The College of Agriculture is celebrating the start of Ag Week today with a variety of activities including tours, a lunch and a dance.

The college, which usually celebrates Ag Week during the fall semester, is adding a spring celebration in honor of National Ag Day, said Tonia Hesse, president of the College of Ag Student Council and junior in dairy science.

Hesse said the activities will be a nice transition back to classes after spring break. Although March 20 marked the official National Ag Day, festivities were postponed until classes resumed.

Students within the college are encouraged to show their spirit by wearing their college or ag club shirts and by attending the day’s events, Hesse said.

“We want students to get out and have fun,” she said.

Tammie Freund, committee chairwoman and senior in agricultural studies, said the celebration will not only highlight the importance of agriculture in the state, but also draw attention to current events in the college.

“We hope people will find out the different areas they can go into with agriculture,” Freund said.

The College of Ag Council and Alpha Zeta have teamed up to sponsor the day’s events.

A barbecue lunch, including hamburgers, chips, beans, beverages and ice cream, will be served west of Kildee Hall at noon.

The cost is $2 for College of Ag students, faculty and staff who present their fee cards.

During the lunch, WHO radio from Des Moines will broadcast live the announcement of the 1998 Ag Man and Woman of the Year.

This is the first year an Ag Man and Woman of the Year award will be presented.

Hesse said the award serves upperclassmen for outstanding achievements in character, service and leadership for the college. There were 12 applicants vying for the award.

From noon to 4 p.m., visitors will be allowed to tour the Novartis Tech Van, which will feature interactive programs on the latest agricultural products and technology.

The van will be parked west of Kildee Hall.

The Kildee Expansion area also will be open for tours led by Dennis Marple, chairman of the animal science department, between 5 and 6 p.m.

In addition, the fourth annual Best Butts Contest will take place tonight from 8 p.m. to midnight at Hunky Dory’s, 300 S. 17th St. Club representatives from the college will parade for the crowd to compete for the honor.

Students of all ages are welcome to attend the dance. Proceeds from the $3 cover charge will go to the Farm Safety for Just Kids organization.