to carry around the cexrbooksyour professors suggest you purchase and ocher supplies like notebooks, paper, calculator and writing utensils. Backpacks are improving along wirh technology by creating pockets for cell phones and MP3 players. Many bags have protected areas for laptops and are even improving ergonomically (designing of items co be used most efficiently and safely by humans) while following rhe lacesr fashion rrends.

Orange T-shirt - show your Orange Pride and support for your Cowboys and Cowgirls at leasr every Friday.

Tbeextras These items would aid in your education or make things easier but are not necessary. iPod/MP3 player - a small portable device chat can score up to 20,000 songs.

The iPod also can record and score class lectures, as well as store photographs.

"It's an easy way ro keep my music with me at al1rimes," said Canseco. "Music keeps me relaxed and, in cum, allows me to focus on my class work."

Palm Pilot- a digital calendar allows you to set alarms for reminders and has Internet capabilities.

"Sometimes I will forget to check just a regular calendar," said Turner.

Digital camera - a few classes will require the use of phorographs in presencacions and ocher assignmenrs.

"Ir keeps you connected with your friends," said Canseco. "le holds lasting memories. Many classes are now requiring you co rake your own phoros for class projects."

All-in-one printer- a printer, copier, scanner and fax machine.

"All-in-one printers are becoming

the essentials, extras more economical,"

aid Mc onaghy

''If you need boch a scanner and printer, rhe all-in-one printer would be the way co go. ' With the use of technology in the classroom, a lot of money is spent on electronics co aid in che ucces of the student.

The coralcost of back-co-school purchases was 34.4 billion with $8.2 billion spenc on electronics and 11 9 billion spenr on textbooks, according ro the 2005 Backro-College Consumer lnrenrions and Actions Survey conducted by the ational Retail Federation. The RF discovered that college freshmen spend $1, 151 each on electronics. ew trends foe mulcifunccion devices are gaining speed in the college age group.

Apple has created a device co convert the iPod inco a voice recorder, che iTalk, and an iHS, the iPod alarm clock. Writing tablet are becoming more popular with the plug-and-play connection Apple, Dell and Hewlett Packard computers offer. The u er writes what needs ro be ryped instead of typing it or uses the tablet like a couch screen.

Many cell phone companies have phones char are digital cameras digital video cameras and voice recorder . Cell phones have Internet capabilities, as well as instant messaging. A survey preformed

by M.Merrics in 2005 found "42 percent of employed college students are more likely co use mobile e-ma.il" rhan the average user. College students use mobile e-mail 23 percent more than full-time worker .

Times change and in the world of elecrronic cools, they change fa c.

"By rhe rime we have graduated, our computers we bought four years earlier will be our of dare," said anseco. "Technology is always changing."

Mosr pa.rents used sliderules when they were in school, and studenrs today use graphing calculators. What will your children use? ~

/>iitolPete enjoy, his gadgets while studying for class or relaxing in his room. (photo by Gretchen Adams)

Spring2006 15

From internship to dream job ... "' C

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by RandallHelderman,Hinton,Okla.

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You wake up before che alarm clock rings. Too nervous to eat breakfast, you fix your hair, brush your teeth and put on your new busine s suit. As you check your appearance in the mirror one last time, you say to yourself "This is it." And so begins your first day at rhe internship char could influence your life in ways you never expected.

Depending on cheir major, scudenrs in rhe Oklahoma State University College of Agricultural Sciences and aturaJ Resources are either required or encouraged to complete an internship before rhey graduate, and these position olten rum into jobs.

This is exacclywhat happened to OSU alumna Amy Brooks London. While majoring in landscape architecture at O U, London completed an internship with Kimley-Horn and Associates Inc. Afrer a successful experience, she was offered a full-time position with the company before she had graduated from college.

"Ir was awesome," said London of having a job nailed down. "Ir rook a lot of pressure off my lase year of school."

Findingyourinternship The first ching you have to do i find an internship char suits your interests and career goals. To do chis, you need to under-

Working with soil does not alway, have to be dirty. Sta,T Holtz, a plant and soil sciencesgraduate student, keeps her hands clean as she rum a particle size analysis on soil samples during her internship with the Natural Resources Conservation Service. (photo courtesy of Stt1rr Holtz)

16 CowboyJournal

stand what is involved in an internship.

An internship is supervised, provides hands-on experience and is educational, said Amy Gazaway, career development coordinator for CAS R career services.

Beyond chose commonalities are a lot of variables. Intern hip can last for rwo days or rwo years, be for undergraduates or graduates, be for credit or nor for credit, and even be paid or unpaid.

The nexr problem is where to look.

The Internee is a popular place co search, but if not used correctly, it can leave you looking in rhe wrong places. One good place to earch for government internships is rhe Office of Personnel Management's Web sire.

"Ir is 'che' place co look if you wanr a government job, but if you are I.coking for someclling else, you won't find it there," said Gazaway.

If you are looking for an internship withjn a specific organization but are not sure if it has an internship program, you usually can find out by going to its Web site. lf the company has a trucrured internship program, there is usually a Link for it, said Gazaway.

"T learned about my internship online through rhe American Society of Landscape Architects' Web site," said London. "I searched companies in Texa and Colorado who had an emphasis in land development. Kimley-Horn had offices in boch states. f am currently working in our Dallas office."

Don't give up if the company does nor have an internship program. There may still be an opportunity, but you will just have to dig a litde more. You can contact the organization' human resources department. You also should use your networking skills to help you gee in touch wirh che right person.

Candi Latta, an agricultural economics senior, used her nerworking contacts to find an internship.

"We had grown chickens for Tyson for several years," said Latta. "Our technical adviser recommended me for an internship wich che company. Ir feel good knowing I

have a job, and 1 have rime to see if 1 can find something better."

A number of resources are available to ruden ts at OSU "Talk to faculty, career ervices staff and alumni, said Gazaway. "Give all of them a copy of your re ume."

Another place to find an internship is ar a career fair. Prospective employers come to these events to hire rudents for jobs and internship . They realizemo t college career fair attendees will bave limited experience and will be seeking entry-level positions. These employers are nor looking for an immediate chief executive officer, but they are looking for a hard-working person with confidence and an eagerness to learn.

Agriculrural communications senior Missy ilan found rhis out firsthand. he was required to go to a career fair for a class in fall 2004.

"While I was there I just began calking with rhe people at some of the boorhs," she said.

Before she knew it, she was scheduled to interview for a marketing and sales internship with John Deere. A few weeks later, she was selected for the position.

She is now considering a position wirh the company.

"I recommend rhe career fair for anyone, even if you think there isn't a job for you," said Nilan. "They are looking for employees anyway so you're nor bothering rhem by asking if they have anything for you."

Applyingfor yourinternship Typically, when you apply for an internship, you send a cover letter and a resume and follow up with a phone call.

"Hand-delivering is an option for students who are using networking contacts in close proximity, but since it is not the norm, I would hesitate to recommend it" said Gazaway.

A resume should be one page long and should list important things about you and your abilitie : your education, relevant experiences, employment history, skills and references. You don't need ro write in sentence form, but try to keep it clean and easy to read. BulJers help as long as they are nor di tracting.

Your cover letter should be addressed to the person involved in the hiring process and should express your interest in the job, connecting your experiences and

kills on your resume to what the employer is seeking.

Interviewingfor the internship This is your chance to show what secs you aparc from the other applicants.

"The most important thing to do in an interview i to be yourself," said ilan. le helps interviewees be more comfortable wich the situation.

"The incerview is a rwo-way communication," aid Gazaway. "The employer is trying ro figure our if you are right for the company, and you have ro figure our if the company is right for you. If you aren't yourself, you don't get a genuine feel about how you fir with che company."

You want robe in concrol of as many factors as possible during the interview· • Affive early l O to 15 minutes.

Leave your phone in rhe car; it will be a dj traction if you cake it.

Have names and numbers if you have trouble and are going to be late, but don't be late.

• Dress appropriately.

If you are in doubt about what to wear, iris OK to ask," said Gazaway. "For example, if you are interviewing on-site at a hog farm you may be our of place in a suit and cie."

You also should rake a porrfolio ro show ome of your work sample, regardless of your major.

"Writing am pies are good to include because you have ro be able to write in any position," aid Gazaway. "You hould include a few samples of your best work and a few excra copie of your re ume in your portfolio."

Look for an opporrunicy ro show your portfolio during the interview. The interviewer most likely will nor ask to see it, but it will nor do you any good if he or she only gets ro see you have a folder with a nice cover. Put che portfolio in the person's hands and explain what specific piece of your work is being viewed. le is OK to pause and let the person look ar an item, especialJy if it is a writing ample. Ir is a good idea to have copies of everything as parr of an eleccronic portfolio ro leave so it can be viewed again at a later time.

'SmalJ talk can help put you and the imerviewer at ease," said azaway.

After the interview, you should follow up. Within 24 hours you should send a chank-you note to everyone with whom you interviewed.

Ruth Bobbitt, rm agi'iculturalcommunications junior, addsher n-eativestyleto OSU's biosystems and agriculturalengineeringdepartmentthrough her internship. (photo by Randall Heldermon)

"This is an important and often overlooked step," said Gazaway. "le shows you are willing to do a little extra work to get what you are after and puts your name in front of the porenrial employer one more time."

Gainingfroman internship You gain experiences through an internship you could never have in the classroom. le can help you decide on your sp cific career path. The internship could be al1you hoped it would be and could confirm you are on the correct path, or it could be something you do not enjoy.

It is better co find out through a three-monch internship than ro end up in a full-time position in cl1arfield, said Gazaway. If you do not like the job area, you still have time to explore differenc career opportunities. ''An internship sets you apart from ocher students becau e not everybody does an internship" said Gazaway.

You also get your foot in che door for future job opportunities. 1l1e contacts you will make and the contacts the organization ha can go a long way in helping you find a job after graduation. Sometimes an intern hip can even cum into a job, meaning you do not have ro spend your senior year searching. " ot having to worry about finding a job has made my senior year a breeze," said Nilan. C1 Spring 2006 17

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by KaseyWitherspoon,Whitewright,Texas As the demand increases for agri culrural education teachers nationwide, Oklahoma State University programs are "stepping it up" ro boost rhe interest of potential teachers.

"With an agriculrnral educarion degree, a person has many options in the field of agriculture,'' said Edclie Smith, stare FFA adviser.

Smith said earning an agricultural education degree opens the doors ro a variety of opporruniries. He said as rhe requests for new and expanded agricultural programs continue across rhe state, more students must be prepared and interested in becoming agriculmral teachers.

The nation has a ignificanc demand for agriculrural education teachers because of the growth in high chool enrollment and rhe studems' inreresr in agriculture,

said James Leising, department head for the OSU Department of Agriculrural Education, Communications and 4-H Youth Developmenr.

"It is important that we continue ro i_ncreae rhe interest of these young people," said Leising.

The number of students enrolling in Oklahoma's high school agricultural education programs is increasing quickly, having an effect on rhe demand for certified agriculrural education teachers, said Bill Weeks agr.iculrural education professor. As rhe programs grow, it i necessary ro add additional reaching positions ro rhe public school systems.

Currently, Oklahoma has 356 high school agricultural educarion programs.

Wirh 432 teachers among chose program , 32 percent of those teachers will be

Bob Mitchell, OSU alumnus, is the agricultural education teacher at Ripley High School. Mitchell enjoys encouraging students with an interest in agriculture like Blake Toews {left) and Austin Milla (photo by Kme-yWitherspoon}

18 CowboyJournal

eligible for retirement within the next five years, said Kent Boggs, Oklahoma FFA executive secretary.

OSU is caking important seeps coward building more inreresr in prospective agricultural teachers. The OSU agricultural education program had 41 students in (he 2004-05 school year who completed the certification process for ag(icultural education. More than half of these individuals currencly are teaching secondary education in Oklahoma.

Starting salaries for agricultural education teachers currenrly are more rhan $36,000 For those interested in agricultural education teaching positions, char is a positive aspect for their future careers, said Leising.

In 2005-06, OSU has 110 agricultural education students. The number of srudems also includes rhose who are working coward a double major with animal science or agricultural economics.

"The double majors allow studems who are inreresred in the field of agricultural education ro broaden their horizons," said Leising.

The faculty in agricultural education ac O U work with junior college and high schools in rhe srn(e to identify and recruit students who are planning to major in agriculmral education and have the desire ro receive their full certification with the reaching option.

"The purpose of working with these individuals is ro encourage, nurture and mentor these students," said Leising.

As a pare of its recruiting effort, the department conducted a workshop at (he 2005 Oklahoma race FFA Convention for students who expressed an interest in agricultural reaching as a future career.

Each of rhese contributions by the department was completed to encourage and broaden the recruitment of prospective agricultural teacher . Leising said the OSU agriculrural education program considers youth education ro be an es encial component of rhe departmenr.

0 U provide agricultural education students wirh a scholarship program, awarding a total of $35 000 each year.

"The O U agricultural education program is taking things above and beyond with the scholarship program for prospective teachers, being one of rhe best in the narion," said Boggs.

Incoming freshmen, rransfer students and continuing students may apply for an OSU Agricultural Education Scholarship, which is $1,000 per semesrer. The number of scholarships is determined by annual interest income of scholarship trusrs. Scholarships are awarded based on leadership, scholastic abiliry and financial need. Scholarship recipien rs are sdected by rhe OSU Agricultural Education Scholarship Inc. boa.rd of directors.

To be eligible for coUegeand other departmental agricultural educarion scholarships, students are encouraged to complete the A R scholarship application, said Leising. The deadline co apply for 2006-07 scholarships is Feb. 1 The Oklahoma Agricultural Education Teachers Association awards scholarships to prepared high school seniors. The scholarships are awarded in the spring and fall semesters, after each application is reviewed and ranked by rhe district vice presidents.

Boggs said the Oklahoma.

