DeparDepartment of Agriculture tment of Agriculture · dentist from Winchester, Kentucky. The group...

Department of Agriculture Department of Agriculture

I hope this newsletter finds you well and enjoying this much cooler autumn weather. It has been another busy year for the WKU Department of Agriculture. The University purchased the Bennett farm this summer and turned it over to us. We had been farming the land but now we will have additional housing and storage facilities. With this addition the farm is now over 800 acres.

Dr. Anderson has been working with Facilities Management to bring the new stall barn to completion. The outside is finished but there is still much work left to do on the inside.

We have been building fence for most of the summer and replacing high tensile electric with woven wire. We are trying to do a better job with our pasture management. We now have woven wire fences all the way down Bennett Lane.

The spring storms brought down a large number of trees on the farm and took the roof off the Taylor Center. Through the efforts of faculty, staff and students we have things cleaned up. We also have a new roof on the Taylor Center.

We have renovated 75 acres of pasture, and through the efforts of Dr. Garry Lacefield we received a generous seed donation. The renovation of the Taylor Center for cheese production should finally begin in October. This has been a painfully slow process but hopefully we will be making cheese by January.

We continue to improve our dairy facilities. This past year we moved from a bedded pack to concrete alleyways and waterbeds. The level of cow comfort seems to be paying off in the milk tank. We have Dr. Jenks Britt and Dr. Ken McGuffey to thank for getting the waterbeds donated and installed.

The widening of 31W in front of the farm has begun. It may take as long as a year for this project to reach completion. The best part of this project is that we received funds to renovate the entire front of the farm that runs along 31W. The new entrance is being designed by one of our own graduates, Ms. Elinor Markle, a landscape architect here in Bowling Green.

Please come to our homecoming luncheon at the Ag Expo Center, October 22, 2011 at 12:00 noon. Visit the farm, see old friends and make some new ones. ~ Jack L Rudolph, Jr.

Alumni,

Dr. Kingery comes to WKU from Indiana where he farmed and taught high school . (Agri-science & Business in grades 7-12) He grew up on a diversified livestock and grain farm in central Indiana near Noblesville. His family farm consisted of a three crop rotation of corn, soybeans, and wheat on one-thousand acres as well as managing a one-hundred sow farrow to finish operation. The family farm also boasted ten shorthorn cows where offspring were sold as prospects and a flock of crossbred ewes were bred for terminal markets. He completed his undergraduate degree in Agricultural Education from Purdue University with a minor in Animal Production. He attained his graduate degrees from Indiana Wesleyan, Texas A&M and Texas Tech Universities. His 17 years of experience in Agricultural Education in public schools has allowed him to teach and coach numerous leadership and CDE teams from coast to coast. He is married to Becky, his bride of five years, and has three wonderful children; Maddie 4, Ireland 2, and Liam 4 months.

Welcome Dr. Thomas Kingery Visiting Assistant Professor of Agriculture Education

Western Kentucky University

Alumni Welcome Dr. Thomas Kingery

1

South Dakota & Nebraska Ecuador 2011

2

Scotland 2011 Roger Dennis Honored

3

Floral Design Training Center Goldwater Scholarship

4

Turf Management Welcome Dr. Fred DeGraves

5

WKU Vineyard Leadership Bowling Green

6

Agronomy News 7

Inside this issue:

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Department of Agriculture









Alumni,





1


2


3


4


5


6

Agronomy News 7

Inside this issue:



Please send your email Address to

[email protected]

school (Agri-science & Business in grades 7-12). He grew up on a diversified


newsletter by email,


[email protected]










Alumni,





1


2


3


4


5


6

Agronomy News 7

Inside this issue:




[email protected]

Study Abroad - Ecuador 2011

Study Away - South Dakota and Nebraska

Department of Agr icu lture

A group of students traveled to Ecuador during the winter session on an agricultural study abroad experience. There were 18 students traveling along with Dr. David Coffey, Dr. Melissa Stewart, Kristie Guffey and Dr. Rankin Skinner, a dentist from Winchester, Kentucky.

