Department of Agriculture
Newsletter
FALL 2008
Dear Alumnus,
I hope this newsletter finds all of you well. We have had a
year full of projects, personnel changes, budget crunches,
and record prices for everything we buy and sell. But we
can always count on a new class of bright and nervous
freshman to keep us on our toes.
In regard to our faculty and staff, our newest faculty
member is Dr. Stephen King. Dr. King is a native of
Washington State. He received his BS degree in Agricultural
economics at Washington State, he received his MS and
Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University and he had been
teaching at the University of California San Diego before
accepting our offer. Dr. King has been with us since
January. Welcome, Stephen.
Dr. King has the difficult task of taking over for Dr. Alvin
Bedel. Dr. Bedel will still be with us on the optional
retirement plan. Dr. Bedel will teach one class each
semester for the next four years. We miss having Al around
everyday but we are always happy to see him each Tuesday
and Thursday.
Mr. Tim Jones is our new L.D. Brown Agricultural Exposition
Center Director. Tim comes to us from the Kentucky Horse
Park in Lexington. Tim is a UK graduate and had been
employed by the Horse Park for more than 15 years. Tim is
completing this first year at the Expo and we are most
pleased with all his efforts. Tim is being ably assisted by
our former interim director Mr. Rhodes Hester.
The most recent change in the WKU Ag family has come in
the form of good news for the Pike family. Mr. Andy Pike,
our dairy herdsman, was accepted into vet school at Auburn
University. Congratulations, Andy! We are at present
conducting a search to fill the position.
We have several projects going on at the University Farm
that we hope will prove to have long term benefit. Our
biodiesel project is a joint project between the Department
of Engineering and Agriculture. The plan is to convert all of
the used cooking oil collected from campus and convert it
to biodiesel. We are constructing this conversion facility
behind the Taylor Center. If you come to Homecoming, or
any other time, we will be glad to show you what we have
developed. The first batch of biodiesel should be made
before Thanksgiving.
The next project is the compost heated greenhouse. This
project is designed to capture the heat given off by the
decomposition of leaves and use it to heat a greenhouse.
We have concrete footers in the ground and the compost
heat bed is 50% completed. The greenhouse is on site and
will be assembled by the faculty and students. We expect
to be fully operational by the end of this school year.
We have converted our Nature Center into a Ropes
Challenge Course. For those of you that didn‘t know we had
a Nature Center, it is the wooded area across from the
fields on Bennett Lane. This course has high elements and
low elements and is open for use by the public and WKU
students. Reservations can be made through the WKU
Outdoor Recreation Department. It is really something to
see, just another reason to attend Homecoming.
By the time you read this, we will have been visited by Dr.
Temple Grandin, a world expert on Livestock Handling
Facilities. She more or less single handedly changed the
way livestock are slaughtered in this country. She has a
Ph.D from Colorado State University, where she works and
is considered one of the most high functioning autistic
individuals in the world. This will be her second visit to WKU
and a great opportunity for our students. Her visit is
scheduled for September 3rd and 4th.
There is much more we could tell you about, but you just
need to come for a visit and sit a spell.
Thanks,
Jack Rudolph
Department Head
ANNUAL ALUMNI HOMECOMING LUNCHEON
November 1, 2008 at 12:00 noon
AG EXPO CENTER
Please call 745-3151 to RSVP —Tickets $15.00
WKU Glasgow Regional Campus Students Travel to Costa Rica
Three students received the opportunity of a lifetime to
experience agriculture in a foreign country. Lindsie Kinslow
of Glasgow, Crystal Walden of Cave City, and Steven Dale
Lyon of Monroe boarded a plane heading towards San Jose,
Costa Rica on January 8, 2008. Agriculture Instructor,
Kristie Guffey, took these three WKU Glasgow Regional
Campus students to Costa Rica for a ten day agriculture
tour.
They arrived in San Jose and toured Café Britt, a world
renowned coffee producer and manufacturer. The students
were able to see the harvesting of the popular highland
coffee bean. The students traveled to a papaya, tapioca,
and loufa farm. They were able to see bananas harvested
and processed for American exportation. They witnessed the
exotic wildlife of the National Park of Tortuguero. From
toucans, crocodiles, iguanas, lizards and many more exotic
species; the Glasgow students saw first hand how
preservation and restoration of our earth enables
biodiversity to strengthen and prosper.
