Ben Collins, AKSN-1000, Culleoka, Tn.  Ben graduated with a degree in Landscape Design Construction.  Ben will be returning home to farm and work for Arnold’s Unlimited.  Ben has the honor of being AK’s 1000th initiate in Fall 2005.  Ben was a 2008 recipient of the AGR Horticulture Scholarship. 
Michael Millraney, AKSN-1013, Manchester, Tn.  Michael graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering.  He is employed by Fort Loudon Electric Cooperative in Vonore, Tennessee.  Michael is also getting married this summer.  He served as VNR-Management in 2007.  Michael was initiated into AGR in January of 2006. 
Josh Jenkins, AKSN-1014, Jackson, Tn.   Josh graduated with a degree in Finance.  Josh served as VNR-Membership in 2008 and served as an Undergraduate Director on the National AGR Board of Directors in 2008.  Josh was initiated into AGR in January of 2006.  Josh is working for Efficience in Knoxville, a custom software company.
Clay Head, AKSN-1019, Cedar Hill, Tn.  Clay graduated with a degree in History and is the son of Terry Head AKSN-479 and brother of Clint Head AKSN-943.  Clay was initiated into AGR in the Fall of 2006.  Clay served as one of Smokey’s Handlers in 2008 and 2009.  In 2008, Clay received the Prof Lidvall Brotherhood Award.  He will be attending Graduate School in Education at UT in the Fall. 
Caleb Barron, AKSN-1023, Ashland City, Tn.   Caleb graduated with a degree in Enterprise Management.  In the fall, Caleb will be entering UT Law School.  Caleb was initiated into AGR in the Fall of 2006.
Wesley Lyons, AKSN1025, Paris, Tn.  Wesley graduated with a B.S. in Animal Science and will be entering Vet School this fall at UT.  Wesley is the son of Dr. Chuck Lyons, AKSN-527.  Wesley was presented the Chancellor's Award for Extraordinary Professional Promise at the Chancellor's 2010 Honors Banquet. He also was a CASNR Senator.  Wesley was initiated into AGR in the Fall of 2006.
Will Mayfield, AKSN-1026, Pulaski, Tn.   Will graduated with a B.S. in Animal Science and will be entering graduate school at UT in Animal Science.  Will served as VNR-Recruitment in 2008 and VNR-Membership in 2009.  Will is the son of Mike Mayfield AKSN-602.  Will was selected by his fellow seniors as the recipient of the 2010 Prof Cole Leadership Award.  He was also UT Student Livestock Association President He was initiated into AGR in the Fall of 2006. 

Daniel Hale, AKSN-1030, Seiverville, Tn.  Daniel graduated with a degree in Agricultural Economics and will pursing a Masters in Ag Econ beginning this fall.  Daniel served as VNR-Management in 2007 and is the nephew of Kyle Hale, AKSN-489.  Daniel was initiated into AGR in the January 2007.

Justin Duncan, AKSN-1032, Seiverville, Tn.  Justin graduated with a B.S. Enterprise Management.  In the fall, Justin will be entering Lincoln Memorial University Law School in Knoxville. Justin is the son of Jon Duncan, AKSN-642.   Jon was initiated into AGR in the January 2007.
Mac Bowers, AKSN-1037, Lenoir City, Tn.   Mac graduated with a degree in Exercise Management.  Mac was initiated into AGR in the Fall of  2007.  Mac is living and working in the Knoxville area. 

Wesley Lyons, a Senior from Paris, Tennessee, won the Chancellor's Award for Extraordinary Professional Promise at the Chancellor's Honors Banquet held April 19, 2010.  This Chancellor's Citation is awarded to undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate professional promoise in teaching, research, or other contributions. 

Wesley was initiated into Alpha Kappa chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho in August of 2006 as the chapter's 1025th member.  Wesley's father Chuck Lyons, AKSN-527, is a 1977 initiate of AGR at Tennessee.  Following graduation in May 2010, Wesley will enter thte UT College of Veterinary Medicine in August of 2010.

Wesley Lyons, AKSN-1025, from Paris, Tennessee, has been selected to begin classes at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine this Fall.  Wesley was the Chancellor's Award for Extraordinary Professional Promise at the Chancellor's 2010 Honors Banquet.

The fall initiation and awards banquet of the UT Chapter of Gamma Sigma Delta, the Honor Society of Agriculture at the University of Tennessee, was held November 10, 2009. Dr. Kelly Robbins, chapter president, presided over the evening’s events, which featured Louis Buck (an Alpha Kappa AGR alumnus, AKSN-558), Manager of Feedstock Commercialization for Genera Energy, as the guest speaker.

Wesley Lyons, AKSN-1025, a senior from Paris, Tennessee was selected for induction into Gamma Sigma Delta.

Aaron Fisher, AKSN-821, an instructor in Animal Science, received the Excellence in Teaching Award. Aaron currently serves as one of Alpha Kappa Chapter's advisors.

For the fourth consecutive year, an AGR was inducted into Gamma Sigma Delta. Wesley Lyons follows Sloan Regen, AKSN-983 in 2007, Tyler Blystone, AKSN-990, in 2008, and Ryan Hensley, AKSN-999 in 2009. 

