By Scout Nelson
South Dakota State University (SDSU) recently hosted a live taping of the "AgDay College Roadshow" on October 30, bringing excitement and enthusiasm to campus. Students, faculty, and staff gathered at the Raven Precision Agriculture Center, filling the space with cheering and signs supporting SDSU’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.
Event sponsor Beck’s provided materials for attendees who didn’t bring their own signs, adding to the lively atmosphere. Inspired by ESPN’s “College GameDay,” the "AgDay College Roadshow" showcases agricultural education and research, visiting campuses to spotlight the essential role of agriculture in communities.
“This was a great event for SDSU and a wonderful opportunity for our university’s impact on agriculture to be highlighted on a regionally broadcast TV show,” said Joe Cassady, South Dakota Corn Endowed Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.
“Our response as a land-grant university is to be a research engine to create new knowledge and bring innovations to agriculture in South Dakota, and also this incredible region that we serve, the Northern Great Plains,” SDSU President Barry Dunn. He also presented Griffiths and Rook with SDSU’s popular ice cream flavors, receiving cheers from the crowd.
The program included a panel discussion on agricultural market trends, moderated by Rook, featuring SDSU faculty and industry experts like Joe Santos, Matt Elliott, and SDSU graduate Mike Minor. “As a graduate of SDSU, I was proud to show off my alma mater and the students and cutting-edge research that are leading the nation and agriculture into a brighter future,” said Rook. “What a great day to be a Jackrabbit!”
Other segments highlighted notable research projects, including studies on climate-resistant grapes by Anne Fennell and greenhouse gas emissions from farms by David Clay. Additionally, animal science professors Warren Rusche and Eric Weaver discussed their work on using soy in beef and swine feed, showcasing SDSU's industry-leading research.
Adding to the fun, SDSU’s mascot, Jack, made an appearance, interacting with President Dunn and the show’s hosts. The program, which aired on RFD-TV on November 1, also featured a student sign contest, with a $250 prize going to Kyle Hagen, an agricultural systems technology major.
The SDSU Quarter-Scale Tractor Club won a $1,500 prize from Beck’s for the best social media video promoting the event. This gathering exemplified SDSU’s strong community spirit and commitment to agricultural excellence.
Photo Credit: south-dakota-state-university
Categories: South Dakota, Education