L to R: Lindsie Kinslow, Steven Lyon, Crystal Walden, and
Kristie Guffey.
The students were able to visit the rainforest by traveling
through a zipline above the clouds. Regardless of the
heights, the views of natural habitat, wildlife, and the beauty
of the country were magnified while traveling through the
rainforest. They saw the popular, active Arenal Volcano. Its
immense presence and the steam that rose from its massive
peaks were phenomenal.
We traveled from Coast to Coast and from Volcanoes to
lakes. This experience was a life changing educational
adventure for these three Glasgow students. Special thanks
goes to Dr. Juanita Bayless for her continued support of
agriculture and international travel.
L to R: Steven Lyon, Lindsie Kinslow, Kristie Guffey, and
Crystal Walden.
101 Reasons to Share a Pint with a Friend
The Department of Agriculture will sponsor its third annual Blood Drive for the
American Red Cross during Homecoming Week. We expect to exceed the
previous donations of 495 and 569 pints in the first and second drives. Our
hope is to have the Blood Drive become a traditional part of the Homecoming
Celebration. The awarding of scholarships and other prizes continue as part of
the tradition. In addition to the intrinsic value of blood donations, the Blood
Drive provides numerous opportunities for students, faculty, and the greater
community to share a common cause. We invite you to join other Hilltoppers in
making a blood donation as part of your Homecoming Celebration. The 2008
Blood Drive will be at Garrett Ballroom on Monday, October 27th from 12-6,
Tuesday, October 28th from 9-7, and Wednesday, October 29th from 9-3.
If you would like to make a gift to the Agriculture
Department at WKU, please make checks payable to the ―WKU
Foundation‖.
Donations can be mailed to:
Department of Agriculture
Western Kentucky University
1906 College Heights Blvd #41066
Bowling Green, KY 42101
We appreciate your continued support of WKU Agriculture!
Agronomy News
Student News
Four undergraduate and one graduate student were involved
in the 2007 Southern Regional Soil Judging Competition
which was hosted by Eastern Kentucky University. Students
who participated in the contest were Phillip Cox, Adam
Denney, Eric Ferguson, and Carrie Simmons. Coaches were
Joey Reynolds (graduate student), Darwin Newton and Becky
Gilfillen. These four undergraduate students also competed
in the NACTA Contest hosted by Tarleton State University in
Stephenville, TX in April 2008. The students placed 6 th in
this contest, only being separated by 100 points from the
first place team.
Research
The Agronomy Faculty continues to focus on research in the
area of Waste Management in cooperation with the USDAARS unit located at the WKU Farm. Research projects
include the use of poultry litter as a fertilizer source to grow
forage and field crops. A new project began in 2006 to look
at remediation of soils containing accumulations of
nutrients. Soil fertility was based on a prescription based
application to allow excess nutrients to be used by the
growing crop. Drs. Becky Gilfillen and Todd Willian as well as
Research Technician Naomi Rowland made presentations at
New Orleans, LA last November at the American Society of
Agronomy Meetings.
Our research continues this summer – we are assisted in
our efforts by our Technician Naomi Rowland who directs the
efforts of Graduate Students Todd Ballard and Zheng Wang
and Undergraduate Assistants Tara Holaday, Eric Ferguson
and Crystal Walker. Ongoing research projects include the
following:
Influence of Hybrid Choice, Plant Population and In-Row
Spacing Variability on Field Corn Grain Yield (M.S. Thesis
Project for Todd Ballard)
Influence of Broiler Litter and Rye Cover Crop on Soil
Nutrient Accumulation and Sorghum-Sudangrass Forage
Yield (Drs. Gilfillen, Gray and Willian)
Soil Dynamics and Corn Silage Yield and Quality when
fertilized with Inorganic and Organic Fertilizers. (Drs. Gilfillen
and Willian)
Influence of Broiler Litter Application History on Soil Nutrient
Status and Corn Silage Yield and Quality (Drs. Gilfillen, Gray
and Willian).
Faculty News & Events
We are pleased to have Dr. Elmer Gray join our USDA-ARS
research project. Dr. Gray, along with several other faculty,
staff and students have devoted considerable time this
summer to field research projects involving Baby Corn and
Tomato Production.