The group left the winter cold of Kentucky for the warm, tropical conditions of the south. They arrived in the capital of Ecuador and toured the museums, art, architecture, churches, and the culture of Quito. The group met up with Dr. Rankin Skinner in the city of Santo Domingo. There the students and leaders of the group learned how to administer dental sealant on the teeth of children and adults. Working with Dr. Skinner and Partners of the Americas, it is the com-bined goal to improve the overall health of teeth in the children of Ecuador. The group went to two orphanages, two schools, and a small coastal village to apply the dental sealant and to give each one a toothbrush. The service learning project

was magnified by the overwhelming majority of students who are now donating money, time, and dental supplies to the next study abroad trip that will be leaving on March 2, 2011.

The group continued to travel from the magnificent mountains and volcanoes of the Andes to the tropical region and the Pacific coast of Ecuador. They traveled to bamboo, pineapple, cacao, beef cattle, palm oil, and hearts of palm farms; fishing villages; local markets; and witnessed a local group of indigenous people in their native culture. The group wrapped up their experience by walking on the equator and conducting exciting scientific experiments that proved they were in the middle of the world.

Pre-Pharmacy major, Lashelle Courtney wrapped up the trip with these words, “To see mountains that touch the clouds, to witness farms and plantations of bamboo, bananas and palm oil, to be indulged into lifestyles that are new and different from our own, to touch peoples´ lives and have them touch ours right back, the study abroad trip to Ecuador was the trip of a lifetime.”

Submitted by: Kristie Guffey

The Survey of US Agriculture class traveled to South Dakota and Nebraska in August of 2010. Highlights included a visit to the Haythorn Ranch, famous for breeding and breaking Quarter Horses, a tour of an ethanol production facility, a tour of Profit Maker Bulls, a visit to a 30,000 head feedlot for beef and an in-depth discussion and dinner at the 5 Trails Vineyard and Winery. These are just a few of the exciting educational activities experienced by the group.

Perhaps the most eagerly anticipated stop was at Booty Rub Farm. The owner of Booty Rub raises peppers of many varieties on approximately ¼ acre. He and his family dry and mix the peppers in special combinations as seasonings for meats of

all kinds. None of the peppers leave the farm unless packaged as a seasoning mix.

In addition to agricultural tours, course participants get to stop at sites of historical and/or cultural significance as well. On this trip, the class saw Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Monument that is still a work in progress, Custer State Park, Deadwood and Stur-gis, South Dakota and other points of interest.

The Survey of US Agriculture class travels to a different destination each time that it is taught with the express purpose of exposing participants to the great variety of agricultural enterprises that exist in our nation. There is a course fee associated with the class, which varies depending on travel costs and destinations.

Submitted by: Dr. Linda Gonzales

Pictured above are Justin King, Alexandra Pennington and Erik Brown, in front of the famous Mt. Rushmore

Pictured above is the entire group that traveled to South Dakota and Nebraska in 2010, left to right are Chelsea Williams, Tracy Coleman, Whitney Churchman, Dr. Linda Gonzales, Clay Chase, LeAnn Stinson, Justin King, Alexandra Pennington, Justin Tudor, Kyle Porter and Erik Brown.

adults. Working with Dr. Skinner and Partners of the Americas, it is thecombined goal to improve the overall health of teeth in the children of Ecuador. The



Page 2 Department of Agr icu lture

A group of students traveled to Ecuador during the winter session on an agricultural study abroad experience. There were 18 students traveling along with Dr. David Coffey, Dr. Melissa Stewart, Kristie Guffey and Dr. Rankin Skinner, a dentist from Winchester, Kentucky. The group left the winter cold of Kentucky for the warm, tropical conditions of the south. They arrived in the capital of Ecuador and toured the museums, art, architecture, churches, and the culture of Quito. The group met up with Dr. Rankin Skinner in the city of Santo Domingo. There the students and leaders of the group learned how to administer dental sealant on the teeth of children and adults. Working with Dr. Skinner and Partners of the Americas, it is the com-bined goal to improve the overall health of teeth in the children of Ecuador. The group went to two orphanages, two schools, and a small coastal village to apply the dental sealant and to give each one a toothbrush. The service learning project

was magnified by the overwhelming majority of students who are now donating money, time, and dental supplies to the next study abroad trip that will be leaving on March 2, 2011. The group continued to travel from the magnificent mountains and volcanoes of the Andes to the tropical region and the Pacific coast of Ecuador. They traveled to bamboo, pineapple, cacao, beef cattle, palm oil, and hearts of palm farms; fishing villages; local markets; and witnessed a local group of indigenous people in their native culture. The group wrapped up their experience by walking on the equator and conducting exciting scientific experiments that proved they were in the middle of the world. Pre-Pharmacy major, Lashelle Courtney wrapped up the trip with these words, “To see mountains that touch the clouds, to witness farms and plantations of bamboo, bananas and palm oil, to be indulged into lifestyles that are new and different from our own, to touch peoples´ lives and have them touch ours right back, the study abroad trip to Ecuador was the trip of a lifetime.” Submitted by: Kristie Guffey
















