FFA Association will con rinue ro recruir furure teachers inro rhe profession as rhe demand increases.

Recruirmem cools such as the workshop "Becoming an Agricultural Education Teacher and FFA Adviser" have been successful in continuing the interest of prospecrive agricultural teachers, said Boggs.

Feature articles a.re publicized in various magazine , which highlight che careers of outstanding young teachers who recently have en tered the profession, hoping co spark the interest of student , Kevin Howell, an agriculti,ral education sophomore, practices he said. teaching classin AGED 3103. (photo by Marcus Ashlock) "We certainly consider agriculrural education teachers robe leaders, leaders for the next generation of future agFor more information on application riculturalisrs, as weUas leaders in their local deadlinesand variousagriculturaleducation school and communiries," aid Boggs. scholarshipsofferedat OSU please visit the "They are tremendous influencer who departmentalWebsite at http:llaged.okstate. make a positivedifference in ochers' liveson a edu or call the academicprogramsofficeat daily basis."

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by JaredA.Wiley,Ardmore,Okla.

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Reality TV has let many individuals in rhe Uni red Scaresgain their 15 minutes of fame. TI1ese programs allow people to become pop stars, live with strangers, go back to college or even be "real" cowboys, bur one of rhe newest reality programs is not on television.

Like a reality show, agrirourism allows people co participate in reality, the reality of agriculture, and Oklahoma has plenty of opportunities co experience agriculture.

Want to see how a reining horse is trained? Head south from Oklahoma City on I 35 co Purcell, Okla., rhe Quarter Horse Capitol of che World. Cattle ranches and beef operations dot che Oklahoma map and offer plenty of new experiences.

If you wane to know something about growing and harvesting crops, Oklahoma is fourth in the nation in wheat production. A variety of producers allow tours of their ranches and farms.

If you are incerested in horriculrure, the state is home to several vineyards and nurseries. Oklal1oma is waiting for you co enjoy its newest reality· agrirourism.

Agritourism:crossroads of agriculture andtourism Agricourism, like its name suggests, is

agriculture involving tourism or vice versa.

The agritourism program in Oklahoma is a joint effort among che Oklahoma depanmenrs of agriculcure, food and forestry, tourism and wildlife conservation.

Francie Tolle, Oklahoma's director of agricourism, said che pocential this industry has to serve as a solid revenue source for rural and primarily agricul cural parts of the scare is limited only by che imagination.

"Agritourism can help a producer diversify his or her income while adding attractions co the rural community," said Tolle about the fucure of agritourism.

Activities and tours range from farms and ranches co hiking trails and hayrides.

Tolle said tours may offer hands-on activities, entertainment, meals or even a chance co spend rhe night.

Most people haven't thought about going co a rural cown as a form of tourism, rhey think about the Caribbean Islands, Cancun or Las Vegas as their tourist destinations. Bur Tolle said the agritourism industry is one of the fastest growing segments of tourism in the United States.

Agritourism started on the coasts in California, Vermom and North Carolina and spread from there. The United Scates is noc the only country ofrering agriculcural

tours; [caly, Australia and New Zealand are known as global participants in rhe agritourism industry.

Oklahoma's program is designed to help current and new businesses.

"Our primary job is developing resources to help producers," said Tolle.

"Some people have been in business for 15 years, and our goal is ro help them marker and expand their businesses."

Oklahoma agricourism is still in its infancy, but Tolle said rhe program is encouraging interested and active parties to fill ouc a questionnaire on che Imerner ro build an inventory database.

"We are compiling information from an on.line questionnaire to know what programs are being offered," said Tolle. "We have some opportunities posted on cravelok.com under activities and attractions, bm we expect rhe number ro increase."

Agrirourism is a new buzzword for some businesses chat have been part of the industry for several years. Com mazes and pumpkin patches are examples of businesses in Oklahoma rhar have long been a pare of chis "new" industry.

Jerry and Mary Jahn have been runni11ga pumpkin patch in Cyril, Okla., for the past four years.

TheAccessTourfl joins a herd of cattleat BillJacobs'Ranch after riding an Oklahoma State University"BOB"into the pasture. (photo byJared Wiley)

20 Cowboy Journal

Ed Miller (left) and D. C. CostondiscussOkla• homagrapesat GreenfieldVineyards.Oklahoma is home to more than 30 vineyards.(photo by JaredWiley)

"We started our patch with a gram from the department of ag bur didn't know about the state's agritourism program," said Mary Jahn.

Individuals or groups can panicipate in tours. Jahn said some individuals do stop at cheir parch but elemencary schools are the primary visitors.

Students, however, are nor rhe only ones participating in agricourism. The Oklahoma SeateUniver iry Division of Ag· ricultural Sciences and arural Resources hosts a statewide agri-tou r every spring for faculty and agricultural professionals.

Out of Stillwaterand intothe state The DAS R Access Tour made its first departure in May 2004 and its second voyage in May 2005 The tour is a cwo-day agrirourism journey across the state with several stops along the way.

This year, rhe group of 45 participants made stops at Shawnee Mills, Jerry Wells' horse farm, the Noble Foundation and Bill Jacobs' ranch on the first day.

The second day the group traveled more than 160 miles from Davis, Okla., to Stillwater, Okla., stopping at the Murray County Excen ion Office, Cedar Valley Liners, Wintersmith Park Lodge and Greenfield Vineyards.

1he stops were informative and gave the group a chance co see che diversity of agriculture in Oklahoma said D C. oston, coordinator of the 2005 tour and former associate direcror of the Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station.

The rour's purpose has been to get university people into the stare to see what

is happening agriculturally, said Co con.

"We have a variery of individuals on chis trip," Coston said. "They are students, faculty and administrators for the college, and we also have extension agents, wheat commissioners and a representative from Farmer's Union. Jusr about any job chat deals with agriculture, there is someone here who does ir."

Each informative stop had something different ro offer the participant . Greenfield Vineyards i.n Chandler, Okla., gave the group a glimpse at a working winery and the grape industry in Oklahoma.

Even a cattle ranch proved to be different than a normal operation. At BillJacobs' 12,000-acre ranch, the tour bus joined a roundup. Chris Morgan, assistant professor in agricultural education, said pulling the bus inro the middle of 1,200 cacclewa amusing and a reminder of his days as an agricultural education reacher.

"We pulled the bus into rhe field then people unloaded and scarred caking pictures of the calveswith their cell phones.

It reminded me of picking our animals for kids to show, just with a much larger selection of calves " Morgan said, with a laugh.

Morgan who i nor only new to the w1iversity buc also to che state, said the uip was educational. He said he found out about the rrip through an e-mail and was encouraged to participate.

"I didn't know whar to expect because I did not know much about che state, bur Dr. Bill Weeks said he thought I would enjoy ir," said Morgan.

"This rrip was well-organized and was an enjoyable experience," said Morgan. 'T would encourage anyone, especially chose interested in this state's agriculture, to take part in rhe Access Tour."

The trip is funded by the OSU Agriculture Alumni Association, OAES and various ocher ponsors. Oklahoma Pork Council and Oklahoma Beef ouncil were co-sponsors for the 2005 tour.

The Agriculture Alumni Association not only funds the trip but also came up with the idea of che Access Tour, said Ed Miller, CAS R associate dean and a cwoyear participant with the tour.

"The ag alumni have alway been involved with teaching programs and the students here on campus, but they wanted co be more involved wich getting research results from the campus our into the state," said Miller.

Miller said che Access Tour achieves one of the univerisity's primary missions.

"Extending knowledge is an imporranr pare of the university's primary mission," said Miller. "Extending knowledge makes us unique in the stare."

To extend this knowledge across the stare, the tour uses "BOB," 0 O's big orange buses, for transportation.

With cwo down and many more to come, Miller said the future is bright for the cour.

"I think we have been very successful with our fir t two cours," said Miller. "The only thing char could make ic better is increased public involvement ac the scopsand more public awareness about our tour."

So, mark your calendars for May 2006 and rare your summer wirh the Access Tour, a group of people taking an active pare in Oklahoma's new reality program. agritourism. CJ

My pointof view:AccessII When I participated in the Access Tour II to write this story, what started as an assignmenc nuned into deeper appreciation and pride for my university and college.

The first day of che trip I watched rhe participants interact, scribbled note ar each scop, rook pictures and amassed a database of information.

The econd day l concenrrared on rhe people who surrounded me. As I though r abour the experience, I realized the pmpose of the tour extension.

Exten ion is mulrifacered and nor limited to rhe formal dissemination of knowledge to rhe public. Extension, as I now see it, is the people who call Oklahoma rare University their alma mater. Before Access 11, I only knew "extension" by rhe "county agent" title; now, thac impression is as broad as che scare, and T know extension by che people, not the titles.

The cour made me realize I will be an extension of OSU Everyone who has gone before me has made a path chat crosses Stillwater at some point, and I look forward ro adding another trail to tl1e OSU map.

~~ Spring 2006 21

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Justin Bundy wipes sweat from his brow as he srirs manure in the pit below him. The squeal of pigs and the hum of exhaust fans nearly drown the sound of his voice as he jokes with a colleague.

Bundy, an aniJnal science graduate student, assists with research at the new Oklahoma State University Swine Research and Education enter.

When asked ifhe likes his job, Bundy grin and replie , '"It's a dirty job, bur somebody has ro do ir."'

Even though live rock faciliries have a smell all their own, srudenrs and local tillwarer residents agree that being downwind of OSU's new swine facility is a "fresher" experience.

The new OSU SREC is located on McElroy Road west of the Animal cience Arena in Stillwater, Okla., nearly rwo miles north of the old swine barn.

Opening in ovember 2004 and housing its first pigs in December 2004,

Spencer Mann right), a doctoral student at the new to SOIL 4863 students. (photo by Kelly Sitter

22 CowboyJournal

rhe new swine farm is a state-of-the-arc facility recognized for it technologically advanced, odor-eliminating systems.

Odor-producing compounds in swine wa te are formed when microorganisms break down nitrogen compound (proteins) presenr in a pig's digestive tract and manure. Researchers have found that manure odor is direccly influenced by the amoum of crude protein in a pig's diet.

Air pollution from hog operations is emitted by barns, lagoons, pit , lurries and land application of manur as fertilizer. Odor from hog farms can be detected downwind and b ju t as intense as the odor around actual waste management system located on the site, depending on the facilities waste management ystem.

Attached to each of the barns at cl1e new REC is a "Biofilcer" exhaust system.

The e biofilcers are boxes housing the outdoor exhaust fans and are connected ro the indoor exhaust fans. The boxes are

covered by a wire mesh that holds a layer of wheat straw or oat srraw mixed with compose. This layer absorbs noxious odors of the indoor air as it filters through. The fi.keredair is then released to the outdoors.

The biofilter system has been scudied at the University of Minnesota.

Research has indicated the biofi.lter boxe must remain moist to maintain bacteria levels. Each filter is connected to a water infiluarion yscem co offset the Oklahoma climare. Bacteria within rhe biofilcer compo c layer digesr the organic mareriaJ in rhe air, reducing odor-causing gases, uch as hydrogen sulfide, by an estimated 80 percent and ammonia by an estimated 60 percent.

As another odor-control mechanism a cechno.logicallyadvanced waste management system is in place and functioning.

ALIwaste from the facility is sent through an anaerobic sequencing batch reaccor, known as rhe A BR. This cank-like structure catches 80 percem of rhe solid matter in rhe manure and cums it into "sludge." The "sludge" can be removed, dried and used as a ferrilizer. The liquid from the rank is decanted and sent into a bioreactor, which resembles a cover:ed lagoon. Here rhe waste is cleansed and sent co an open air lagoon. At this stage the waste water is less cl1an O 1 percent solid matter. Jc i then clean enough co be used co flush houses on che facility but is nor used as "potable" or drinkable water. Methane and hydrosulfide gases currencly are being burned off from clle rank, but later rhey will be used for energy resource research.

"The citizens of Stillwater wanted a less odorous facility," said Doug Hamilcon, OSU Cooperative Extension waste management speciali r.

Hamilton helped design and still conducts research for the facility's wasre management system. Hamilton has been "dealing with manure since 1979" and explained that OSU's new swine facility was designed co be builc oversized due co its extensive research use. Hamilcon said

controlling odor on swine farms is a challenge because most producers use types of buildings with differenr ventilation systems.

"For people with naturally ventilated buildings, odor is reduced by cleanliness and sanitation," said Hamilron. ''The hog farms rhac clean cheir facilities OSU's new Swine Researchand EducationCentercan housenearly800 pigsand has a state-of the-artwastemanagement regularly are going co be ,ystem. (photoby ToddJohnson) less odorous."

"The new waste management system and Staff members ac the new O U wine SREC, including an animal waste managewater rrearmenr plane here ar the new facilicywork around the clock on maintemem class, SOIL 4863; an inuoduction barns doesn't even compare to char of the nance and cleanliness. to animal science class, AN I 11 24; and old barns." swine science, ANSI 4643. Also, OSU's The new swine facility, with its 13 Overall, che new, notably les odorbarns, can house up to 800 pigs, includlivestock judging ream practice at che ous swine facility is just anocher way for ing up co 110 sows and their Litters. The new facility. students ro gain hands-on experience gestation barns can accommodate up co Caner' swine cience class smdems rhrough OSU C.j 50 sows. Most of che barns have aucoare assigned pigs in different stages of maced feed systems, and all barns can be developmenr for the semester. The class, temperature controlled. consisting of about 30 animal science Because of the swine industry's highjuniors and seniors, artend lab every other economic impact, roday's producers are week at che new swine facilicy. focusing more on the effects of swine wa te Ar rhe beginning of rhe semester, on che environment and are using more tudents are split into group of four and up-to-date wa te management systems are assigned a sow that is due ro farrow. ar their facillcies, said Scott Career, OSU During each lab session, rhe smdenrs animal science associare professor. keep crack of the sow's weight, feed and According to che U.S Depanmem warer intake, body temperature and health of Agriculmre, swine produccion in rhe maintenance. They learn how to record Uniced States is a $10-billion industry and measure back fac via uluasound with Oklahoma being the eighth largest equipment and have che option of being wine-producing care. The Uniced care presem when their assigned sow farrows is the world's third-largest pork producer coward the end of the semester. wich more than 60 million sows in the "This is what every class should be nation and is the second-largest consumer, like," said Joanna Litchfield, an animal exporter and importer of pork and pork science senior as her group pushed and produces. Pork consumption ranks third prodded ics sow our of a crate and onto a in annual U.S. meat consumption. cale to record ics weight. 'It's very hands Today's research at the new SRE inon. oching compare to acrually working volve O U mdents u ing the new swine in the field." facility. In fall 2005, a nucrition research A Utter of finisher pigs also i assigned mdy was conducted on the effects of feed to rhe srudencs. Students collect data on intake on manure output and nutrient water and feed quality and intake and loss. Additional srudies are planned for weight gain, as well as provide general Laura Townley(left),JoannaLitchfieldandju.stin the future. Undergraduate cudents also health maintenance.