Dr. Becky Gilfillen was awarded the 2008 Distinguished
Alumni Award by the University of Tennessee Department of
Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science. Congratulations
Becky!
Let us know what you think….
Send us an email (agriculture@wku.edu) and let us know that you received this
newsletter. We would also value comments and suggestions!
Tomato Research
Faculty, staff, and students from WKU‘s Department of
Agriculture have teamed up with the University of Kentucky to
conduct an extensive tomato research project at the WKU
farm. Using a new technique from Japan, the team grafted
four diverse tomato cultivars in all possible combinations. The
Above: Nathan Howell and Diana Edlin grade and weigh
tomatoes
Above: Nathan Howell and Martin Stone Graft Tomatoes
cultivars were two heirlooms, ‗Cherokee Purple‘ and ‗Mr.
Stripey‘, a commercial cultivar, ‗Crista‘, and a rootstock,
‘Maxifort‘. Additionally, the plants were placed on drip
irrigation under two plastic mulch colors, red and black. Half
of the study was treated in an organic production system and
half conventionally. The study has several thrusts: to
determine the effect of rootstocks on production of heirloom
tomato production, to determine the effect of heirloom
rootstocks on commercial cultivars, to determine the effect of
colored mulches on production and to determine the effect of
organic production when compared to conventional. There
are four hundred plants in the field. Each tomato is picked
weighed and graded to determine their suitability to the fresh
market like one would find in a farmer‘s market. This project
is yielding data to support two graduate students, one from
Liberia and one from Indiana. Another half dozen
undergraduates have participated during the project, too. The
project has drawn interest from across the state and has been
investigated by a grower in northern Kentucky and several
agriculturists preparing to assist in the reconstruction of
Middle Eastern agriculture.
Above: Dr. Elmer Gray grades tomatoes
Above: Faculty and Students in the Field of Research Tomatoes
Horticulture Club News
The Horticulture Club has had a busy year this past year! In the fall we had two very successful sales, the Poinsettia sale and
the Christmas tree sale. The club took orders for the Christmas trees and those of us who went had a great time cutting them
down at a farm recently donated to Western. It was great to fill the big orders like President Ransdell‘s ten foot tree and
another professor‘s twelve footer. We are all looking forward to this event this year! However, there won‘t be many tree
cutting years left at the tree farm since the trees are getting so large.
With the money we made and have saved the club was able to take its members to dinner in Nashville and afterwards we all
visited Opry Mills Hotel and wandered around its impressive conservatories and Christmas décor.
Our club also had the opportunity to volunteer at one of the local elementary schools this fall. An excellent job was done in
cleaning up an area of the playground and landscaping it as a nature discovery zone with material donated by several local
nurseries.
Spring was no less busy in sales or activity. The Valentines rose sale was a huge success and we unfortunately sold out! The
½ dozens and singles were the most popular, but dozens and threes were available as well. It was decided that next year we
could easily sell twice as many as we had this year.
Probably the biggest sale of the year is the spring plant sale which goes on for several days. Despite some cold weather the
Western community displayed its support for the club and enthusiasm for spring to arrive. We were also able to participate in
Earth Day right before the Spring Plant sale. We sold some plants, were involved in making our community aware of dangers
to our environment, and informed them about ways to prevent such dangers. Many other organizations were represented
which gave out useful information and some energy saving products.
Spring also brought a unique opportunity for our members to volunteer. A few of our members spent a day with several
classes of middle and high school students, introducing them to the world of Horticulture and the happenings of our
greenhouse on campus!
The fundraisers will fund several small weekend trips during the semester. These weekend trips will benefit numerous
members. We can‘t wait to plan our first trip this fall!
Submitted by: Diana Edlin, Horticulture Club Member
Career Day Success in WKU Agriculture Department
We would like to thank those companies who participated in our career day March 18, 2008. If your company is interested in
setting up a booth at our next career day, please email us at agriculture@wku.edu.
Tennessee Farmers Cooperative
Farm Credit Services
USDA Farm Service Agency
Equity Group-Kentucky Division LLC
Integrity Nursery
Southern States Cooperative, Inc.