Study Abroad - Scotland 2011

Roger Dennis Honored By SAF (Society of American Florists)

Ten students accompanied Dr. Linda Brown Gonzales and Mr. Roger Dennis on a study abroad trip to Scotland in May 2011. The group focused on horticulture interests, visiting the Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, many castle grounds and Arran Island. They were privileged to have a personal tour from the Head Greenskeeper at St. Andrews Golf Courses. One very lucky student, Blake Upchurch, had the unique opportunity to play the New Course! Students toured the Arran Island cheese creamery, observing cheeses being dipped in the wax covering that commonly contains cheese for shipment and sale. They visited Arran Distillery to learn about the conversion of grains to scotch whiskey in contrast to the Kentucky product, bourbon whiskey, and Arran Aromatics, a company that formulates and creates perfumes, candles and toiletry products.

In the city of Edinburgh, in the shadow of the stately and imposing Edinburgh Castle, the group visited a Saturday morning Farmer’s Market. Fresh produce and value-added products, mostly from the local area, were available for purchase. Venison products were abundant since red deer are farmed in Scotland, but also Angus burgers, Buffalo meat, haggis and salmon were available. A popular candy was the Scottish “tablet”.

Part of the experience of studying abroad is to be immersed in the culture and history of the country. With that in mind, the group stayed in bed & breakfast lodgings most of the time, rode trains and buses just like the locals do, and walked (a lot!) Historically important sites they visited include the famed Roslyn Chapel (featured in the final scenes of the movie “The DaVinci Code”); the home of golf, St. Andrews Old Course; the home of Robert the Bruce, Stirling Castle; and the William Wallace Monument, built at the site of a significant battle in the fight for Scottish freedom from the British.

Language and expressions are always interesting to observe in a culture that speaks the same basic language as we do but uses it in different ways. See if any of these terms or expressions are familiar to you: way out, give way, a queque for the loo, chips, a lift, stance, anything “wee”. (Answers: exit, yield, a line for the toilet, French fries, an elevator, the parking spot for the bus, and finally, just about everything can be wee, as in “Could you keep a wee eye on the armor?” or “I’ll make a wee call for you.” Or “Its a wee walk - 20 minutes maybe.”)

The success of the course has led the Study Abroad Office to invite the scheduling of the class for summer 2012! Roger Dennis has agreed to lead next year, with Gonzales serving as co-leader. Although dates and costs are to be announced, students interested in this opportunity should proceed to apply for a passport (these are good for ten years from initial purchase and remain excellent identification even after expiration) and should contact [email protected] or [email protected] to express interest. Submitted by: Linda Brown Gonzales

Roger Dennis was inducted into the Society of American Florists’ (SAF) Professional Floral Communicators – International (PFCI), the floral industry’s speakers bureau, and into the American Academy of Floriculture (AAF) in recognition of service to the floral industry and community.

PFCI applicants complete an extensive application that documents speaking experience, leadership activities and professional references. Candidates also submit an audition DVD of a live speaking engagement.

The AAF designation is a distinction recognized throughout the floral industry. In order to meet the Academy’s high standards, an individual must demonstrate commitment and service both within the floral industry and to his or her local community. - WKU News


Taken in Edinburgh, Scotland, May 15, 2011, just outside of the Edinburgh Dungeon

Left to right

Roger Dennis, Arlee Danhauer, Jared Carrier, Heather Brantley, Blake Upchurch, Loren Stinson, Chris Ferguson, Anna Stallings, Kyle Porter, Whitney Churchman, Zach Vincent, Linda Brown Gonzales













Left to right














Left to right














Left to right


The Department of Agriculture is pleased to announce the opening of the Floral Design Training Center and Floral Shop located at 514 Regents Avenue behind Gary A. Ransdell Hall.