Bundy admire thefirst litter of pigs born at the use the facility as a reaching guide.

"The technology here is exciting new SREC (photoby KellySitter umerous classes meec at OSU's and cool ro work wirh," said Litchfield.

Spring 2006 23

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byKelliArmbruster, Burlington, Okla.

A she ears her breakfast, an 11-yearold 4-H'er packs her bag for school and thinks about the activities she has planned for roday. In Korea, 14 hour and more than 6,500 miles away, her father is settling down for bed. As she waits for her father's return, she will make new friends and work on her citizenship project as a member of che Fort SiJI 4-H Club.

"Four-H teaches youth life skills uch as decision-making, goal-setting, leadership and citizenship, just ro name a few," said Charles Cox, Oklahoma 4-H program leader. "It welcomes all young people ro participate in a 'learn-by-doing' environment where they are able co actively participate in hands-on experiences and make a lasting impact in their communities."

According co the Oklahoma 4-H Web sire, the mission of the 4-H Youth Developmenr Program is ro provide you ch, families and communities with educational programs that will inspire youth and adulrs to reach their fullest poremial.

Four-H provides community-based learning through clubs, school enrich ment programs, pecial interest programs and mass media. The program helps foster

leadership and volunreerism. Members are encouraged to develop skills in their particular areas of interest by taking part in project areas such as photography, robotics horticulture and beef production.

"While 4-H helps youth develop life skills, it al o offer opportunities for youth ro meet others with similar interests," aid Alan VanDevenrer, Oklahoma 4-H military liaison. "Four-H provides a base of friend hip children can take from club meetings to the classroom. Four-H also can provide a base of support and familiarity for kids who e families are constantly on rhe move."

Through a partnership created in 1995 berween the ational 4-H Headquarters, the U.S. Army Child and Youth Services, and the U.S. Air Force Family Member Program, military children worldwide are given the opportunity 'to make the be t better" as member of 4-H clubs on military bases.

With che support of the Cooperative Scare Research, Education and Exren ion ervice, military staff and volunteers provide quality developmental programs for children so their military mothers and

AijtssaBwerly,Fort Sill 4-Her, spendsher afternoonsat the Fort Sill YouthCenterworkingon homeworkand her 4-H citizenshipproject. (photocourtesyof U.S. Army)

24 CowboyJournal

fathers can pursue their assignments with less worry.

The U .. Army's goal was to establish 4-H programs on 75 percent of its insrallarions by 2001 By the year's end, 90 percent of bases had established a program.

By 2002, the Army required 4-H clubs on every base, and in 2004, the U.S. Air Force followed. In 2003, 4-H military liaisons were named in each scare co support the work chat CSREES and 4-H were doing.

"Ir is a commitment of the Oklahoma 4-H program ro develop a lasting partnership with the Air Force bases and Army posts in Oklahoma," said Cox. "We are dedicated to developing a strong 4-H presence on all military insrallarions in Oklahoma, along with Reserve and arional Guard families across the state."

Oklahoma's five military insrallarions are locared in five different counties.

Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service educators in each of these counties work with 4-H members and volunteers within chat county, including dubs established on military bases.

"Tinker, Alms and Vance Air Force bases have established a 4-H presence," said VanDeventer. "The Fort SillArmy Poseand the McAlester Ammunition Depot 4-H clubs are thriving."

Forr Sill Army Post established its first 4-H club in 2000 and ha seen it enrollment soar to 248 members participating in 4-H activities at any one dme. Some of the first clubs established at Forr Sill were gardening club . The members learned about planes, tilled the soil, cared for the plants and harvested the fruit. From gardening to aerospace, the club has branched into several pecial-interesr clubs, including the Gourmet Grub Club, the Stamping Club, and the Health and Scie11ceClub.

"Here at Forr ill, we incorporate 4-H into our youth services' after-school program ," aid Anna Cochran, Fore Sill junior team adviser. "When chese kids leave school every day, chey have the opporruni ty ro come to our yourh center and hang out until their parents gee home.

That gives the youth center a chance to

incorporate 4-H into their everyday lives and gives our 4-H members a chance co work on their 4-H project ."

"I see these kids come ro rhe cenrer after having moved around a 10[ in their lifetime," said Cochran. "They come in as very shy individuals, bur after spending rime at the cen rer, their confidence increases as they begin to make new friends.'

AJyssa Bwerly visits the youth cencer every day. Bwerly,whose father is srationed in Korea, i a new 4-H member. Her family was transferred co Fort Sill after being stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas.

"Going to the yourh center every day helped me ro make friends, and I get ro woi:k on cool projects like the Boulevard of Lights project," said Bwerly. "Our 4-H club worked on a fl.oar for rhe Boulevard ofLighrs, which was a parade char che city of Lawron put on during ovember."

The McAlester Ammunicion Depot has seen its club participation increase as a result of acrivities uch as county speech contests, Share-the-Fun conrests, the county fair and shooting spores event .

Club members acrively parricipate in phorography, computer science, fine arts, citizenship, fishing and other projects.

"Though 4-H provides military children with a sen e of home and oew friends, it is viral to developing life skills such as public speaking, leadership and citizenship kill ," aid Cox. " pecifi project area help youth develop incerests in whar we hope will later be career paths."

According to the national 4-H Web site, these clubs are not just providing somerbing for kid ro do afrer chool, rhey are providing a network of suppon co children who need a form of stability in cbeir lives. Many of the children's usual upporc systems may no longer be available due ro parent being deployed a.nd to the consranc threat of losing a loved one.

Exren ive media coverage of on-going military operations creates daily anxiety.

Four-H provide a way for youth co connect with other youth who are experiencing similar situations. They are able co seek friends and adulrs who can empachize and help them cope with their new world.

"Ir's familiar," said VanDevenrer. "For some of these kids, it's about rhe only rhing constanc in their lives. To be in a foreign councry and be able ro recognize the green 4-H clover gives a child a en e of comfort and home."

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~romtheTusca byAmberHarrell-Simmons, Rogers, Ark.

As the early August sun rises above rhe horizon, che sunlight falls on sleepy-eyed workers disbursed down the rows of the vineyard. The workers have no complaints about the early mornings because the air is cool and the breeze is pleasant. Their fingers work auromatically ro pick rhe grapes from the dew-soaked vines. Soon these grapes will rake a new form. wine.

This scene may remind you of California or maybe even Iraly, bur it is a scene visible across Oklahoma. Several years ago, vineyards and wineries began popping up throughout the state. Today, the Oklahoma wine industry is "running over' with success, and the Oklahoma State University Food and Agricultural Products Center is doing its part to help the industry continue co grow.

FAPC is dedicated to helping Oklahoma's producers, wine or orherwise, provide the highest quality products possible to consumers everywhere.

"In general terms, our mission is co as isr value-added agricultural product processing in the state,' said William McGlynn, FAP ' horticultural product processing specialist. "The wine industry fies char general mission very very well."

McGlynn, in cooperation with the Oklahoma Grape Growers and Wine Makers Association, has developed a series of workshops ro benefit grape growers in Oklahoma. The first in the series was a winery sanitation workshop. The focus of the workshop was the connection between proper winery sanitation and the quality of wine that is produced.

The center also is planning ro offer a workshop on basic wine quality analysis.

As che industry and FAPC continue ro expand, more workshops will be developed to supplement the first two workshops.

Bob McBramey of Scone Bluff Cellars took pan in the winery sanitation workshop. McBramey anricipares parriciparing in future advanced workshops.

"As time goes on, we will need their expertise to keep up with advancement in the industry," said McBramey.

In addition ro FAPC workshops, OSU ho cs ocher programs to benefit currem and potential grape and wine produc26 CowboyJournal

suntoOklahoma's rellirt ers. The grape management class, which meets once a month from March through October, cakes an individual through an entire production year and teaches rhe best practices t0 use when growing grapes and processing wine.

This program teaches which varieties of grapes have the mosc success in Oklahoma. FAPC and the OSU Department of Horriculture and Landscape Architecture have combined cheir efforts to research the varieties of grapes char will thrive in Oklahoma.

This research began nearly five years ago with experimencal vineyard located near Stillwater, Okla. A local vineyard and winery, Woodland Park Winery, is growing 10 varieties of grapes for OSU's research through a grant with the Kerr Center for uscainable Agriculrure. OSU's research station near Perkins, Okla., has an additional 30 varieties growing on one acre. This research is rn determine the best varieties for Oklahoma, as well as the best quality, productivity and disease resistance, said Jeanette Hane of Woodland Park Winery.

The next seep in OSU's research will be processing the grapes and continuing the evaluation with the final product.

"We'll know the quality of the grapes coming our of the vineyard, and we'll know the quauty of the wine that can be made from these grape ," said McGlynn. "We wiLIalso be able to conduct research co decermine the best wine-making techniques that we can apply [to the grapes] to get the highest quality at the end of the day."

FAPC currently has rhe capabilities co provide general analytical services, such as tests for volatile acidity and alcohol content. The center also has the facilities for sen ory casting.

However with the expansion of the wine and grape indu cry,FAPC is expanding, coo. The lab soon will have the necessary equipment co make wine. The final steps co complete the lab are in progress, and McGlynn said he anticipates the Jab will be completed by next season.

Once complete, the lab will have the capability of processing wine from start to finish. With the addition of this

equipment, FAPC will be able to expand its educational and research capacities significantly, said McGlynn.

Hane and her husband, Ivol, own Woodland Park Winery in tillwater, and have been a part of the many programs the center has co offer. The Hanes began growing grapes five years ago and recendy have opened the doors of their winery.

She calls it a "tremendous venture" for her and her husband.

Hane said she blames the lack of wineries and vineyards in rhe Midwe tern states on prohibition during the 1920s.

"Prohibition stalled rhe industry in Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma, and it has taken this long for it to be revived," said Hane.

She sajd her new business has beneficed gready from FAPC's services and the winery will benefit from the center's expanding services. The Hanes cruly are

grateful ro the extension efforts of the center and ocher departments.

"The center benefits all growers " said Hane. "Umil now, not a lot of information was available, and we would have co sponsor our own classes in chis area."

Another beneficial service the center has developed is a winery feasibility template for current and potential wine makers. Rodney Holcomb, FAPC's agribusiness economic specialist, focuses on the "dollars and cents" of business and has developed templates for use by Oklahoma processors.

"This i a template that we thought had rhe most potential for Oklahoma, just because we've had so many wineries popping up and so many people calling to request information on how to start a winery," said Holcomb.

The template is a spreadsheet that rakes into account anything you could

!vol Hane, ownerand wine makerat WoodlandPark Winerypreparestoprime the vineyard's7.5 acres of grapevinesafter itsfirst year in production.(photosbyAmber Harrell-Simmons)

Spring2006 27

Holcomb. "When it's all done, the spreadsheet will provide you with a rough estimate of profit and loss, as well as cash flow, and cell you whether or nor rhis is a good business investment."

FAPC is commirred ro identifying ways ro add value co Oklahoma products and is a great resource ro agricultural producers and processors, said J Roy Escoubas, directo, ofFAPC. With more than 30 wineries in the stare, Oklahoma's grape growing and wine making indusuy will continue co grow and impact the economy on different levels.

"There is an arr and a science to wine making," said McGlynn. "To be successful, you must master both the arr and the science."

experience when entering into the wine-making business The template determines the economic viabilicy of becoming a wine maker.

With this template, you have eight choices of wine you can choose co produce. Ir also is sec up ro manage blended wines.

In the spreadsheet, you in put prices for materials, labor, equipment, etc. The spreadsheet determines cash Row,profit and loss, depreciation, ner present value and internal rare of rerurn for a l 0-year period, all while caking the inflation race into considerarion.

The winery-feasibilicy spreadsheet will account for revenues from gift shop sales or from wine-tasting evenrs. Holcomb said the template was designed ro be user-friendly by color coding the cells co make plugging in the numbers simple.

"If you're looking ac scarring a winery, you can take chis and, given che ass um prions rhac you have, you can plug in the numbers in each color-coded cell," said

S

For information on the OSU Foodand AgriculturalProductsCenter or to view the wineryfeasibility template, visit http:llwwwfapc. biz or call (405) 744-6071

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2weeks + I international location Study Abroad Japan • Peru • China •Thailand Honduras •England ltaly cot]and • ranee • Ireland. • Ger111any International Programs in Agriculture 89 Agri ultural Hall (405)744-5398 david.henneberry@okstate.edu adel.tongco@okstate.edu http:/ dasnrS.dasnr.okstate.edu/international/index.

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28 CowboyJournal

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A Cowboy,a soldier,a writer

by CaraBrookeAdams,Buffalo,Okla.