Beck‘s Superior Hybrids
The Cardinal Club
DeBruce Grain
Hill‘s Pet Nutrition
Brickman
National Institute for Animal Agriculture
USDA, APHIS, PPQ
USDA, APHIS, VS
“From the Rose Parade to Hollywood”
Several WKU Horticulture students, faculty, and staff rang in
the New Year after completing their floral designs for the
Tournament of Roses Parade. Students along with faculty
and staff had the rare opportunity to be a part of the
Charisma Floats and Designs team that produces these
glorious works of art. They spent five days designing floral
arrangements and gluing dried flowers and seeds on the
floats. All of the participants said this was a real eye
opening experience. They were able to learn about float
building and design as well as seeing tens of thousands of
varieties of flowers and plant materials. Students and staff
worked endless hours to finish on time, and cheered loudly
from the stands as ―their‖ floats rolled past. Their hard work
on the floats paid off when they saw the banner telling them
that the City of West Covina Float won the award for Best in
Color.
While in California, students also visited Huntington Museum
and Gardens. Many different types of gardens were viewed
here, such as the succulent garden, Japanese garden, and
the rainforest greenhouse. Students were able to view
valuable works of art, including Pinky and Blue Boy, and the
Guttenberg Bible.
The LA Flower Mart and the Farmers Market gave the
students insight into the global impact that horticulture has
on America‘s economy. As the group traveled through the
rich Agricultural valleys of California they were able to see
many crops being grown such as grapes for raisons, citrus,
and nut trees.
Above: Participants in front of a sequoia tree at Sequoia National
Forest
A highlight for the entire group was traveling in five feet of
snow to see the enormous Sequoia trees. These trees have
withstood forest fires and weather for many years on the
mountains ranges.
Among other venues, the group visited Florabundance which
is a large wholesale florist that ships flowers all over the
United States. The highlight of our adventure to the
Carpentaria area of California which is known for its mass
production of fresh cut flowers and plants was our visit to
Everbloom. A Dutch based family grower of Gerbera Daisy
the company grows these beautiful cut flowers
hydroponically in their state of the art facilities.
While staying in the Hollywood area the group was able to
see the area on Hollywood Boulevard where the Oscars are
held. They also were able to experience theater where they
saw the Broadway hit ―Wicked.‖ Overall this was a great
experience for the students and all that participated. They
were able to experience one of the largest parades and
horticulture events in the world, they saw beautiful botanic
gardens and museums, while being a part of California‘s
natural beauties. A great experience and many memories
were made for all those who participated.
Submitted by:
Roger Dennis AIFD, KMF
Instructor of Horticulture WKU Agriculture Department
Above: Participants in front of the Rotary International Club Float.
Baby Corn Project Continues and Expands
Is baby corn grown by tiny farmers with tiny tractors? How tall
are the plants? How is it different from regular corn? These
questions and others are being answered by WKU
researchers. Two baby corn projects are underway based on
the success of last year‘s study. The United States is the
largest consumer of baby corn in the world. However, it has
no acreage under production. Canned and pickled baby corn
is generally imported from Thailand and fresh product is
imported from Central America. Two studies were conducted
during the 2008 field season at the WKU research farm. The
first determined the effect of planting density and agronomic
flex traits of three commercial field corn cultivars on baby corn
production. The results are still coming in but it is apparent
that multiple harvests can be made over a three to four week
period. Harvesting should be done no less often than every
Above: An ear of Baby Corn ready to be weighed and measured.
other day to avoid the ears growing too large. In another trial,
twenty-three germplasm accessions from around the world are
being examined for their suitability for baby corn production,
too. Blue, red, pop, and sweet corns are being grown side by
side from the Midwest United States to Africa to Asia. It is a
menagerie of corn and the results are still coming in at this
writing. Some of the ears are being sold at a local farmer‘s
market to increase awareness of the product and they have
been a success. This research has prompted a local producer
to grow baby corn in his field and has harvested it and sold it
to restaurants in Kentucky and Tennessee. The results have
been presented at multiple conferences including the
Kentucky Academy of Sciences.