The purpose of the Training Center is to create a training facility for students interested in careers in floral design, interior design, and hotel restaurant management as well as floral shop management. Courses using the facility are Introduction to Floral Design, Advanced Floral Design and Wedding Floral Design with the addition of a Floral Shop Management course being offered in the near future. Extended campus workshops will be conducted offering a certificate to florists that are interested in a advancing their design skills. The workroom and classroom lab space is separate from the Floral Shop showroom and sales area. Viewable workroom areas allow the customers to see the expertise in creating a design and the talent that goes into a design. The lab space is used by students enrolled in floral design courses. These students have a set lab time to go to the shop to create a floral design. The student's designs are evaluated by the lab instructor and the finished product is featured as a special that is sold in the Floral Shop. The Floral Shop is a full service floral shop located on the campus of Western Kentucky University offering service to the campus and the Bowling Green area. We offer a full range of products and services, including wedding and funeral work. In addition, delivery and wire service is available. Our inventory includes fresh cut and permanent botanicals as well as a line of gift items suitable for both the campus and local community. Also available are green plants grown by students in greenhouse production courses. Floral Design Training Center and Floral Shop Staff Director - Roger Dennis AIFD, CFD, AAF, PFCI, KMF Floral Designer – Larry Kramer AIFD, CFD Floral Shop Coordinator – Debbie Gabbard For additional information, call (270) 745-3382 or check the website at www.wku.edu/floralshop

WKU students have been recognized by the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program. Since 2007, more students from WKU have been recognized by the Goldwater program than from any other college or university in Kentucky.

Clarice Esch, the daughter of Carol and Joseph Esch of Somerset, has been researching methods to utilize lichens to reduce the need for nitrogen-based fertilizers. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. after she completes her undergraduate career. According to Esch, her research has shaped her thinking on her future. “Through this project,” she said, “I discovered a passion for conducting research and intend to continue conducting research throughout the rest of my college career and beyond.”

Martin Stone, Leichhardt Professor of Horticulture said that Esch is the most promising student that he has worked with in his career as a researcher. “Her work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to grasp the concepts of our joint research over the past two years has been impressive. But beyond her intellectual abilities, she is unassuming and a genuinely nice person to know in both the classroom and in the greenhouse,” he said. “Students like Clarice come along infrequently in the career of a faculty member and I am fortunate to have worked with her.”

- WKU News

Agriculture Student is Runner-Up in Prestigious Goldwater Scholarship

WKU Floral Design and Training Center





Clarice Esch, the daughter of Carol and Joseph Esch of Somerset, has been researching methods to utilize lichens to reduce the need for nitrogen-based fertilizers. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. after she completes her undergraduate career. According to Esch, her research has shaped her thinking on her future. “Through this project,” she said, “I discovered a passion for conducting research and intend to continue conducting research throughout the rest of my college career and beyond.”

Martin Stone, Leichhardt Professor of Horticulture said that Esch is the most promising student that he has worked with in his career as a researcher. “Her work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to grasp the concepts of our joint research over the past two years has been impressive. But beyond her intellectual abilities, she is unassuming and a genuinely nice person to know in both the classroom and in the greenhouse,” he said. “Students like Clarice come along infrequently in the career of a faculty member and I am fortunate to have worked with her.”

- WKU News







Clarice Esch, the daughter of Carol and Joseph Esch of Somerset, has been researching methods to utilize lichens to reduce the need for nitrogen-based fertilizers. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. after she completes her undergraduate career. According to Esch, her research has shaped her thinking on her future. “Through this project,” she said, “I discovered a passion for conducting research and intend to continue conducting research throughout the rest of my college career and beyond.” Martin Stone, Leichhardt Professor of Horticulture said that Esch is the most

promising student that he has worked with in his career as a researcher. “Her work ethic, attention to detail, and ability to grasp the concepts of our joint research over the past two years has been impressive. But beyond her intellectual abilities, she is unassuming and a genuinely nice person to know in both the classroom and in the greenhouse,” he said. “Students like Clarice come along infrequently in the career of a faculty member and I am fortunate to have worked with her.” - WKU News




