Imagine yourself, thousands of miles away from what you call home, dripping in swear because of the hear and the fact you're fighting for your life outside the somewhat safe walls of your base. You're hunched in a corner with a digital camera in one hand and your Ml6 rifle in the ocher. You cake photographs of things most people will never see in their lifetime.

You write about things you don't want anyone to experience. You hear a zing and then a ping. That sound means danger. Ir's the sound of a bullet, a bullet that is nor coo far away. Bur you never falcer.

The experiences, images and memories you gather chis day and so many days like it will be with you for the rest of your life. They will haunt your dreams, stay in the back of your mind and come back at you like one of chose flashbacks the veterans who wenc coVietnam talk about.

There must be a way to get the thoughts out of your head, to loosen them up so they don't strike so deeply each time.

So you begin to do what you've always loved to do. You write. You write and write until your mind goes numb.

Ic starts as a personal journal, then it moves to a "blog" (a Web log), and eventually it transcends into a book.

Who would have ever thought chose memories and experiences, combined with your

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passion and love for writing, could take you this far? No one could have known, bur many have dreamed of chis day for you, so many people from so many different stages of your life.

111isis the true story of an Oklahoma Scare University alumnus from the College of Agricultural Sciences and Narural Resources, the story of 27-year-old Staff Sgt. R. Fred Minnick Jr. "I knew when Fred was 2 years old he would be loving and giving," said Trina Minnick, his mother. "He's honest and dependable, compassionate and tender-hearted. He will make a wonderful husband and dad some day."

Minnick always has loved agri culture and growing up in the small rown of Jones, Okla., he was constantly around it.

"Ever since being in FFA, I've al ways thought of mysdf as an ag guy, and FFA is where I got my scare as a writer," said Minnick.

After being elected as reporter for his FFA chapter, Minnick was encouraged by Bart Effinger, his FFA adviser and high schoo agricultural

education reacher, co write articles about FFA activities and submit them co che local paper.

Knowing chat he had cwo loves, writing and agriculture, Minnick chose agricultural communications as his major and never looked back.

"The passion for both agriculture and writing grew, and I decided to combine my loves in ag comm," said Minnick. "In my opinion, it's the best overall degree offered at OSU You receive such a rounded education in science and communications that you can literaUygo into any respected field. When I was interviewing for jobs, public relations employers were amazed ac my scientific, animal science specifically, knowledge and ability to translate the technical jargon. I contribute this to my education ac OSU" Minnick scarred his college career at OSU in August 1996. No more than rwo months later, Minnick found himself

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of love note on Valencine's Day 2003, Minnick received a litcle "love note" of his own from the US Army His unit was placed "on standby" for deployment. He was notified in November 2003 that his 2004 Valentine's Day gift was to be a one-year trip co Iraq Minnick's Minnick receivesa field promotion to staff sergeantwhile servingin the 139 unit the Mobile Public Affeirs Detachment in Iraq. {photo courtesyof US. Army) 13 9 Mo office, enlisting as a soldier to serve his bile Public Affairs Derachmenr - was country and help pay for his education. attached to the Army's firsc Stryker Brigade. Minnick would work and report During his sophomore year ar OSU, Minnick began wriring for the Daily along side rhe Army, usually rhe infantry O'Collegian. Though nor many of his brigade co which his unir was arrached. scories were about agriculture, he got a "1 acrually felr a large sense of pride," good taste of writing for press and how to said Minnick. "I truly felt honored robe in survive in che field of journalism. Minnick a posirion where J could serve my country also wrote for rhe Daily Oklahomanbefore in such an importanr posirion. I mean, as he graduated from OSU a public affairs soldier, you literally have After graduation, Minnick cook a an awesome responsibility. Ir is our job co job wirh Bader Rueter, an advertising and communicate rhe positive srories, which public relations firm in Milwaukee, Wis. we did very proficienrly."

Minnick worked chcre from his graduaLarer rhar year, Minnick found tion in August 200 I until February 2004. himself in Mosul, Iraq On a day-co-day Little did Minnick know his pasbasis, he covered car bombs, raids on insursion for writing and his country would gents and ocher happenings in che area. take him half way around the world.

Being an infancryman ar hearc, Instead of receiving rhe usual type Minnick loved che action, bur he hared to see the carnage chat was rhe result of so many attacks by che insurgenrs.

He generally wrore the positive side of che war.

Writing about school openings and arrests made were some of tbe articlesand phocographs Minnick reported.

However,beingexposed co it all was getting ro him. He said he needed ro ger away from rhe thoughts and images rhe Army didn't wane to be heard or seen.

StajfSgt.FredMinnickand histroopscompletean inventorycheckofitems they So, he decided to srarr a will needashis 1mitprepares to leavefor fmq. (Photoco11rtesyo/U.S. Army) journal When that 30 CowboyJournal

didn'r do che rrick, he began weiring a blog he could share with people back home.

"Ar first, I scarred the blog so people could know I was OK and because I was rired of che mainstream media reporrs," said Minnick. "After a while, it became more rherapeuric chan anyching. I found it very helpful for my emorional state to express my feelings and get rhe deachs of friends off my chest."

Minnick's actions are similar ro what has been rhe growing rrend among rroops coday. Many soldiers have starred writing on the Internet as cheir personal way of dealing with all che emotions rhar come wich a tour of duty.

After a while, Minnick was contacted by lirerary agents and movie producers.

Some even wanted Minnick to write a screenplay. Although he refused, it did give him rhe idea and initiative to wrice a book about his experiences.

Even chough he is unable to pinpoint the exact nature of the book, he refers ro ir as a more comical book chan others wich che same topic. Minnick mainly wants to illustrate a rrue sense of war.

"In one chapter, l describe the smell of blood and how you eventually become numb to the carnage," said Minnick. "And in anocher chapter, I calk about an Iraqi with a gold cooch, and I compare him to a pimp in rhe hood. My goal is for it to be an emotional roller coaster because that is what war is. l wane people co laugh on one page and to cry on the nexc."

Even though Minnick may have felt alone ar cimes, he was far from being alone in chisworld. His parents have always been a support sysrem for him and calling Ronnie and Trina Minnick anyrhing other than "extremely proud parenrs" would noc be a fitting ride. They have seen their soldier through more than anyone. From rhe silly things Minnick did when he was a child to rhe nightmares and Aashbacks he had when he came home, che Minnicks have seen him rhrough it all.

"There's not a mother on chis planec who could be more proud of her son," said Trina Minnick. "He has served his counoy well, and he's a survivor. Sometimes it's hard to believe he's my son, bur he is."

Even chough Fred Minnick came home wichour any physical barrle scars, it doesn't mean there aren't any scars at all. Jr cook che Vietnam War and almost l O years for psychiarrisrs to idenrify che symptoms as Pose Traumatic $cress Dis-

Minnick's parents actually experi enced one of rhe nigh rmares rhar shake soldier ro thei.r core.

"One nighr after his rerurn Fred said he was going to sleep in om backyard," said Ronnie Minnick. "He said he wanted ome peace and quier. About 2 a.m., Fred scarced beating on the patio door, screaming 'Hajji i everywhere!"'

The elder Minnick said Fred's younger brother, Justin, ler the soldier in rhe house.

He ran to his parents' bedroom door screaming the same rhing.

Staff Sgt. FredMinnick on a horsean Iraqifriend let him borrow. (photo courtesyof U.S. Anny}

"Hajji is everywhere and we need ro leave now!" demanded Fred Minnick.

Hi father' first thought was char it was a big joke. Thi was something his son would have done before the war.

The frightening glare on his on's face told him it was not a joke.

"Security has been breached in Sector 9 or Tower 9! Hajji are everywhere!" screamed Fred Minnick. "We don't have rime. We have to leave now!"

A few seconds larer, a crying soldier came back in ide and said, "I can ee how a soldier can kill his wife during his sleep and go to prison for ir. le isn't fair."

The military has taken steps co help prepare the troops for combat seres by requiring them co attend a pre-deployment session where chey learn che warning signs and how co ger help for che illne s while they are there and when they return, which Minnick has done.

Minnick did something else to help him deal with the TAD He used his blog to write about his experiences.

"Fred s blog was a way of getting thing off his chesr and even sharing wirh other people in the world what soldiers were seeing," said Ronnie Minnick.

Minnick's blog was one of his first rep in writing hi book.

"Through my blog, I garnered a large readership," said Minnick. "J tarted writing and sending my work out to publishers

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Staff gt. Fred Minnick, Oklahoma State Univeristy alumnus proudly serves his country. (photo courtesy of US. Army

and agenrs who were highly regarded. The idea behind rhe book actually came From all my readers who begged me ro write abouc my experiences."

Minnick said hi book is tentatively set to be released in March or April.

Through agriculture, OSU and his country, Minnick has turned his passion into a successful career. Today, Minnick has reached his goals wid1 the help of OSU and his professor who helped him grow, nor just as a writer, bur as a man. C:J

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Horticultureand landscapearchitecturealumnus Dan Almond doeshispart to helpproducea competitiveCowboyfootball team. (photobyMatt Kelly)

Newturf's'roots'runto CASNR

by Matt Kelly,Elgin,Okla.

Wandering around rhe rhird floor of Agriculrural Hall looking at landscape design posters is where Dan Almond found himself after rwo years as a pre-medicine major. He was not sure what he wanted to do, but he knew he wanted a change.

About that time, Steve Ownby, former deparrmenr head of rhe Oklahoma Srare University landscape design department, stopped and talked to Almond about landscape design. Almond decided that was whar he wanted ro do with his life, and Ownby rook him under his wing.

Today, Almond finds himself running Millennium Spores Technologies Inc., where be is asports field design consultant.

His business has brought him right back m where it all began. Stillwater, Okla., and his alma mater.

Almond designed the new field in Boone Pickens Stadium. His company directed contractors co implement rhe plans for the drainage, irrigation design, logos and colors of the new field.

Almond was hired through conrracror Landscapes Unlimited of Lincoln, Neb., who constructed Karsten Creek Golf Club. Mike Holder, OSU vice president for athletic programs and former OSU golf coach, was impressed with the work 32 Cowboy Journal

they had done and referred rhem to work on rhe renovation of che football .field.

When asked to do the job, rhey said Almond should design the field. After the design was complete, Almond was asked to parricipate in designing OSU's Hedge Field and Allie P Reynolds Stadium.

Almond said rhere is nor another field in the country like the one in Boone Pickens Sradium, he designed chis field co the specifications provided by head coach Mike Gundy.

"I wanted this field to be very 'arhletefriendly,"' said Gundy. "I think the players really enjoy it. Wirh this turf rhere are no curfburns, and players enjoy the flexibility and cushion ir provides."

Many characteristics make this .field unique. One is a turf chat is nor like most syntheric surfaces. Three inch blades of artificial grass give this field the feel of real grass but che durability and care of an artificial surface, said Almond.

Along with an artificial playing surface, the new field is adaptable ro a natural grass surface with an irrigation system and sand under the new arrificial turf ro give ir more cushion.

On top of the rurf is a one-quarter inch of sand ro hold the surface in place,

along with tiny pieces of crumb rubber to provide more cushion to the surface. This rubber comes from truck tires chat have been cryoge1iically frozen and shattered into tiny pieces. These characteristics are what make this field so "athlete-friendly," said Almond.

A former Cowboy quarterback, Gundy said the field he played on was not "achlece-friendly."

"Ir wasjust like playing on concrete or on the streer," said Gundy. "Ir was hard as a rock and hard on players' knees, shoulders and backs."

He said his back hurrs roday as a resulc of playing on the hard surface.

Under che new field's softer surface is a stace-of-the-arr drainage system. 1his system consiscs of 10 inches of reinforced sand placed over a drainage mar and is "loosely based on a combination of parented drainage systems GraviTURF and Air Field," said Almond.

Almond trademarked and parenred GraviTURF in 1987, and Air Field is che producr of another former OSU graduate, Stan Schone. TI1iscombination of drainage systems allows the field to take up to 30 inches of rain an hour wichout flooding.

"If chis field floods, you better build

an ark," said Almond. "This is absolutely rhe best field in che country righr now."

The turf can1e to OSU from a company called Desso-DLW in Europe, which is a sub-company of Armstrong World Industries Inc. Almond has worked on getting their products the pasr several years, and rhis is the second CM Division I field in the Uni red States to use this turf.

The turf came in rolls rhac measured 15 foot wide and 160 foor long. (Ir was rolled our jusr like carpet on the field.) The turf is a luscious green color char makes it look like real grass, and it has white yard lines and orange end zones.

The field is accented with the orangeon-orange OSU brand in the middle of the field, a Pistol Pete logo and a Big 12 logo.

The end zones are a bright orange and possess rhe Oklahoma Stace name with white outlines and brighter orange accents.

Almond said he got into the business by fate. In spring I 979, he was working with an architect in Denver doing all types of land caping jobs when he was asked to work on the Denver Broncos' practice facilities. He discovered his personal satisfaction from designing sporting facilities and developed new ways to improve the playing surfaces.

After his work for the Broncos, he worked with the New England Pacriots, a.nd business has continued to come his way. Almond does no advertising; all of his jobs come from "word-of-mouth."

"Dan's expertise is in playing field systems and surfaces, and he is building quire a reputation," said Dale Maronek, head of che OSU Department of Horticulrure and Landscape Archireccure.

"With Dan's strong background in horciculcure, he brings more things to the table than just design, he understands what plants need."

Other fields Almond has completed include Invesco Field at Mile High and Coors Field in Denver, incoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Shea radium in ew York, many Big 12 chools' spons facilities, about 45 minor league baseball field and many other sports venues.

Although Almond has had many great jobs, he said his favorite has co be his work at OSU, not just because ir is his alma macer, bur because of the people.

"It is very rare that you get to work with people like Mike Holder, Mike Gundy and Boone Pickens, who are all so focused on che same job," said Almond.

Almond said his favorite thing about

his job i inceraction with people, getting to know chose who make a difference.

