The nearly 100 student organizations in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences are keeping students busy with a new semester of club meetings and festive fundraisers.

Food Science Club

Bailey Hauge, freshman in food science, is the publicity chair of the Food Science Club, which hosts events such as the annual Valentine’s Day Fudge Sale.

Each spring and fall semester since 2006, the student organization sells half a pound and single pound containers of fudge for $6 and $10 to fundraise for club expenses like industry trips.

Fudge was available for pre-sale only and sold out just three to four hours after the preorder opened, Hauge said.

“Looking from a food science side, fudge is high in sugar, making it unable for bacteria to grow inside of it,” Hauge said. “It is a safety stability food, which has a long shelf life, and everyone loves fudge.”

Hauge said the club reached out to different companies asking for donations to supply their fudge sale and ended with enough ingredients for 250 pounds of fudge.

Their most popular flavor is a chocolate fudge with peanuts, marshmallows and red and yellow M&M’s called the Cyclone; but chocolate, peanut butter, cookies ‘n cream and a brand new mint chocolate chip were also on this year’s menu. 

Pick up for those who managed to snag a container will be happening 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday outside of 206 MacKay Hall. Didn’t order in time? The club will be selling the fudge buyers did not pick up on Friday in the same location.

For those who are interested in joining the Food Science Club, meetings are hosted every other Tuesday, the next meeting being Feb. 18, in 2379 Food Sciences Building. Students of all majors are welcome to join.

Horticulture Club

This year’s Horticulture Club is also celebrating Valentine’s Day by selling roses, carnations and alstroemeria, a type of lily, to fundraise for the club’s meetings and industry trips. The sale will be taking place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday in the lobby of Carver Hall.

Online pre-orders have ended; however, you can still buy roses for $5 per stem or carnations and alstroemeria for $2.50 per stem.

Justin Wigdahl, senior in horticulture and a member of the Horticulture Club and chair of the Rose Sales Committee, said it is a fun and multi-faceted club that students of all majors are welcome to join.

“I joined the club because I wanted extra experience in the area beyond class and lab time, and I really love plants,” Wigdahl said.

He also said he has enjoyed getting experience with the economic aspect of horticulture as well as educating middle and high school students on its complexities.

The club meets at 6:30 p.m every other Tuesday in 138 Horticulture Hall, the next meeting being Feb. 18.

Dairy Science Club

Known for their weekly ice cream sales in Kildee Hall, the Dairy Science Club is excited to welcome new members this semester. 

“I joined the Dairy Science Club because of their strong reputation and my passion for the dairy industry,” said Tayler Reynolds, sophomore in agricultural and life sciences education and public relations officer for the club. “The Dairy Science Club gives a variety of opportunities, including networking, leadership, community service and education opportunities.”

The club competes in a variety of contests and attends the annual American Dairy Science Association Student Affiliate Division Meeting, hosted by colleges around the Midwest.

Members of the club also volunteer at elementary and middle schools to teach the youth about agriculture.

Those interested in getting involved with the Dairy Science Club can contact the club’s president, whose contact information can be found on the student organization’s webpage. The club can also be found in Kildee Hall outside of the Lush Auditorium every Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. where they sell homemade ice cream. 

“The Dairy Science Club cherishes each and every one of their members,” Reynolds said. “[The club] is open to all majors. We think it is so important that more and more people come and learn about what dairy is all about.”

Rodeo Club

This year, the Rodeo Club is eager to gain more members and share their love for “America’s ultimate sport.” The Rodeo Club is part of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, meaning the club travels around the Midwest competing against other collegiate rodeo clubs.

In addition to being a sporting club, the Rodeo Club hosts the only student-run rodeo in the nation, the Cyclone Stampede Rodeo.

Annie Wallin, junior in agricultural and life sciences education, is this year’s president of the Rodeo Club. She joined the club as a freshman after visiting the booth at ClubFest.

“College students are our competitors instead of professionals, which makes it a super fun and competitive atmosphere,” Wallin said. 

As president, she said she has made it her priority to recruit new members and share her passion for the sport.

“I would just like to stress that you do not have to compete to join,” Wallin said. “Come if you have a love for the sport and if you want to learn more. Or if you just want to hang out with people who have the same passions as you.” 

The Rodeo Club meets in Hansen Hall; however, specific dates are to be determined. For those interested in joining, they can feel free to reach out to Wallin at [email protected]

Updates from this week’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Council Meeting:

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council met last Wednesday.

A decision was made for the executive team to take over the Sales and Sponsorship Committee, and current members of the committee would be assigned to new committees.

Misty Lambert, an adviser for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council and associate professor of agricultural education and studies, thanked the members that attended the associate Dean of Academic Progress luncheons the previous week.

The council also discussed internship openings available at Vermeer Corporation for those who are interested.

The council reminded students to get their SafeServe certification for the upcoming National Agriculture Day on March 24 where they will be serving food to students on campus.