Turfgrass Management

Welcome Dr. Fred DeGraves - Assistant Professor of Animal Science

Dear Alumni,

It has been another successful year for our turf management students. Currently, Joshua Blaker is in Scotland completing an internship at St. Andrews Golf Club. Also, Josh had the opportunity to work the Masters Championship at Augusta National this past spring. He was in charge of Hole #13. This fall, four of our students spent a week in Augusta assisting in over-seeding the course in preparation for next year’s Masters Tournament. Our students have been very successful in obtaining quality summer internships this summer as well. WKU turf students are working at Valhalla, Victoria National, Idle Hour, UK Athletics, and Ole Stone, just to name a few. As mentioned, we have a student in Scotland, as well as students in Boston, MA and Denver, CO. Each year, our students are obtaining more prestigious internships. I am extremely excited about these opportunities and proud of our students.

Continuing with the student theme, Jake Suttle and Josh Blaker received scholarships from the Kentucky Turfgrass Council and Jake was the recipient of the Outstanding Turfgrass Student Award here at WKU. Jake is currently working for a sports field construction company out of Nashville, TN. Including myself, six WKU ‘Turfies’ worked the Senior PGA Championship at Valhalla this spring. As always, it rained and flooded, but not near to the extent as in 2003. We did have some storm damage to 18 green due to an overturned media tent. WKU was well represented at this prestigious event, and was the only University that had students working the event. This past February, nine turfgrass students attended the GCSAA Conference in Orlando, FL.

I would like to mentioned that my graduate student, Chelsea Williams, did complete her M.S. degree this spring and is going to be teaching Agriculture classes at Owensboro Community College. I am very happy for her and wish her well in her new career. Finally, I will close by congratulating our technician, Joey Reynolds, for completing his M.S. degree as well this spring. As always, I hope to see you this fall.

Sincerely,

Paul Woosley

Associate Professor

Dr. DeGraves grew up in Michigan, where the family raised crops, beef cattle, and Christmas trees. While living in Michigan, he attended Michigan State University, receiving a B.S. degree in Microbiology and Public Health in 1974 and a D.V.M degree in 1983. Dr. DeGraves then moved to Wisconsin after taking employment with Dairyland Animal Health Inc., Weyauwega, WI. Dairyland Animal Health, Inc., a predominately dairy mixed animal veterinary practice that has played a leading role in the early implementation of novel dairy production medicine programs. During his stay in Wisconsin, Dr. DeGraves devoted considerable time dealing with issues involving bovine reproduction and developed expertise in bovine mastitis and milk quality as an area of specialization within the practice. This interest then led to North Carolina State University, where he received a Ph.D. degree that was focused on mastitis and milk quality, in 1991. While doing his graduate work, Dr. DeGraves met and married Barbara Davison, while she was working at the College of Veterinary Medicine as a medical illustrator.

Graduate work was followed by a 12 year stint as faculty at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, where Dr. DeGraves worked as a food animal clinician/scientist specializing in dairy medicine. Their son and daughter (Jayson and Gina) were born while living in Auburn, Alabama. Dr. DeGraves then joined the Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio in 2003, where he focused on dairy medicine and veterinary public health. The DeGraves family recently moved to Bowling Green, Kentucky. Dr. DeGraves is now a faculty member in the Department of Agriculture, Ogden College of Science and Engineering, Western Kentucky University, where his expertise in dairy production and veterinary medicine is being put to good use.




Dear Alumni, It has been another successful year for our turf management students. Currently, Joshua Blaker is in Scotland completing an internship at St. Andrews Golf Club. Also, Josh had the opportunity to work the Masters Championship at Augusta National this past spring. He was in charge of Hole #13. This fall, four of our students spent a week in Augusta assisting in over-seeding the course in preparation for next year’s Masters Tournament. Our students have been very successful in obtaining quality summer internships this summer as well. WKU turf students are working at Valhalla, Victoria National, Idle Hour, UK Athletics, and Ole Stone, just to name a few. As mentioned, we have a student in Scotland, as well as students in Boston, MA and Denver, CO. Each year, our students are obtaining more prestigious internships. I am extremely excited about these opportunities and proud of our students. Continuing with the student theme, Jake Suttle and Josh Blaker received scholarships from the Kentucky Turfgrass Council and Jake was the recipient of the Outstanding Turfgrass Student Award here at WKU. Jake is currently working for a sports field construction company out of Nashville, TN. Including myself, six WKU ‘Turfies’ worked the Senior PGA Championship at Valhalla this spring. As always, it rained and flooded, but not near to the extent as in 2003. We did have some storm damage to 18 green due to an overturned media tent. WKU was well represented at this prestigious event, and was the only University that had students working the event. This past February, nine turfgrass students attended the GCSAA Conference in Orlando, FL. I would like to mentioned that my graduate student, Chelsea Williams, did complete her M.S. degree this spring and is going to be teaching Agriculture classes at Owensboro Community College. I am very happy for her and wish her well in her new career. Finally, I will close by congratulating our technician, Joey Reynolds, for completing his M.S. degree as well this spring. As always, I hope to see you this fall. Sincerely, Paul Woosley Associate Professor