Almond i a third-generation "Okie," having grown up in El Reno, Okla. He lived in Stillwater, Okla., as a youth and has been watching the Cowboys play since he could walk, attending games wich his dad, who was a soil science graduate of Oklahoma A&M in 1957 Almond now lives in Littleton, Colo., where he established Millennium Spores in 1995 Almonds wife, Sherri, is an OSU alumna. They have two daughters, Kindall and Alaina. Kindall is a sophomore at Littleton High School, and Alaina is a freshman at rhe University of Colorado.

When Almond is not at work, he enjoys anending any sporting event, golfing and skiing. He said his family enjoys living close w Denver, since it has so many sports to offer to it residencs.

"My advice to anyone is try to decide what you want to do and work to be the best at it," said Almond.

CAS R sruden rs know how great Ag Hall is, but who knew a walk through it could change a life like Almond's wandering has changed his life. Only one question remains: Who is wandering the halls now, and where will life take him or her?

q

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Spring2006 33

I Let'stakea ride!

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by LindseyChildress,Ada,Okla.

Riding a horse gives children and adulcs with emocional, mental or physical disabilities the legs co run and an equine friend chat helps them learn to trust.

"The horse does the work; we ju t show up," said Tami Danel, Oklahoma State Univer ity special education alumna and executive director of Turning Point Ranch.

Dane! began the Turning Point Ranch in 1997 at the OSU veterinary medicine facilicies. Afcer four years, Danel said she felcthe program did not have room to grow or funding to continue. She made a decision co stop the program until she could find a facilitywirh full-rime availability and a way to receive adequate funding.

When O U animal science alumna and Turning Point Ranch instructor Kristen Marcus' daughcer, Briannon, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at che age of 6 months, Marcus became interested in therapeutic riding. She said she felt Payne County could use a therapeutic riding program and spent two years crying co start a program in cillwarer, Okla.

In February 2005, Marcus mer Danel, and they decided to restart the previous program. On Sepe. 12, 2005, the Turning Point Ranch began its first day at che Starr Valley Stables in Stillwater. The program has two primary groups: physically and emotionally challenged individuals ages 4 and up.

Jason Wright shows his excitement during a therapy session. (photo by Lindsey Childress)

34 CowboyJournal

In the first month of the program, they enrolled two disabled children from referrals, six co eight kids from the Payne County Youth helrer and five students from the Stillwater Public Schools. atalea Watkin , U journali m and broadcasting alumna and board of directors member for Turning Point Ranch, has experienced the benefits of therapeutic riding. Watkins was in a car accident five years ago and was paralyzed from her chest down, giving her no muscle control in her abdomen. She became involved in therapeutic riding as pan of her physical therapy co increase her muscle use.

Watkins said therapeutic riding benefits those individuals with p ychological disabilities by making them feel "as call as anyone else" when they are on horseback.

"Therapeutic riding i a very valuable type of physical therapy because rhe bond between a human and horse is powerful," said Watkins. " omeone whose mobility challenges are a constant reminder of powerlessness finds equality on the back of a horse. Suddenly, the disability dissolves and you have legs to run."

The Turning Point Ranch i crying co help individuals with emotional and psychological disabilities in rillwarer by reaching our co the children of the Payne County Youth Shelrer.

Each week, Lindsay Radcliff, youth guidance specialist, takes the children to Turning Point Ranch for therapy. Often, the youth who participate in chis opportunity have been mentally, physically or sexually abused.

Each child who come co the youth shelter looks forward co being able co attend the se sion , said Radcliff.

"The kids can be having a terrible day, but once rhey get to the ranch, they forger abour everything else," aid Radcliff.

Shirley Lewis of Stillwater Public chools was looking for more opportunities co provide for children with special needs and their parents he became involved wirh che Turning Poinc Ranch and enrolled five srudents to arrend a ses-

ion each week. She plans to increase rhac number co 10 students in spring 2006.

Currently, she is working on applications for grams char will cover che cost of the therapeutic riding sessions. ''Any opportunity that we can provide for the students with disabilities we wane co offer," said Lewis. "We want to make sure that the parents have choices.'

Jason Wright, an 18-year-old srudenc at Stillwater Public Schools, attends hourlong sessions at Turning Point Ranch each week. Cindy Wright, Jason's mother, said he was diagnosed with mental rerardarion and multi-handicapped a a I-year-old.

Wright said she was concerned about Jason' first session, but then was impressed and thrilled about d1e way he responded to the horses. he said ic greatly helps his muscle development because he has to use muscles he is nor required co use in everyday life. She said riding calms him and gives him an experience he would have never had if it wasn't for this program. "le was an experience I will never forger because of rhe way che special needs boys reacted co the horses and how they were in awe of them," said Wright. "The boys di played a feeling of being proud of themselves. They had mastered a skill, and char is something rare for chem because, unfortunately, they are limited in their physical strength."

She said the therapeutic riding provides an emotional type of therapy. The interaction with the horses provides a way for her son ro grow and develop.

"I certainly appreciate rhe work Mrs. Lewis did and the efforts that went into coordinating this therapy program for the special needs kids," said Wright.

0 U accounting alumna Pam Carpenter has an autistic I 6-year-old son Luke, who participates in the therapeutic riding program through Stillwater Public Schools.

"Therapeutic riding meets stimulation needs that kids wich autism have by sensory integration," said Carpenter. "Ir relaxeshim, and he comes home very calm and more able to focus."

What isTherapeutic Riding?

Vofunreers help a student during a therapeuticriding,mion at TurningPoint Ranch. (photo by KristenMarcus)

Therapeutic ridfog offers individuals with disabilities a chance co feel great about chemselve and co feel chey have accomplished something. Ir provides a kid like Jason Wright the opporrunicy to yell at

Therapeuticridingis usedto improvethe wdl-being of an individual'slife. Morethan30,000 individualswith disabilitiesarehelpedeachyearin therapeutic ridingprogramsthroughthe North AmericanRiding for the HandicappedAssociation.Therapeuticriding began in the 1950s in Europe, and ARHA was foundedin 1969 to promotetherapeuticridingin the United Statesand Canada. " ARHA wants to ensurethe excellenceof the boardsfor the therapeuticridingprogramsacrossthe United tates,"said KayeMarks,NARHA marketing director."Theassociationwants to providea wealth of knowledgeto the 700 affiliatedcenters."

NARHA provides membershipsto individuals with disabilities,familyand friendsof participants, instructors,therapists,administratorsand individuals who waneto supportequine-assistedactivities.Therapeutic riding centerscan join and gain accessto the support,promotionand educationNARHA offersto itsaccreditedcenters.Centersmustmeetrequirements priorto and afterjoining ARHA.

the top of his lungs, "This is che best day, Mom! Yee-haw, pony, yee-haw!" When asked how much he enjoyed his day, he screams excitedly, "Too much!"

"A a special need mom I was so

glad to be a part of chis heanfelc, firsttime experience," said Cindy Wright.

"To sum it all up, it was one small seep for the horse and one gianc leap for rhe special boys.' Cl

Spring2006 35

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Aftct~ofv~-~ ing build homesfor ttie, comm~b,f: Stillwater,Okla.• Earl Miwbellqcheil as the nation racedto his hometOWD of New Orleans. During the aftermathof Hurricane Katrina's deadly touch. citi-

lntcmatlonal, as wellas past directorfor

~ 1here are a lot of mangers close

zensof Stillwater and the nation worked

the Stillwaterorgani7.ation.

Accordingto organizationalmarketing information,HabitatforHumanityis committedto eliminating"povertyhousingandhomelessnessfromtheworldand to make decent shelter a matterof conscienceandaction."It providesaffordable housingforlow-incomefamilies,building houseswithno profitin the salepriceand

to you. tudents are sometimes strangetS, too ....peoplewho need our help."

Orgapizationslike Habitat for Humanity invite pe.ople of all backgrounds, racesand religions to build houses together in partnership with needy families. The organization uses religious organizations or community groups to find solutions to the social problem of decent housing.

Many rimes strangers are building houses for strangers.

"Earl is just one of those people who is alwaysavailableto hdp in any way,"said Ron Buck, past president of tillwater's Habitat for Humanity affiliate. "At one time, he even donated office space for the affiliate to use in downtown Stillwater."

Actions such as this allow organizations to provide better service for chose people in need. When volunteers are available co serve in any capacity, it helps the organization become more effectivein serving the community, Buck said.

"Volunreerism is just one mechanism 1 have to provide ervices," aid Mirchell.

"That's my atrirude about what I'm supposed to do while I'm here on the face of rhe earth - ro provide service."

Mitchell's rime on earth began May 16, 1938, in New Orleans. He grew up in a low-income household with a father, Earl Mitchell Sr., who worked three jobs to support his family of

together with strangers to rescue, cradle and nurture a dying city backto the "jewel of the South" it once was.

Why do people choose to help someone they've never met? Manytimes, volunteerism's immediate results may be transparent, but the initial work soon lays the foundation for future members of a community co take advantage of the opportunities volunteerism provides.

Mitchell, professor and head of the OSU Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, decided many years ago co lead a life of service. This lifestyle has shown itself in many ways throughout his 38-year career in O U research and administration, including the 10 years he served as associare vice presidenc for multicultural affairs.

Mitchell serves as che adviser co the OSU srudenr Habirat for Humanity

up to 30-year, no-interest loans.

"Deeply, I really believe we are our brother's keepers; that's a religiousconviction," said Mitchell. "Secondly, we oughr to share what we have."

Mitchell explained sharing begins at home with family and then stretches to sharing with friends and others. Strangers become the third and final level of sharing, he said.

"The roughest sharing we can do, the hardest sharing we can do, is with strangers,'' said Mitchell.

"Sr rangers aren't always

"&rt Mitchell is a manof great incelk«. re.markablevision and tremendous

seven. The younger Mitchell credits his upbringing and the influence of his service mentality and ideals to his mother, Mary Mitchell, and his paternal grandmother, Priscila Mitchell. "'Earl, never think about yourself first; think about others,"' said Mitchell, recalling something his grandmmher used to say. "That stuck with me.

"She was always telling me to think about the other fellow because sometimes the other fellow is having a more difficult time than you're having."

Looking our for the other fellow has been a value MitchelJ kept within him since his adolescent years, a value helping him succeed on many different levels.

After high school, Mitchell attended Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry in 1960. From there, Mitchell left Louisiana for Michigan, earning a Master of Science degree in organic chemistry in 1963 and a docmrare in biochemistry in 1966, both from Michigan State University.

Mitchell was among the "Distinguished African American Scientists of the 20th Century" in 1996, was awarded the Oklahoma Human Rights Award from the Oklahoma Human Rights Commission in 2003, and was the keynote speaker for the Black Heritage Monrh program ar the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta in 2004.

His mosr recent accolade was bis induction into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame in Ocmber 2005.

His life's work has not gone unnoticed.

Mitchell's work is nor tied completely co volunceerism. The Oklahoma School for Science and Mathematics is another example of his dedication

educational opportunities for people to grow and develop.

Formed through legislation in 1983, the school is home to some of the brightest young minds in science and math in Oklahoma. According to school information, it i designed as a rwo-year residential public high school for the academically gifted students in mathematics and science.

"He not only planted the seed with the right people in che legislature, he followed it through to reality," said Edna Manning, president of rhe Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics. ln 1982, with help from state House Speaker Dan Draper, state Rep. Penny Williams and state en. Bernice Shedrick, Mitchell was the initiacor of the concept of the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics and the Office of Science and Technology in the state of Oklahoma.

Presently, Mitchell is on che board ol trustees of the school.

Mirchell read an anicle in Science i'vfagazine written by the governor of North Carolina about his work creadng a school of science and math in his own stare. After seeing students coming to OSU for the summer programs sponsored by che Kerr Foundation, gaining new knowledge but losing that knowledge once they wenr home, l'vtitchellscnc a letter co Williams oudining his idea for the same type of school in Oklahoma.

~tion," said Manning ... He bas oontinucd to serve on the boardand offers thoughts and ideas regularlyat board meetings so we don't sit back on the success we've had and enjoy it. He's always thinking about where we should go next and what could we do."

His visionary work laid the foundation for future students to excel in ways never before provided by the state's educational system, said Manning. According to the school, between 1992 and 2001, 850 students graduated from this accelerated program, producing 135 National Merit Scholars, 253 engineers and 70 medical doctors, as well as 60 currently in medical school.

"I happened co be in the right place at the right time and knew the right people for this to happen," said Mitchell, explaining in his humble description the events raking place around rhe formation of the school.

Rather than using his comaccs

(he lived on rhe same screet as Draper) for The opporruniry ro erve comes from the mind and heart of someone taking the hi per onal benefit, Mitchell garhered rime tO look ahead. like-minded folks and drove rhe idea of "If we pend a !icrle bit of time and a chool for Oklahoma's premier science and marh srudents forward until the idea effon ro help those less fortunate by giving a hand-up rather than a hand-out, then I became a reality.

"I has gone beyond any wildest really believe we are doing the right thing dream I ever had in what it could do," aid and making life easier for the next generaMitchell. "It ha really been an excellenc tion," aid Mitchell.

The work opponunicy."

Creating That's my attitude about what I'm sup- completed oppommirie posed to do while l1m here on the face by generais imporranr tions of his of the earth - to provide service. own family ro Mirchell.

Mitchell said Earl Mitchell occupied his he believes professor and department head mjnd during Hurricane hi role a an administraror Katrina.

"1he family home my dad lefr for us mean more than position. Srudencs and their search for knowledge and education is gone; it wa cotaled from being under water for cwo weeks," said Mitchell. "Five ·hould remain a priority. homes within che family were destroyed.

"During the years [ spenc in administration, I came from a men or, Dr. orm "My uncle, who is 93, and his wife, Durham, who said our job as admini trawho i 92, have lived in their house for tor was to make the job easier for those nearly 60 years. ow, everyrhing in the world they owned is gone and has been doing the teaching and che learning, o that's our responsibiliry," said Mitchell. washed away."

