UWRF Hosts Regional Agronomy Conference for the First Time

April 4, 2011--More than 180 crop and soil science students from across the country came to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls for the National Students of Agronomy, Soils and Environmental Sciences (SASES) Undergraduate Regional Conference over the last weekend in March. The UWRF Crops and Soils Club worked hard to host the event on the UWRF campus for the first time.

“Getting the bid to host the conference was an opportunity to showcase our college and programs nationally,” says Kristi Thompson, UWRF Crops and Soils Club president and conference coordinator.

At the conference students were able to experience some of Wisconsin’s agriculture, network with industry professionals and students from other universities and hold their national officer meeting. Visiting students took tours of UWRF’s University Center and Dairy Learning Center to see how sustainability is being practiced.

Tours featuring a robotic dairy operation, winery, trout hatchery, cranberry farm, seed production facility, horseradish farm and more highlighted agriculture in western Wisconsin.

At the banquet, UWRF alumna Pam Jahnke, broadcast host of the “Wisconsin Farm Report,” gave a keynote address encouraging students to network and be positive advocates for their industry.
 
“It was impressive to see members step up and get involved with the preparation for SASES,” added Thompson, a junior crop and soil science major form Chatfield, Minn.