Block and Bridle Events
Little American Royal (LAR):
An annual fall event held for any University student designed as a hands on project for anyone with an interest in animals. The students care for, groom, and show their choice of cattle, sheep, hogs, dairy, and/or horses. Competent showmen give demonstrations on proper technique. Students compete in either novice, intermediate, or experienced divisions, depending on their level of expertise.
Country Cured Ham Show and Sale:
This is an annual event, which is perennially one of the club's largest fundraisers. Club members interested in competing in the ham show, purchase and cure hams, which will be judged and sold at the College of Agriculture's Fall Fest. Members are reimbursed for the cost of their ham, and the remainders of the proceeds are returned to the club's general cash fund.
Junior Steer and Heifer Show:
The steer and heifer show is an annually sponsored two day show, which involves approximately 1,000 people each year, including Block and Bridle members, Animal Science students, and youth and parents throughout the state of Missouri.
Agriculture Week/Children's Barnyard:
Children's Barnyard in an annual community service project sponsored by Block and Bridle during Ag Week. A variety of farm animals are brought to the MU Livestock Center where area preschool and grade school children are invited to participate in a petting zoo.
National and Regional Conventions:
National and Regional Conventions are ideal opportunities for members of the MU Block and Bridle to meet members from the other 88-chartered chapters across the nation. The National Convention is held annually. Various competitive events are held at the National Convention (Outstanding Senior, Chapter Activities, etc.), as well as social and educational events (workshops, tours, and speakers). The Regional Conventions alternate between schools in our region. To enable our member's views and ideas to be broadened, as well as expose them to various regions of the United States, the club makes an effort to cover part of the costs involved in attending the conventions.
Species Trips & Speakers
Species functions are fast becoming one of the primary draws for new members on our club. We are exposing our members to a variety of production facilities and industries through tours and speakers. Along with Block and Bridle members, other clubs are invited to participate in these functions. We are very excited about the success of these activities.
Recreational Activities
Our goal for these events is to provide an activity for everyone. In the past, we have dances, picnics, hayrides, bowling parties, and roller "functions", Such recreational activities are a social service to the members of the club, and are planned accordingly.
Public Relations and Fundraising
The MU Block and Bridle club takes advantage of every opportunity to achieve our club objective of promoting Animal Sciences. Our club accomplishes this by displaying our booth during college activities such as Fall Round-Up, Ag Week, CAFNR Fall Fest, the State FFA Convention, etc. Our fundraising functions are closely related to our public relations events in that we strive to enlighten the public of the importance of Agriculture, the MU Block and Bridle Club, and the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.
Milk-A-Cow Booth
Mu Block and Bridle members travel to St. Louis to the Botanical Gardens to help promote animal agriculture and the dairy industry. Members assist people of all ages and all walks of life in milking a real dairy cow.
Stock Dog Clinic
The annual Stock Dog Clinic is a service project for individuals from all over the state and nation to bring their dogs to be trained in the art of working stock. A nominal registration fee is required to cover the facilities and the trainer.
Animal Science Spring Banquet
The Spring Banquet is our annual awards banquet where parents, students, and faculty share an evening meal followed by the presentation of Block and Bridle awards as well as Animal Science Departmental Awards.