"We are here to give ervice," said Being away from his family in a rime Mitchell. "Ir's nor about us. Too many of need weighed heavily on his hearc. times I think admini tracor rhink it i "It drains you; it consumes you," aid abour them."

Mitchell, when asked about the difficulty of watching his homecown, his birthplace, Using his position ro _benefit other seem ro be a qualiry Mitchell posse es. in rurmoil.

He said his sister-in-law could nor be reached for days following the hurricane.

'To rhink I wa the fourth generarion born in New Orleans," said Mitchell, "and that everything that wa there - the neighborhoodis gone and destroyed, it consumes you."

He watched the efforts of a nation rush ro rhose les forcunare in their cime of need, attempting ro rebujld what was lost co Mocher acure. "lr's hard to see ew Orlean being destroyed and wondering if ic will come back. I believe ic will come back," said Mitchell with confidence.

With the per ooal, inner courage and determination ro seek opportunitie for so many other , Mitchell' faith is nor losr.

His servant's heart is wid1 the thousands of people who have left the com fores of cheir own homes ro help the strangers of his old neighborhood re rore d1eir lives to a semblance of what they once were, just as he' worked o many time before for chose in need in Stillwater.

S

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38 CowboyJournal

Teaching forexcellence

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by SarahPrice,Stilwell,Okla.

C

While mosc students are sining in "I didn't grow up on what most people class, srudents in one agriculmral economwould call a farm, buc we always had liveics class are hirring softball . rock," said orwood. "Thar's where I gO( To teach his srudems how ro u e tarismy inceresr in agriculrure." rics ro explain what they have een, Bauey You will nor ee orwood on a bareorwood and his students "play ball." back horse roday, buc you mighc carch "He has rhem all bar and chen record him playing tennis or see him watching the angle and how far the ball wenr," said college foocball.

James Trapp agriorwood began culcural economics college educaDr. BaileyNorwooddemands hi depamnenc head. tion at Clemson "Then he records excellencefrom himselfin alI University where he information on the he does. received a bachelor's scudenrs, like height degree in agriculLindaMartin tural economics in and weight, ro show CASNR dean 1996. He graduwhy che ball performed chac way." ated from Kansas orwood's unique manner of State University wich a ma ter's degree teaching has earned him one of the in agricultural economics in 1997. In U .. Department o Agriculcure's 2001, orwood received hi do corbighesr award . are in economics from orrh Carolina TnNovember, orwood received the rare Universiry. arional USDA Excellence in College and ince carting hi UniversicyTeacl1ing ewTeacher Award in reaching career as a gradrhe Food and Agriculcural Science during uate cudenc in 2001 che award ceremony in Washingron, D.C. orwood has excelled in 1is prestigious honor, initiated in 2005, is rhe cla room. awarded co no more than four new teachers 'Dr. Bailey oreach year. wood demands excel" oc only is chis award a tremendous lence from him elf in all honor for Dr. orwood bur ir is al o an he does," said Marcin. honor for the college and universicy,'' "He seeks out every opsaid Linda Marcin, assiscam dean for rhe porcuni cy for per onal Oklahoma race University College of Aggrowth and improvement. riculrural ciences and arural Re ource .

He i a scudenc of how "The award recognizes outstanding reachtudent • learn." ing ac che national level and i considered le cook one economro be one of the top teaching awards ics class co ger orwood in agriculture.' interesced in reaching.

The teachers honored with this award 'l never liked school excel at teaching, make a positive impact when I wa young and on studenc learning and influence orher wasn't even crazy about teachers by example, according to the Web going co college 'he aid. sire of che Cooperacive race Research, "My first two years of Educarion and Extension ervice. college were horrible, bur orwood grew up in ouch CaroLna rhen l cook this class." where he enjoyed train in()'horses, calf ropRobert Mc ormick, ing, team roping and bareback riding. the teacher who changed

assistant

orwood's opinion on school reaches economics classes ar lemson.

"He made me really love economics," said orwood. "Wichin a month, I changed from someone who hared school co someone who wanted co be a profe sor."

Thanks co an amazing cla sand a dedicated reacher, Norwood was soon working co become a professor. Oklahoma wa nor orwood's first choice for a home but his pach eventually led him to Stillwater.

"I always choughr 1 would return co the East bur then, low and behold, an awesome job opened up ac Oklahoma State Univer icy," he said.

0 U's strong emphasi on teaching and excellent facuJcy attracted orwood ro his position. He liked Oklahoma and the university's strong ties ro agriculture. orwood rarced rhac "awesome'' job less than rhree years ago.

BaileyNorwoodreceivedthe National USDA Excellencein Collegeand University TeachingNew TeacherAward in Novembe1:(photo by Samh Price)

Spring 2006 39

Receiving rhe ew Teacher Award this early in orwood's career is rruly amazing, explained Marcin.

"He had tough competition nationally," said Manin. "He has received chis honor prior to his third year of teaching, which is just phenomenal."

While reaching agricultural marketing and price analysis (AGEC 3333) and quantitative price analysis (AGEC 4213) in rhe agriculrural economics department, orwood works hard to make a connection with his students. He strives to be creative and encouraging.

"I cry ro make my students really understand char I feel what I am doing is important," said Norwood.

In his classe , orwood stresses the importance of each lesson. Using examples and relaring class ro real-life experience help students understand the specific goal and purpose of each lesson explained orwood.

"Dr. orwood relate very well to his students," said Trapp. "He seems to always be looking for a novel way ro keep things inreresring."

Cole Gallaway, an agribusiness senior, said he appreciates orwood's style of reaching.

'He has us read books char re.laceeconomics to the real world," said Gallaway.

Building relarion hips with students inside and outside of the classroom is important to orwood. At the beginning of each year, he arranges a dodge ball game for his undergraduate students. "le is a way co get to know people," said Norwood. "I cry to go out of my way

Bailey Norwood becomes both pitcher and teacher during a unique ag econ lab. (photo

by Sarah Price}

40 CowboyJournal

BaileyNorwood (kneeling}measuresthe distanceNicholleRenshau/sball traveledas her classmateswait to take their mrn. Students in Norwood'scl.asses cariexpectto learn imide and outsidethe classroom. (photo by arah Price} to gee kids together, to meet them and ro

have fun with chem."

Coaching an academic bowl ream and serving as adviser for Aggie-X, an agriculrural economics club, are ocher ways Norwood interacts wirh srudenrs ourside of rhe classroom.

Kyle Hooper, an agricLdturaleconomics alwnnus, said he liked having orwood as a professor.

"Mose everyone likes to have a relationship with their professors," said Hooper. "You were able co have chat relationship wich him because he wa so personable."

Ar only 31, Norwood's age plays a role in building relation hips wirh his students.

"He connects with us very well," said Gallaway. "He is nor roo much older rhan all of us."

His age helps keep class interesting.

Humor plays a role in Norwood's classe .

"I have to make class fun," Norwood said, ''whether iris making it into a game or playing a joke in class."

Gallaway aid he enjoys each class he attends.

"He makes ic fun ro go rn," said Gallaway. "He show a lot of video clips and really get us involved."

Joining in di cussion and getting involved in lesson are encouraged 111 orwood's classes.

"He would bring food and pop co

class" said Hooper. "We were rewarded for participating in activities."

When he is not busy teaching or advising, orwood works on agricultural marketing research projects.

His award includes $2,000 for the purpose of strengthening in cmctional programs in the food and agricultural ciences, according to che CSREES Web sire.

The award money will be used for research on the value employers place on various college graduate accribute , said orwood. orwood said he feels honored and formnare cohave been selected for the ew Teacher Award.

"We have a good ad mini rracion here chat helps us get these awards," he said.

"Receiving this award shows that we are doing che righr things ar O U." Martin explained chat having a recipient of the new teacher award shows students at O U are taught by the best teachers in the coumry.

"This award reflect rhe culture of the college, as well as the commirmenr of our faculty for excellence in teaching," said Martin.

While orwood is rhe first CAS R faculty member to earn chis USDA award, rhe college's admini rracion knows he will not be the last. The administration's helpful artirude and outstanding faculty members, guarantees furure winners. CJ

Developing a renewablefuture forOklahoma

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by EverettBrazilIll, Cashion,Okla.

Oklahoma ha long been a major source of energy for rhe Unjced Scace . One of rhe nation's largest oil booms occurred in rhe scare in che early l 900s, and even today, Oklahoma has one of che nation's largest supplies of natural ga .

As petroleum supplies slowly are depleted, he world is searching for energy sources. Research ar Oklahoma rare University is developing sources for con umer u e from Oklahoma' mo c abundanc resource , including wind and grass.

Turningperennialgrassinto ethanol The prairie is a sea of waving gra s.

Endless waves greeted che pioneers as they made their way west through che Plains. With a prime location on rhe ouchern Plains, Oklahoma nor only has an abundance of waving grass, bur ir also contains plenty of fertile farmland ro grow ir. Researcher ac OSU are scudying chis plentiful resource as a source for ethanol for production.

The idea for che research project was first planred by former Oklahoma Gov. Henry BelJmon.

"[Bellmon] had beard abour chi type of process and wa..med ro take adva..nrage of Oklahoma's ability ro grow che grasses ro support che proce ," aid Ray Huhnke, professor in che U Deparcmenc of Biosystems and Agriculcural Engineering and a leader of the project.

The research, which began about five years ago, is a ream effort among different individuals, including researchers ar che University of Oklahoma and Mi si ippi Scare University. cienriscs smdy everything from che gra co the creation of ethanol. Huhnke's role is focused on the harvesting and srorage of che biomass and rhe gasification of che material, a process of burning char converts the biomass to several gases.

The research team ha succe sfully produced ethanol - bm only on a laboratory scale. Produccion has reached about 30 gallons of ethanol per ton of dry macerial, which is too lircle for commercial production, aid Huhnke. Outpuc should reach ar lease 60 gallons per ton of dry material before an echanol plane can be built, he aid.

Ray Huhnke holds a handful of switchgrass that will be procesred i11toethanol. (photo by Dwtin Mielke)

The ultimate goal is co make the process commercially viable and have a facility bujlr m process grass inm erhanol, said Huhnke. An OSU scudy predicted 30 jobs can be provided m area residents with a processing plam capable of producing 50 million gallons of ethanol per year, while local farmer , on che whole, can receive up to 7 million per year, said Huhnke.

Researchers plan m test different gra se grown in Oklahoma, bur for now, they are only scudying swicchgrass and bermudagrass.

"There has been a loc of interest from farmers [co grow rhe grasses], bur we haven't pursued chat yet," said Huhnke.

"We'U need producers at the commercial poinr, bur right now, we're too small."

Turningcanolaintobiodiesel When people chink of canola many chink of the healthiest cooking oil on che marker. However, cooking oil is not the only producr chat can be obrained from canola, and researchers ar OSU are crying to determine if che production of biodie el would be profirable in Oklahoma.

The interest in canola originally focu ed on che benefits from crop rotation and diversificarion.

"Some fields have grown wheat for more cha..nI 00 years," said Thomas Peeper, professor in the OSU Deparcmenr of Plant and oil ciences and a leader of che ca11ola project. "Every type of pest in wheat has favorable circumstances."

To break the pest cycle, farmer needed a rorarion crop. The first crop of canola was planted abour 15 yea.rsago but failed to survive the winter. In fall 2002 an OSU research station in Goodwell, Okla., grew a crop of cold-resistant canola with modest uccess. With success at a cold winter research station, researchers at the OSU campus in Scillwacer,Okla., decided co go ahead wich che project.

Following che fuse successfulseason of canola, researchers decided co cake che crop Spring2006 41

A wind turbine nt the Weatherfordwind fom,

generates electricity for westernOklahoma.(photo

by EverettBrazil II I.} to the farmers to determine if Oklahoma farmer would be willing ro grow rhe crop in cheir fields.

Research is still continuing with farmers in Oklahoma.

"We don't wan r co pu h coo fast," aid Peeper. "We wam co uy w teach farmers to raise canola- it may be more profitable rhan wheat."

Currenr research is derermining if a canola-crushing processing plant would be profitable in the stare. Researchers are srudying everything from projected acreage co the crop prices and the costs of building of a processing plant. They are determining if farmers would be willing to invest in a canola cooperative processing plant, said Phil Kenkel, professor in rhe O U Department of Agriculcural Economics and a researcher with che canola projecr.

"Ir guarantee the farmer [a place] in the canola market and helps the plane be successful,' he said.

Gerring a proces ing plane built in the scare would be a big step forward for canola production in Oklahoma. Currently, chere is nor a plant in the scare, but one is planned for Enid, Okla., with an opening date of June 2006. When the plant is builc, researchers still will need to determine whar to do wirh the canola.

"When rhe seed is crushed, they obrain a high-qualiry oil," said Peeper.

"Thar oil can be used for either biodiesel or cooking oil."

Rising diesel prices affecr most of the U.S. tran portation sy rem, and the

42 CowboyJournal

agricultural sector u e die el for operation.

The higher fuel prices are making ir more difficult for companies and producers to do business, said Peeper.

Biodiesel is gaining more acceptance a a fuel ource. Researcher are studying different crops rhac can be used to produce diesel, and more proces ing plant are being built across the country. There are 32 biodiesel plane in operation in the United tates today, producing 300 million gallons of diesel, said Kenkel.

With a canola processing plane, Oklahoma would have a cheaper, renewable fuel source and a produce for other race .

The canola processing planes will determine which product will be produced.

Oklahoma canola is shipped co biodiesel planes. Addirionally, che companie inceresced in building planes in Oklahoma intend to produce biodiesel, aid Kenkel.

"Ifl were co build one [a plane] righr now, ir' a lirrle more likely I'd go biodiesd," said Kenkel.

TumingwindIntoelectrldty Windmill are nor new ro Oklahoma.