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – John Schultz, a sophomore in Food and Agricultural Business at the University of Tennessee College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) was recently selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship from the National Corn Growers Association and BASF. He was awarded the scholarship at the 2010 Commodity Classic, held this month in Anaheim, California.

Schultz is one of five scholarship recipients. His essay entitled “Our Future: Why I am Pursuing an Agriculture-Related Career” addressed the issues of agricultural leadership and the challenges faced by agriculture in providing food and fiber to a growing world population.

Dr. Bill Park, a professor in Agricultural Economics at CASNR calls Schultz a rising star. “John is an outstanding student and clearly a leader among his peers. He seems destined to make major contributions to Tennessee agriculture for years to come,” said Dr. Park.

Schultz graduated from Dyersburg High School in 2008 and is the son of Carl and Amy Schultz of Dyersburg. Carl and his brother Marvin are row crop producers in Dyer County, growing 2,000 acres of corn, soybeans, and wheat.

Through high school and at UT, Schultz has taken an active role in the FFA. He recently completed a term as a state officer with that organization.

Dr. John Riley, a professor in Agricultural Economics and Schultz’s academic advisor sees a lot of potential in his student. “I knew immediately I had a special new student on my hands,” said Dr. Riley of his first meeting with Schultz. Dr. Riley goes on to say that, “John has a personality that draws others to him. He has a unique diversity of knowledge and experience along with a maturity that sets him apart.”

As for Schultz, his experience at the Commodity Classic was a once in a lifetime event. “The experience of California was a lot of fun. Seeing L.A. and Hollywood is something I may never have the chance to experience again,” he said. The event was also a learning experience for him. “I enjoyed seeing new technologies and advancements that are nation-wide in production agriculture,” said Schultz.

John joined Alpha Gamma Rho in August of 2008.

After earning his bachelor’s degree from UT, Schultz plans to go on to earn a master’s degree in agribusiness management. After college, he aspires to a career in agribusiness and to continue on the family farm.

The following Alpha Kappa brothers graduated from the University of Tennessee in the calendar year 2009:
SPRING 2009 GRADUATES:

• Andy Magee AKSN 997- Evansville Wisconsin.  Andy graduated with a degree Animal Science and Production. He is a substitute teacher at Beaumont Elementary and is continuing his education in Education & Administration. Andy served as Noble Ruler in 2007.

• Ryan Hensley AKSN 999-Kingston Tennessee. Ryan graduated with a degree in Agricultural Economics and is now pursuing a MBA and Masters in Agri-Business at UT.  Ryan served as Vice Noble Ruler-Alumni in 2007.  Ryan received the Chancellor's Citation, Extraordinary Academic Achievement in 2009 and was named the Outstanding Agricultural Economics Senior.

• Richard Blake AKSN 1006, Strawberry Plains, Tn. Richard graduated with a degree in Animal Science and is a first year Vet Student at the UT College of Veterinary Medicine

• Tyler Brannon AKSN 1009, Benton, Tn. Tyler graduated with a degree in Forestry and is working on his Masters at UT in Forestry.  “Shaggy” was a Smokey’s handler for two years.  Tyler was recognized as CASNR’s outstanding Freshmen in 2005/06, Sophomore in 2006/07, Junior in 2007/08, and Senior in 2008/09.  Tyler was also named as the Outstanding Senior in the Forestry Department for 2009.

• Eric Lutrell AKSN 1022-Knoxville Tennessee. Eric is currently working at a Law Firm in Knoxville while applying for Law School.

FALL 2010 GRADUATES

• Tyler Wilson, AKSN 963, Riceville, Tennessee.  Tyler graduated with a B.S. in Agricultural Education and is working for Gamble Angus Farm in Clinton, Tn. 

• Kirby Reed AKSN 1001-Columbia Tennessee. Kirby graduated with an Animal Science degree. He is working part time for Tennessee Livestock producers in their Producers Genetics Division.  Kirby served as Vice Noble Ruler-Alumni Relations in 2008 and was a member of the 2008 UT Livestock Judging Team.

• Dan Carey AKSN 1007-Hartsville Tennessee. Dan graduated with an Animal Science degree with a minor in Ag Econ. He is pursuing a Physician’s Assistant program.

• Jason Vance AKSN 1008-Lenoir City Tennessee. Jason graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and is now a Reliability Engineer working for Georgia Pacific in Savannah Georgia.  Jason served as Vice Nobler Ruler-Finance in 2008.

• Brick Veirs AKSN 1010, Brownsville, Tn.  Brick graduated with a degree in Ag Econ and is working on his Masters at UT in Agricultural Economics.  Brick is also a 2008 graduate of the International Cotton Institute in Memphis.  Brick served as VNR-Planning in 2008. 

• William Nichols AKSN 1011-Oakfield Tennessee. William graduated with a degree in Biosystems Engineering. He has applied to graduate school to pursue a Masters in Biosystems Engineering.  Will is the son of Mike Nichols, AKSN-439.  Will served as Vice Nobler Ruler-Planning in 2007.

