Collegiate
Farm Bureau celebrates 20 years
Jena Thompson, posted Nov. 15, 2006
For
20 years, Mizzou Collegiate Farm Bureau has given members
an opportunity to be heard, get involved and make a difference
in Missouri agriculture. Approximately 40 members, Missouri
Farm Bureau staff and supporters gathered Wednesday, Nov.
8 at a banquet in Eckles Hall to celebrate that accomplishment.
“The highlight of the year is that it is our 20th Anniversary,”
Ashley Noblitt, Collegiate Farm Bureau president said. “We
were the first Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter in the nation,
and we are very proud of this honor.”
Harry Flock and LeRoy Deles Dernier, two men instrumental
in the creation of Collegiate Farm Bureau were present to
share in the special evening. “I know myself along with
all the other Collegiate Farm Bureau members had never met
Harry Flock or LeRoy Deles Dernier,” Noblitt said. “It
is important to know where you came from to know where to
go in the future.”
Missouri Farm Bureau staff members Jack Maxwell, the director
of Field Services and Young Farmer and Rancher activities,
and the Chief Administrative Officer Dan Cassidy presented
the chapter with a plaque of recognition.
Maxwell has been involved in many Collegiate Farm Bureau chapters
throughout the state. “Some of the best things that
come out of Collegiate Farm Bureau chapters are when everyone
can get together. Students have the opportunity to network
with other students and employers.” He also says that
through agricultural forums members get to actually see and
participate in the creation and progress of agricultural policy.
“They get to be players in the game,” Maxwell
said.
Great players are a result of great coaches, and an award
was created this year to honor the late Bruce Bullock, a former
advisor for Mizzou CFB. The award recognizes a Collegiate
Farm Bureau member who displays the values and traits that
Bullock possessed and encouraged among his students. “Dr.
Bullock was our advisor from the very beginning until the
time of his death and was one of the biggest supporters of
our students and organization,” Noblitt said. “The
award does not do him justice but it is a great way to honor
him.” CAFNR senior Sara Muri was the first recipient
of the award.
The Collegiate Farm Bureau motto is to promote interest in
and open avenues of dialog on issues important to rural agriculturalists,
while providing extracurricular social and educational opportunities.
“Through events like Farm Forum, Legislative Day, Food
Check Out Day, Ag in the Classroom, Resolutions, Legislative
and Missouri Farm Bureau internships, Young Farmers and Ranchers
Conference, Annual Meeting, Discussion Meet, Fall Hayride,
Spring BBQ and several other activities we are able to fulfill
our mission,” Noblitt said.