Since rhe days of the Land Run of 1889, farmers have builr windmill across rhe scare, using the abundant wind co pump warer from rhe ground. While windmills have been used for many years to generate elecrriciry for privare use, they have been built to generate elecrriciry for public consumption only in rhe pasr few years.

Oklahoma cmrendy ha three wind farms. The farms in Lawcon, Okla., and Woodward, Okla., were builc in 2003, while the Weatherford, Okla., wind farm i still under con truccion. Additional wind turbines are projected, wich plans to double the izes of the wind farms in Lawcon and Weatherford.

"This i n't something whose rime will come in 10 years· rhese [wind farms] are producing elecrriciry now," said teve Stadler, climarologisc and profes or in che 0 U Department of Geology.

The farms are builc on private lands bur are owned by our-of-scare utiliry companies. The Companie lease the properry from the owners and pay them for the use of the land. The elecrriciry generated by the turbines is owned by che power companies and sold to local electric cooperatives for use by Oklahomans.

Uriliry companies use rwo method co pay land owners: royalties and fixed payment . Royalrie are paid a a percent-

age of elecrriciry produced, similar to oil wells. The other option is fixed payments which are u ually $2,500 to $3,500 per year per turbine, said Greg Adams, farmer from Buffalo, Okla., and president of che Oklahoma Renewab.le Energy Council.

Adams is working with a company in Edmond, Okla. co bring more turbines co the northwest comer of rhe scare.

"All companies are competing, o all percentages and royalties are about rhe same," he aid.

Gening a uciliry company co build on your properry can be a difficult cask, aid Adams. Locarion for wind farms are determined boch by rhe wind resource available and by acces to large-scale power grids. Developmem companies send their own ream of experrs ro look at different locacions suitable for wind farms.

Afrer a locarion has been determined and che comraccs have been signed, a ream of engineers for che development company looks at rhe block ofland co determine rhe layout of che farm. Once planning for rhe farm is finished, consuuccion crews build the wind turbines. The lengch of rime to build a farm is determined by rhe overall size of the farm and rhe number of turbines co be builc.

Having a wind farm on private properry does not mean it can no longer be used for agriculrural production. The wind turbines are spread our among many acres and pieces of properry, and each rurbine only occupies about l 00 square feet of land, said Adams.

"Uciliry- cale wind farms don't limit production, bur rhey do change the properry '' he said. "It's not pristine, native pasture land, bur the revenue sueams are pretty profitable."

'The revenue earned is anorher advantage co having wind turbines on rhe properry. The energy revenue can exceed chat of many agriculrural commodirie , such as caccle and wheat, said Adams. "!e's a very profitable use of the land," he said.

Mo t of the pocential for wind energy has already been mapped. TI1eOklahoma Wind Power Iniciacive, which is a joint project berween OSU and OU, has worked to asses the wind power within the scare.

The group has no cies to any of the wind farms - ic was created four years before rhe fir r farm were built. The original goal of rhe organization was to determine where the be c locations to harvest wind would

be. Stadler has been with che organization &om rhe beginning.

"We knew wind power would be very big in rhe U. ., and we wanced Oklahoma involved in it," said Scadler.

Tim Hughes, who at rhe rime was ac OU, and Stadler worked ro measure wind for rhe Oklahoma Mesonet, which is an important, on-going agricultural cool char mea ures climatic condition , induding wind speed wind direction, rainfall and temperature. l11ey created the instruments used ro measure wind speed across che care and were behind efforts ro place the in truments in all 77 counries.

Although rhe insrrumenr garherwind dara for the on-going Mesoner project, they also have been used co gather daca for the OWP[ project, modeling where in the state most of the wind is located.

Researchers wirh the project wanr to scudy the wind more but they need upgraded instruments ro further the research.

Currenr instruments measure the wind ar IO meters, which is considerably shorter rhan many modern wind rowers. Wind turbines can be built higher than 50meters above the ground, said tadler.

"Ar char height, the wind moves differendy- ic' a lirde bit fasrer," he said. "We know whar rhe pattern are, bur we wane ro know more about rhc resource."

Because much of rhe wind daca already ha been mapped, the OWPI has shifted its focus from resear h co education. Many people don't understand wind farms or the eleccricicy produced by the wind, so the OWPI is educating the public about the resource, aid tadler.

While experts agree wiHd power will never provide all of Oklahoma' electricicy needs, mosc agree generating electricicy from che wind is great for Oklahoma, especially in rhe western counties.

"Ir's a good idea to be in chis game for rural development," said radler.

While it's doubtful iliese resources will meet Oklahoma's energy needs, they will go far in lowering the nation's dependence on petroleum and reaffirm Oklahoma's position as an energy leader. l 1

For more about renewableenergy,the fallowing contactscanprovide information: Ray Huhnke, professor,OSU Department of Biosystemsand Agricultural Engineering at (405) 744-6059 or http://www.biosystems. okstate.edu; Thomas Peepe1;professor, OS U Department of Plant and Soil Sciencesat (405) 744-6425 or http://www.pss. okstate.edu;

Oki homa'srenewablefuture Oklalloma is a rural scare. With wideopen spaces and fertile farm land rhe srare ha the resource co produce renewable energy. Beyond rhe resources covered in chis story, hydropower, geothermal power and solar power bring energy ro Oklahoma, and the scare is raking advantage of its renewable energy potential.

Phil Kenkel, profess01;OSU Department of Agricultural Economics at (405) 744-6161 orhttp://www.agecon. okstate.edu;and

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Monitoringthe weather

by AliciaEvicks,Wilburton,Okla.

Highs in the 100s. Lows in the single digits and below. Humidity. Wind. Snow.

Ice storms. Thunderstorms. Tornadoes.

Oklahoma weather is uncontrollable, but it is nor unpredictable. The Oklahoma Mesonet allows residents co plan around rhe weather.

When it all started In che J980s, Oklahoma Scace University and the University of Oklahoma saw the need for a comprehensive weather monicoring system co be introduced co che stare. OSU wanted co know more about the weather and cbe environment co help agriculture and natural resomces, and OU wanted co expand upon its reputation as a leading meteorology establishment.

In 1991, rhe universities and rhe Oklahoma Climacological Survey received funding co design and build the Oklahoma Mesonet. As of 1994, the nerwork was fully operational and has been improving ever since.

"The rwo universities have worked together very closely,and it's been a very productive relationship," said Ronald Elliott, department head for OSU Deparcment of Biosystems and Agriculmral Engineering. "To the besc of our knowledge, the Mesonec is rhe premier real-rime weather monitoring nerwork in the country."

The Mesoner is funded through che scare legislature, external grams, local TV networks and federal sources, said J.D. Carlson, associate researcher for rhe OSU Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering.

What is the Mesonet?

Mesonec is a combination of the meteorological term "mesoscale,"which refers 44 CowboyJournal

co a weather event, like a thunderstorm, chat can range in size &om one mile co 150 miles and can lase several minutes ro several hours and the word "network," said Carlson. This system measures the environment of Oklahoma in mesoscale weather patterns, giving residents accurate information.

"The Oklahoma Mesoner is an extremely valuable cool to determine current and past weather conditions and as an aid in day-co-day planning," said Joshua Morris, a master's student in the OSU Department of Plane and Soil Sciences.

The Oklahoma Mesonet system includes 116 automated stations covering Oklahoma's 77 counties. Each station monitors the environment with instruments located on or near a 10-meter-tall rower. The observations from these cowers are then transmitted using the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telecommunications System ro a central facility every five minures.

The Oklahoma Climarological Survey, located in Norman, Okla., verifies the quality of the observations and provides the data ro the public. The whole process, from che rime the measurements are taken ro che titne ir reaches the public, typically takes no longer than 15 minutes.

Data collected from the stations include air cemperamre, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, barometric pressure, rainfall, solar radiation, soil temperature and soil moisrure. The main way for Oklahoma residents to access Mesoner information is co connect to the Mesoner's Web sire.

How the Mesonethelpsagriculture Dara gathered from rhe Mesoner are

packaged and placed on a Web site tailored for agriculture. This site, "Oklahoma Agweather," is easy to use and provides ail of the larest and mosr recent weather information available, said Carlson.

"We average close to 5,000 unique users a month," said Al Sutherland, Mesonet extension specialist for che Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service.

Weather is a key factor when making decisions dealing with agriculture and natural resources, said Elliott. For those using the Agweather Web sire, these decisions can be made with greater ease and reassurance.

"We do use the Mesonec a lot," said Jeannie Hileman, manager of Farmers Cooperative Gin in Carnegie, Okla. "My farmers call constantly ro check humidity levels. l think a majority of my progressive farmers in chis area probably have rhe Agweather site bookmarked as one of their favorite sites."

Information about soil conditions, weather conditions, environmental conditions, management questions, links to commodity markets, OSU production publications and links ro producer associations can be found on the Agweather Web site.

Sutherland said agricultural models found on the sire can help producers reduce irrigation and pest control expenses.

The Evapotranspirarion Model can help monitor crop water use. Other models found on rhe sire can help crack disease infection hours and indicate the best time to apply a fungicide. 'foe sire also has pest concrol models to help in concrolling such things as weevils.

The Agweacher Web site helps track environmental concerns such as fire danger

and pollutant dispersion. The Oklahoma Fire Danger Model is an internationally recognized model char help in decisions related to wildfires and prescribed burns, according to the Agweather Web sice.

"The rhing I use the Mesoner mo t for i our prescribed burning business," said J. Grant Huggins of Resource Sreward in Ardmore, Okla. "We primarily use ir for forecasting weather because weather conditions are extremely important on a burning day. We have to know che best forecast possible to predict wind speed and direction and humidity."

Carlson said che Oklahoma Mesonec provides ocher benefit co re idenrs. Important weather information impacting emergency management, education in schools, energy savings plans such as wind and solar energy, weather forecasting and droughr management are aided by the Mesonet.

"Ic's just a very useful cool," said Allen Terry, general manager of Central OK ervices in arshall, Okla. "You can get some real detail on what the cloud are do-

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ing around you or what the wind i doing around you and pinpoint your location."

Emergency management officials use the Mesonet in rimes when wind and precipitation could maximize an already dangerous situation. This system al o i used if there is a need for evacuation because of weather condition . The Oklahoma Deparcmenr of Agriculture, Food and Forestry use the Mesonet data co declare "red flag fire alert" day , which are days thar have a higher risk for spreading fires.

Carlson said the Mesonec provides more frequent and densely spaced data co forecasters, which result in bener lead time for warnings is ued by the National Weacher ervice. Rainfall coralsare used to anticipate drought sicuacions and co provide an overview of che scace'scondition.

Thefutureof the Mesonet '"The sky's the Umic' for Mesoner," said Sutherland.

Elliot said rhe Oklahoma Mesoner is che world's most extensive and data-rich

weather sy tern; the challenge is to figure our ways co use all the data it provides.

Research is being done every day to create new models and charts for producers and residents co use.

Residents of Oklahoma have a fantastic resource at their disposal, said Ellion. The Mesoner offers all the weather information one would need in making weather-related decisions.

"Jr is a tremendous resource," said Ellion. "Some are taking advantage of it, and many more could." (.1 For more information, visit the Mesonet Web site at http:llwww.mesonet.org or visit the Oklahoma Agweather Web site at http:llagweather.mesonet.org.

Photos:Oklahoma'sweatheris bestexplainedvisually.Photosprovidedby (fromleft) Toddjohn,on, AgriculturalCommunicationsServices;National Oceanicand AtmosphericAdministration;j.D. Carlson,OSU Departmentof Biosystems and AgricultumlEngineerin~OklahomaClimatological Survey;Danny Cheresnich,OklahomaClimatologicalSurvey;and OklahomaMesonet.

The rate's record low of 27 below zero occurred Jan. 18, 1930, ac Wares.

On Feb. 4, 1996, tillwa[er's Mesonec station reponed a low of 18 below zero.

In March, temperatures in che teens may warm co the 80 after only a few days .

In April, rarely does a week pass when there are no severe rhunderscorm or cornado watches blanketing part of the stare.

Seveney comadoe were reported in the state May 3, 1999.

On June 8 1988, a temperature of 115 was recorded ar the Alms Air Force Base, which was the highe t temperature recorded for char day in the nation.

In July, remperacures frequently exceed 100 .

The cities of Lahoma and Drummond were in the path of a devasracing hail storm thar featured baseball- ized hail stones and wind measuring as high as 113 mph Aug. 17, 1994. eptember pre enc a rran irion between bot ummer days and cool winter nights .

In Lawton, the wind chill factor plummeted co more than 20 below zero, just rwo day after an overnight low of 60 in October 1986.

In 2002, Tulsa ser a record high temperarure of 84 for November.

On Christmas Day l 987, an ice corm left more chan 60,000 Oklahoma homes without electricity, as wires began co collap e under rhe weight of rhe ice.

Informarion provided by rhe Oklahoma Climarolo ical Survey

Spring 2006 45

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• BAEteamswin bigat nationalcompetitions

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by MarcusAshlock, Harrison, Ark. Students in the Oklahoma Seate University biosysrems and agricultural engineering departmem have continued the tradition of winning big ar national competitions.

The Cowboy Motorsporrs ream set our to design and build a 1/4-scale pulling tractor for an incernarional collegiate competition sponsored by the American Society of Agriculrural Engineers. Having encered the contest since 1998, the OSU team had placed fourch until 2004 when it won first place. In the summer of 2005, che team successfully defended its tide, ecuring another first place win.

Cowboy Waterworks i another srudenc organization focused on design and application. Competing in the G.B. Gun logson Fountain Wars Design Competition in Tampa this summer, the design team won first place.

According to the ream's brochure, srudent get the opportunity co gain handson, real-rime knowledge of hydraulic design and modeling.