Above: An ear of Baby Corn Ready for Harvest
Undergraduates probing Soil Problem at Baker Arboretum
The Baker Arboretum, a fifteen acre private garden in Bowling Green, is a wonderful resource for teaching and conducting
research in the field of public horticulture. Mr. Jerry Baker has developed the garden over almost twenty years. His foresight
and generosity has included folding the garden into the university and specifically into the Ornamental and Landscape
Horticulture program in the Department of Agriculture. His gift of $15 million is the largest private donation to a public
university in Kentucky history. He employs current students and former ones, as well. The garden will one day become a
public garden. For now, our students derive the benefits from his collections of rare plants. In the past few years, a decline
has been seen in the growth of some species and undergraduates were tasked to investigate. They measured the growth of
trees and shrubs and were able to date the branches back to 2004. A soil nutrient deficiency in the soil appears to be the
culprit and they are working hard to correct it. Their research is ongoing and has been presented at the annual meeting of the
Kentucky Academy of Science in Louisville. It has drawn the attention of the Conifer Society and will be presented at their
upcoming national meeting and published in their academic journal. This project has extensively involved four undergraduate
students over the past two years.
QUEST: Meeting Expectations
Our beef unit student employees successfully exhibited cattle at
the 2008 Kentucky Angus Preview Show in June. A bull calf sired
by WKU Quest 5422 was awarded reserve calf division. The first
calves by Quest are impressive! We are anxiously awaiting the
arrival of 100+ Quest sired calves from September 2008 through
spring 2009. Semen is currently available on Quest at $10 per
straw by contacting WKU.
In addition to program promotion, recruiting activities, and farm
tours, the beef crew hosted its annual production sale at Barren
River Livestock on April 3, 2008. The sale included WKU and
WKU customer consigned cattle. Currently, we are gearing up for
The Breeder‘s Resource Sale V and look forward to increased
involvement from alumni and customers.
Lastly, we invite you to visit our website www.wkubeef.com
periodically throughout the year. This website features our genetics, upcoming events, activities, customers, alumni, and
student employees.
LAEC Running Strong
Previously, we introduced WKU‘s Live Animal Evaluation
Center (LAEC) which saw its first cattle on February 1, 2006.
The past fiscal year was our best to date from several aspects:
we shipped 2043 head of heifer calves while realizing an
average profit per head at $50+. Given the changing market
dynamics that the agricultural community has endured, this
profit margin reflects the hard work and dedication put forth
by our student employees, farm staff, and faculty that are
involved with LAEC.
The backgrounding unit continues to draw attention from
students, alumni, regional producers, tour groups, and
industry. In addition to the 350+ guests that toured LAEC in
Above: Students learning to AI at the LAEC
2007-2008, over 100 Western students received hands-on
experience within an important phase in the cattle industry.
Ultimately, the hands-on experience, applied research
projects, and networking opportunities created by the LAEC
sets WKU apart from our competition.
Lastly, we want to thank the Celsor family and CPC Livestock
for your strong partnership. We are looking forward to another
rewarding year!
Above: Participants in the AI School
News and Notes
We would love to feature more News and Notes in our next
newsletter. If you have any information you would like
added to the newsletter, please email it to
agriculture@wku.edu.
J. Ernest ―Ernie‖Minton has accepted the position of
interim associate director of research and technology
transfer for Kansas State Research and Extension.
Dr. Jim Martin, Retired Professor of Horticulture at WKU
was inducted into the Kentucky Nurseryman and Landscaper‘s Association Hall of Fame during 2008.
Dr. Becky Gilfillen was awarded the 2008 Distinguished
Alumni Award by the University of Tennessee
Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil
Science. Congratulations Becky!
Merging Leadership & Teamwork
Be sure to checkout the plant outline of ―WKU‖ along Nashville Road (31-W).
A graduate student, Steven Flomo, from Liberia took on this project for his
Leadership Studies practicum. Mr. Flomo utilized his horticultural and
leadership skills (implemented path-goal theories) to guide three student
employees throughout the entire project. The students pictured with Flomo
include: Alan Bush, Nathan DeKemper, and Erin Elliott. Thank you for your
efforts and demonstrating WKU spirit throughout the project!