• Vince Ogle AKSN 1015-Vanntown Tennessee. Graduated with a degree in Animal Science and is now helping run Ogle Feeds Company and the family cattle feeding operations.

• Bond Jones AKSN 1029-Sevierville Tennessee. Bond graduated with a degree in Animal Science Production and Business and a minor Ag Econ. He works for Sevier County Bank with special assets in the Loan Department.  Bond served as Noble Ruler in 2008 and was recipient of the Prof Cole Leadership Award in 2009.

• Aaron Bagwell AKSN 1031-Shelbyville, Tennessee.  Aaron graduated with a degree in Agricultural Science.  Aaron is in the job market.

Alpha Kappa Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho won UT Homecoming for the 5th consecutive year.  Pairing with the sisters of Sigma Kappa.  AGR and Sigma Kappa won first place in Soap Box Derby design and the race, the Window Display.  AGR and SK also placed second in the Banner competition and in third place in the Large Display.

AGR's first place soap box derby entrant and derby ran winner!

AGR and Sigma Kappa's 2nd place Large Banner winner (on right.)

UT COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES AND NATURAL RESOURCES:

Outstanding Senior, Agricultural Economics: Ryan Hensley

Outstanding Senior, Forestry:  Tyler Brannon

Outstanding Freshmen, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natual Resources: John Schultz

Outstanding Senior, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natual Resources: Tyler Brannon

CHANCELLOR'S HONOR BANQUET:

Chancellor's Citation, Extraordinary Academic Achievement: Ryan Hensley

Richard Blake has been accepted into the UT College of Veternary Medicine for the class beginning in the Fall of 2009. Richard is from Strawberry Plains, Tennessee. 

  J. Brent Hurd

With a well-versed background in Ag Economics, Hurd has succeeded in dairy farming, real estate management and brokerage careers after graduating from Tennessee-Knoxville in 1953. His ventures have led him to manage a Grade A dairy farm for 10 years and spend 16 years with the largest real estate management company in the southeast as CEO, overseeing 12,000 residential rental units and 300 employees. He also founded Hurd Real Estate, a company his son now operates.

John Schultz of Dyersburg, was elected State FFA Vice President for West Tennessee.  He will be a Sophomore at UT this fall majoring in Food and Agriculural Business.

The following AGRs are Presidents of the respective Livestock organizations for 2009:

Will Mayfield, President of UT Student Livestock Association for 2009-10
Will Mayfield, President of TN Junior Angus
Thomas Greenlee, President of TN Junior Sheep Producers

Middling Light Spot. Micronaire.  ICA Rules.  CIF Mersin.  Green Card Sales versus Description.  Bear Call Spreads.  Strict Low Middling Inch and ‘a’ Sixteen. 

In May 2008, this cotton terminology would have seemed like a foreign language to Brick Veirs, Tennessee-Knoxville, but not now.  But, on July 14, 2008 Brick graduated from the International Cotton Institute at the University of Memphis not only with a diploma but also with a working knowledge of the modern cotton industry.  Brick was awarded one of two full scholarships valued at $10,000 by the American Cotton Shippers Association to be a member of its 14th class. 

For eight weeks this summer, Brick was a part of an intensive eight week course highlighting all aspects of the modern cotton industry, from production to marketing to logistics.  Brick was one of 46 men and women in the world’s most comprehensive course devoted to cotton.  Students from 15 countries on six continents came to Memphis to further their education in the cotton industry.  The international flavor of the group added to the educational experience.  Students ranged in age from 19 to 57, and came from a variety of backgrounds, education, and experience.

Students were divided into six groups, sorting students in the course by nationality, cotton background, and English language skills.  These groups worked together on various projects, including marketing exercises.  In Brick’s group were students from Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Paraguay and the United States. 

Predecessors of the International Cotton Institute devoted most of their time and efforts to the art of manually “classing cotton” by color, leaf, and staple, but changes in the industry have changed the emphasis to other aspects of the cotton trade. 

Daily lectures were given by a variety of cotton industry professionals in topics including marketing and cotton futures options trading, the movement of cotton from warehouse to mill including logistics and documentation, and legislative issues effecting not on US cotton production and policy but foreign growths as well.  Field trips were taken to cotton farms, warehouses, research facilities, merchants and cooperatives, and to the headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina of Cotton Incorporated.

But for Brick to receive a complete education in cotton, he needed to learn the art of pulling staple and classing cotton.  Brick learned to grade cotton by color and leaf and determine the difference between a bale of white cotton and one with light spot in it.   He also learned the art of pulling staple to one-thirty second of an inch in length.

For Brick, it was a once in a lifetime experience. “The school was a great learning experience on many different levels. I was able to learn the business aspects of cotton along with the way different cultures work around such business”, said Brick.

Brick is a senior from Brownsville, Tennessee majoring in Agricultural Economics and Business at UTK.  Following graduation in the Fall of 2009, Brick plans to go to graduate school unless the cotton industry comes calling.

From Sickle and Sheaf, Winter 2009