Agricultural engineering seniors Joe Biggerstaff, a Mocorsports team member from Medford, Okla., and Brian Dillard,

Ryan Haar (left) and Justin Streerdrive home schoolspirit during the "Seaof Orange"homecoming parade. 7heyare repmentativesof the CowboyMotorsportsteam driving the tractorstheydesignedand built. (photoby arah Price)

Waterworks ream member from Caney, Okla., echoed each ocher when describing the benefit of participating in such events.

When asked about che most enjoyable

aspect of being on one of the ream , both Biggerstaff and Dillard said it was che "teamwork" and "getting the opportunity ro apply what we've learned." ( l

• StonewinsOSU'shighestfacultyaward

by Marcus Ashlock, Harrison, Ark. Oklahoma careUniversity's Eminent Faculry Award for 2005 was presented co Marvin cone, regents professor in the 0 U Depanmenc of Biosyscem and Agricultural Engineering in the OSU College of Agriculrural Sciences and acural Re ource . cone was recognized for hi outstanding contributions in reaching and research. "l was a little urpri ed Marvin Stone (left) accepts his award from OSU Presiactually," aid tone when dent David chmidly. Stone's work in teaching and research asked about his feelings in has earned him O U's Eminent Fawlty Award. (photo by winning the award. "It i very ToddJohnson) gratifying co be recognized

by your colleagues within rhe university.

Ir' al o humbling, as chere are a lor of faculty who are much more qualified rhan I am to receive the award."

According ro O U administration information, the award is che highe c and most prestigious honor given co facuJry members of the O U system.

Hi cudents agree his award was earned.

"Dr. cone dedicates so much of his life co his research and co hi scudenrs," said Kristen tephens, an agricultural engineering junior from Kingfisher, Okla. "The time and caring attitude he puts coward rhe cudencs allows him ro be deserving of chis award." ( .l

Spring2006 47

• Takea classyouwillneverforget

by MichelleClogston,Afton,Okla. sity Divi ion of Agricultural Sciences and arural Resources offers up ro IO srudyabroad programs each year. In 2006, more than 100 rudencs will travel the world.

Advanced planning is required for srudy-abroad programs.

Although all O scudenrs are eligible during any semester, financial planning is necessary.

The programs co t between $1,000 w $2,000, plu airfare, cuirion for credit hours and spending money.

De tinacions and deparrure rimes for the rwo-week projohn KyleEvicks(left)and SteveFowkrenjO)' a tripin a gondQutin ¼nice, grams in 2006 are Italy,on a study-abroadtrip. (photobyAlicia Evicks) co Honduras during Looking for an exciting way to study?

The Office of Incernarional Agricultural Programs in the Oklahoma State Univer-

spring break; co China, England, Japan, Mexico, Icaly and Peru in May after finals week; and co Thailand during winter break.

Along with learning about ocher culmres, srudy-abroad programs give srudems che opportunity to get m know professors and make life-long friendships.

"People go to find out about ocher counrries bur find our a !or about themselves," said David Henneberry, assistant dean of international agriculrural programs. "Every course we have has something special and unique about ic." C •1

For moreinformationabout upcoming study abroad trips, call (405) 744-5398 or sendan e-mail to david.hennebeny@okstate. edu. To visit the InternationalAg;icuitural ProgramsWeb site, click on international Travelat http://cmnr.okstate.edu, andfallow the internationalagriculturelink.

• Newmajorbornto createleaders

by AmberHarrell-Simmons, Rogers,Ark. Oklahoma rate University's College of Agriculcural ciences and acural Resources ha added a new major in agriculrural leadership within rhe OSU Depanm nt of Agricultural Education, Communications and 4-H Youth Developmenc.

The agricultural leadership major is built on five core value : commitment to agriculture, aurhentic leadership, open minds crirical chinking and professionalism.

"The five concepts are incegraced rhroughout the curriculum," said Penny

Pennington, assistant professor in agricultural leader hip at O U. Agricultural leadership tudenr are given "a broad-based sense of agriculrure," said Pennington. Outside of leader hip coursework, srudenrs become familiar with agriculture through cour ework in areas such as agricultural economics, animal science, and plant and oil sciences.

Srudems who are interested in studying leadership may pursue a major or a minor in the field. A minor requires 20 hour of agriculrural leadership coursework and a major requires 120 hour of coursework.

Agriculrural leadership will have its first graduates in May 2006. There are approximately 40 students in thi major.

Along with the founding of the new major is the founding of a tudenc organizacion, the Leadership League. The Leader hip League is for srudenrs pur uing leadership within an agricultural context.

0 U i the first university co recognize an undergraduate program in agriculcural leadership. TheAssociation of Leadership Educators recognized agriculrural leadership at OSU as the outstanding program of the year in July 2005. ( ·,

• Cowboybecomesnewvet dean

by RandallHeldermon,Hinton,Okla.

A new dean has been appointed m rhe Oklahoma State Vniver icy Cenrer for Veterinary Healrh Sciences. Michael D. Lorenz was chosen for rhe job, after serving three years as the interim dean. orenz is che first OSU alumnus co serve as dean. He received a bachelor's degree from OSU in l 967 and his doctorate of vererinary medicine in 1969.

48 CowboyJournal

"Ir is a !or of fun," said Lorenz.

"I know a !or of rhe people chat I get co work with, and they make this job even bener."

Lorenz trained at Cornell University and was board certified in 1976. He spenr 16 year ac the Univer icy of Georgia and six years ar Kansas Srace University. He served as professor and as ociate dean for

academic affairs at the vet school for four years before becoming interim dean in 2001. ( I Dean Michael D. Lorenz (photo by KimberlyNabors)

AG ALUMNI

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NEWS

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Celebratingsuccess If you take a good lookaround the Col- leadershipand service to the campus and lege of Agricultural Sciencesand Natural community and have broughtdistinction to Resourcesat Oklahoma State University, OSU CASNR studentswho wererecognized you'll be able to find many successesin our include Michael Albert, Beaver, Okla., students,faculty and staff landscapearchitecturemajor with a minor OSU gained national attention when in international business;Ashleigh Boggs, one of our students was electedpresident of Cyr#, Okla., agribusinessand pre-law emthe National FFA Organization.TravisJett, phasis with a minor in English;TraciHarp, an agribusiness/pre-law juniorfrom Laverne Pawnee,Okla., biochemistryand molecular Okla., saw his dream becomereality when biology;Jordan Russell, Freedom, Okla., he was electedto the office Oct. 29, 2005. agribusinessmajor with a minor in political He will take a year off of schoolto travelthe science;Stephen Tidwelt, Marlow, Okla., countryto meet with FFA members,agriculbiochemistryand molecularbiology;Nicole titre teachers,FFA supporters,and business, Stec,FortSmith, Ark., animafsciencemajor; governmentand educationleaders. and Jess Waddell Sutton, Neb., animal sciAgriculturaleconomicsAssistantProfes- encepre-veterinarymedicine. sorBaileyNorwoodmade O U historywhen Worknearscompletionon the new Stuhe receivedthe New TeacherAward from dent SuccessCenterlocatedon thefirstfloor of the USDA Food and Agric.t!tural cienw Ag Hall. 7J,ecenteris designedas a "home" Excellencein Collegeand Univmity Teach- fa,·all aspects related to student developingAwardsProgram.While the New Teacher ment, including recruitment,retentionand Award categoryis new thisyear;the awards assistancewith employmentopportunities folprogramhas been in placefor 14 years.His lowinggraduation. Weencouragealumni to award marksthefirst time OSU hasreceived comeseethe new Student SuccessCenterand one of theseUSDA awards (Page39). interact with our outstandingstudentsand 7he OSU Alumni Associationhastaken staff You can learn moreabout the Student noticeof the successes of severalCASNR stuSuccessCenteron Page7. dentsand presentedthem with the Seniorsof Thanks to a significant increase in SignificanceAward. Ihis award recognizes recurringfunding provided by the 2005 students who have exce!Ledin scholarship, Oklahomalegislaturefor researchand coop-

erativeextensioncalledthe Second Century Initiative, coupledwith O U Presidentand System CEO David Schmidly'sRestore,Reward and Growpmgram, CASNR isfilling a number of newfacultypositions.7hesenew positions are in key areasthat wili provide greatopportunitiesfor students,alumni and stakehol.ders.

A secondphase of the Second Century Initiative wiLIbe proposedin the 2006 legislativesession.

7he Ag Alumni Association board is planning the 2006 AccessTow: Pleasesee Page 20 for more information abo1;.tthe 2005 AccessTour.Previoustourswerequite successfulandprovidedyet anotheropportunity to interact with CA NR alumni.

We arealwayslookingforopportunities to createmoreties betweenour studentsand alumni. Our alumni arean importantaspect of CASNR, and we lookforward to working with you in theyears to come.

RobertE. Whitson VicePresident Dean and Director Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources OklahomaState University

AgAlumnihostbarbecue

OklahomaA&M Collegeclassof 1355 receiveda warm welcomeat the AgricultureAlumni Association HomecomingBarbecue.1he celebrationmarked their 50th anniversaryas Collegeof AgriculturalSciencesand Nar:ural&sourcesgraduates.7iventy-fauralum, remmed to cheeron their OklahomaState UniversityCowboysagaimt the Universityof TexasLonghom,. (photoby Alicia Evicks)

The Oklahoma Stace Universi cy Agriculture Alumni Association hosted more man 400 alumni, faculry, students and friends of che college ac its annual homecoming barbecue Oct. 29. During the event che a sociacion honored 5-, 10-, 25- and 50-year graduates and elected a new board of director .

All honorees received a CA R lapel pin and the 50-year graduates in attendance received a collector's cap: Lawrence Adams, Andy Alexander, Delbert Black, Bill Chitwood, Everett Cole, Daryl Davis, Thad Forre ter, Floyd Hawk, Jack Hildinger, James Marler, Jim McElhany, Tom Mikles George all, Marion Owen, Richard Price John Pursell, Eugene Reeves,Larry Sams, Carl Shafer,Don Sherrill, Jack cour, Charles Tefft, Milton Wells and Kirk Woodworm.

Spring2006 49

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AgAlumniBoard Barry Bessinger 542 unset Drive Warnnga, OK 73772 Wes Elliot Route 1 Box 1660

Elk Ciry, OK 73644 Brent Garvie

P.O. Box 76 Burlington, OK 73722

Jason Harvey 906 Sabra Pass El Reno, OK 73036 Clay Jones P.O. Box 749 Durant, OK 74702

Brent Kisling 100 USDA Suite 108 tillwater, OK 74074

JamiLongacre P.O. Box 460 Kellyville, OK 74039

C.L.AS.S.Conference The College of Agricultural cience and arnral Resource invites alumni ro join in celebrating the accomplishmems and furure successes of its current and former students during r.he fourrh annual rearing Life Accomplishments beyond tudem uccess Conference.

Wich a focu on premier per onal and professional development for individuals interested in leading the future of agriculture and natural resources, the C.L.A. . .

Conference combines oucscanding, inceracrive and educational activities for all CAS R students and alumni.

Initiated in 2002, the . L.A. . . onference began as a professional development experience for A R graduating seniors to aid rhese young leaders in making a smooch transition into their new role a working profe sionals or graduate students.

The vi ion for the C.L.A. . . Conference has evolved wirh a new mission of providing opportunities for personal and profes ional developmenr on issues relevant to the entire CAS R student body, as well as alumni.

Parricipanrs garher ro learn about issues and topics chat relate ro both rheir per onal and profe ional lives.

They share their experiences, ideas and

be r practices in support of a brighr future for the agriculture and narnral resources industries.

In addition eniors graduating from CA Rare recognized for their accomplishmems and achievements.

C.L.A.S.. Conference is an outstanding opporruniry for learning, celebrarion and fellowship wirb members of the AS R family.

The 2006 C.L.A.S. . Conference is Feb. 4, 2006, on the OSU campus.

Workshop copiesfor cni year'sconferen e include advocacingfor agriculture and natural resources, innovarions in agrit:ourism, workplace diversification, homeland ecuriry issues in agriculcure and ochers.

The evem also will include a unique opportunicy ro "speed nerwork" with ocher alumni and current srudems and a chance co show your "orange power'' during a warch parry for rhe Oklahoma ScaceUniverisry vs. Kansas rare Universiry men' ba ketball game.

Conference registration is 10 per person for student and alumni, with free regi tracion for graduacing seniors. Regiscracion deadline is Jan. 25, 2006.

More information is available under "Events and Calendar" on the Career Services Web ire at http://www.casnr.com.

Linda C. Martin 136 Ag Hall

tillwater, OK 74078

Jack Pritchard 3401 . Rose Road Stillwater, OK 74075

SheJJyRamsey 7504 Scarion Master Road Jones, OK 73049

Kim Spady Route 2 Box 90 Hinton

OK 73047

Steve Upson 2510 am oble Ardmore, OK 73401

Wayne Walters Route 1 Box I 660 Canute, OK 73626

50 CowboyJournal

Thep Phongparnich (right), president of Maejo University in Thailand, received OS Us Distinguished International Alumni Award on Nov. I 2, 2005. Phongparnichgraduated from OSU in 1978 with a doctorate in agricultural education. He celebrated with the members of his graduate committee: Cecil Dugger (left), R.ayCampbell Bob Terry1111d Jim Key (photo by David Henneberry)

Supporting everystep to studentsuccess Forestry Horticulture

Landscape Architecture Landscape Contracting AnimalScience

Plant& SoilSciences

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Pre-Law

Sciences Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering Pre-Medical Agricultural Economics

Entomology

Pre-Veterinary Sciences

Agricultural Education

Environmental Science

TurfManagement

Agricultural Leadership

FoodScience

Agribusiness Agricultural Communications

destinationCASN R

College ofAgricultural • 136Agricultural Hall•Stillwater, OK Cowboy Journal Oklahoma StateUniversity Department of Agricultural Education, Communications and4-HYouthDevelopment 448Agricultural Hall Stillwater, OK74078-6031

• ldahoma StateUniversity casnr.com • info@casnr.com