Turf Grass News
Dear Alumni,
Luckily this year has brought more timely rains and less heat compared to last year‘s hot summer drought. Last year‘s severe
drought has given us the opportunity to renovate one putting green this summer. The back putting green at the Taylor Center
has been renovated to bermudagrass. The cultivar ‗Champion‘ is a rather new type of bermudagrass called ultradwarf
bermudagrass. This new type is finer texture, higher density, and can be maintained at lower mowing heights than tiftdwarf
commonly used on putting greens in the southern United States. Ultradwarf bermudagrasses are similar to creeping bentgrass
in appearance and playability. Donated sprigs were established in late July. Bowling Green will be the farthest north that
Champion bermudagrass has been utilized.
As usual, new improvements have been made to the Taylor Center. The kitchen has recently undergone a renovation with the
addition of new cabinets. It is our hope that we can update the kitchen in order to meet the standards set for commercial
kitchens. In the future, we hope to utilize the kitchen for events held at the Taylor Center and to meet future long term goals of
the department in establishing a food science program. The concrete shed behind the shop that is affectionately known as
‘Fort Rudolph‘ also received a face lift. Partnering with the Engineering Department, Fort Rudolph is now the site of our
biodiesel facility. Cooking oil from campus will be collected and turned into biodiesel to power farm equipment at this facility.
The biodiesel facility will be online this fall semester.
Turf student numbers around Kentucky and the country have been declining. However, turf student numbers at WKU have
remained steadily between 30-40 students. Thomas Simpson, Wes Mobley, and Josh Pigg all received KTC scholarships. This
past summer, students completed internships in Michigan, Florida, North Carolina, Alabama, and Colorado. Six students
attended the GCSAA conference in Orlando, FL. The students are excited about attending the GCSAA conference in New
Orleans early next year. I‘m looking forward to another exciting year on the hill and I hope to see you at homecoming this year.
Sincerely,
Paul Woosley
Analysis Between U.S. Market Goat Grades and Linear Measurements of
Live Goats and Carcass Traits
—A research project funded by an FSMIP Grant in
cooperation with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture,
Western Kentucky University, Morehead State University,
University of Kentucky and the University of Arkansas.
backfat, loineye area, loin depth and gluteus muscle depth.
Carcass measurements included carcass weight, hindsaddle
and front saddle weights, backfat, KPH fat, loineye area,
cooler loss and final carcass grade.
Kentucky‘s goat industry has developed into a viable
livestock enterprise. This development can be attributed to
the strong demand for chevon in the U.S. and the
development of Kentucky‘s marketing system. Considerable
work has been put forth to develop graded market sales.
These sales group goats together based on weight and
selection criteria (grades). Although these grades are
objective in nature due to guidelines regarding muscle
thickness and overall composition, there is still considerable
subjectivity due to grader variation and the lack of specific
linear measurements that relate to carcass value. This
project evaluated these grades in relation to linear and
ultrasound measurements of the live goat and then
compared these values with actual carcass measurements.
Initial test results found no difference between the three
grades for growth rate, daily intake or feeding efficiency.
Linear measurements were found significant for chest width,
hip width and pin width. All other variables were not
significant. Initial grade as feeders was found to be
significant as it related to final grade and actual carcass
value on grades 1 and 2. Grade 3 feeders did not correlate
with their final grade or value indicating that this grade on
feeders is more related to mismanagement and poor
nutrition rather than actual genetic potential. Research on
the carcass value of the goats found that exceeding health
of backfat resulted in excess carcass KPH fat. Fatty Acid
analysis is still being studied on loin samples. This research
will be repeated winter of 2009.
The study compared goats of selection 1, 2, and 3 grades.
Growth rate, daily intake and pen feeding efficiency was
evaluated. Additionally, linear and ultrasound
measurements of the live goat were correlated to selection
grade. Carcass traits were correlated to selection grade.
Carcass traits were also compared as they related to grade
and live measurements.
42 bucks of selection grades 1, 2, and 3 were purchased
from the Bowling Green graded goat sale. All goats were
taken to the KY Buck Test Center on the WKU Farm. All
goats were dewormed, vaccinated and started on feed.
Every two weeks goats were weighed and then linear and
ultrasound measurements were taken. Linear
measurements were taken on horn length, circumference,
and width, bone length and circumference, rack length, loin
length, rump length, chest width, hip width, pin bone width
and heart girth. Ultrasound measurements included
Above: Goats used for research on WKU Farm
Vet School Acceptance
Western‘s Agriculture Department had a very successful year in having their students accepted into Veterinary School for the
fall 2008 beginning class. Advisers Gordon Jones and Jenks Britt were pleased with the success rate. Pre-vet students at WKU
are encouraged to take a heavy load (18 hrs) of science related classes each semester. Students who were accepted by
Auburn University include: Amanda Gray, John Laster, Felicia ―Niki‖ Poole, Megan Halcomb, Andy Pike, Chad Groce and
Angelique Moore. Tuskegee University accepted Ryan Crister, Laura Coffman, Betsy Mode and Ashley Sullivan and Ross
University accepted Matt Latimer.
Program an A.S.S.E.T. for WKU and community…
Agriculture Students Striving for Effective Tomorrows,
otherwise known as A.S.S.E.T., began in 2006. The 2008
year marked the 3rd annual year. A.S.S.E.T. 2008 was
fortunate enough to draw thirty-five participants hailing from
Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, and even Ohio. Even the ten
counselors originated from all over Kentucky and Indiana.
This unique blend of backgrounds allowed the students to
experience other regions of the Midwest, while being
immersed in the Bowling Green community.
This year, the group participated in an abundance of
activities. While staying in the resident halls at night,
everyone enjoyed tours of the Equity Group Hatchery and
Lost River Cave, meals at Split Tree Barbeque and Chaney‘s
Dairy Barn, and listening to two former Kentucky State
Commissioners of Agriculture answer questions while
enjoying fine dining at an etiquette dinner. There was even a
dance on the last night of the week.
A.S.S.E.T. is always a learning experience for all those
involved. The participants obviously were exposed to a
different way of living that they had perhaps heard about
from family or friends, but had never truly known first hand.
Of course, the counselors gain a great deal of knowledge
from both the activities and the participants. The faculty and
staff are also able to conceive some expectations about the
upcoming college class of 2013.
Any type of program involves a massive effort from many
people. A big thank you is deserved by all the faculty and
staff in WKU‘s Agriculture Department, the campus
departments, groups, and agencies, and all the attractions,
businesses, individuals that aided in the program. Without
this community interaction, A.S.S.E.T. would not be possible.
Submitted by: John Hurley, Head Counselor 2008
A Special Thank to Our Sponsors:
Chaney‘s Dairy Barn
Doc and Linda Gonzales
Hartland Equipment
Miles Farm Supply
Upton Florist
Willis Tree Service
Graduate Student Studies, Designs, and Installs a Historic Landscape
Recent M.S. graduate Elizabeth Alewine conducted research for a year and a half on architecture features, old garden plants,
Kentucky frontier life, and the natural history of native plants before she turned a shovel of soil. She examined Shaker records
over a hundred years old and like a sleuth, deduced what a pioneer garden in early Warren County was like. Then she
designed a period garden based on the early 1800‘s. Her design even predated the arrival of tomatoes in the state and
therefore these modern staples of summer were not included in the design. The Felt‘s cabin has resided at the Kentucky
Museum since its arrival in 1980. Now the rest of the story can be told to the visitors. In her design were herbal and dye
plants, medicinal plants, food and fiber plants, and many natives. Please drop by the museum anytime to walk through her
masterpiece. There is no fee and it is open anytime.
WKU Snell Hall and Dairy Barn Prints for Sale
We still have Snell Hall and Dairy Barn prints for sale. Snell Hall prints are $100 and Dairy Barn prints are $30. With the
purchase of a print, you will also receive a copy of ―Road to Excellence‖ by Herbert C. Cary. Please make checks payable to the
“WKU Foundation‖ and mail to the address below.
Contact Us
Department of Agriculture
Western Kentucky University
1906 College Heights Blvd #41066
Bowling Green, KY 41066
Phone: 270-745-3151
Fax: 270-745-5972
Email: agriculture@wku.edu
www.wku.edu/agriculture
Department of Agriculture
Western Kentucky University
1906 College Heights Blvd #41066
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1066
Address Service Requested
ANNUAL ALUMNI
HOMECOMING
LUNCHEON
November 1, 2008
12:00 p.m.
AG EXPO CENTER
Please call 745-3151 to RSVP
Tickets $15.00