Dr. DeGraves grew up in Michigan, where the family raised crops, beef cattle, and Christmas trees. While living in Michigan, he attended Michigan State University, receiving a B.S. degree in Microbiology and Public Health in 1974 and a D.V.M degree in 1983. Dr. DeGraves then moved to Wisconsin after taking employment with Dairyland Animal Health Inc., Weyauwega, WI. Dairyland Animal Health, Inc., a predominately dairy mixed animal veterinary practice that has played a leading role in the early implementation of novel dairy production medicine programs. During his stay in Wisconsin, Dr. DeGraves devoted considerable time dealing with issues involving bovine reproduction and developed expertise in bovine mastitis and milk quality as an area of specialization within the practice. This interest then led to North Carolina State University, where he received a Ph.D. degree that was focused on mastitis and milk quality, in 1991. While doing his graduate work, Dr. DeGraves met and married Barbara Davison, while she was working at the College of Veterinary Medicine as a medical illustrator. Graduate work was followed by a 12 year stint as faculty at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, where Dr. DeGraves worked as a food animal clinician/scientist specializing in dairy medicine. Their son and daughter (Jayson and Gina) were born while living in Auburn, Alabama. Dr. DeGraves then joined the Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio in 2003, where he focused on dairy medicine and veterinary public health. The DeGraves family recently moved to Bowling Green, Kentucky. Dr. DeGraves is now a faculty member in the Department of Agriculture, Ogden College of Science and Engineering, Western Kentucky University, where his expertise in dairy production and veterinary medicine is being put to good use.


Joshua Blaker—St Andrews Golf Club in Scotland











The past year has been a busy and productive one for the Viticulture program. Spring semester 2011 represented our (Mr. Roger Dennis and I) second offering of our Introduction to Viticulture class; 16 undergraduates and 3 graduate students completed the class this past May. We offered Advanced Viticulture class for the first time this Fall 2011 semester.

We’re excited to have several new members on our Viticulture team. Nathan Howell (B.S., 2000) was employed as our Viticulture Technician in March 2011; Kellee Montgomery (B.S., 2010) and Blake Layne (B.A., 2005) are pursuing a Master of Science degrees in Agriculture with emphases upon Viticulture and Enology, respectively and Camille Hayden (B.S., 2012) was our Undergraduate Assistant during Summer 2011 vineyard activities.

2011 vineyard activities began with dormant pruning in March and April; the vineyards were utilized at this time to train students enrolled in Introduction to Viticulture class in pruning and shoot thinning techniques. April was also the initiation of

Kellee’s M.S. thesis project which is titled ‘Influence of Broiler Litter Application Rate on Growth Parameters, Fruit Yield and Chemistry, and Sensory Evaluation of two French Hybrid Grape Cultivars’. May and June saw turbulent weather in Bowling Green; a late-May windstorm and early-June hailstorm damaged our vines’ shoots and immature fruit clusters. We planted our newest vineyard on June 7, we were fortunate that the young plants avoided the June 5 hailstorm! Our new vineyard consists of 75 ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’, 50 ‘Malbec’, 50 ‘Syrah’, and 25 ‘Tannat’- all of which are varietals of European origin which will be utilized for wine production when mature in 2014.

We encourage you to stop by the vineyards for a visit, they are located on both sides of the front greenhouse near the L.D. Brown Agriculture Exposition Center.

Submitted by: Dr. Todd Willian

The Leadership Bowling Green program visited the WKU farm on May 18, 2011. This particular day was dedicated to Agri-Business. The 30 member group was given a comprehensive tour of the various farm operations with lunch provided by the Warren County Cattleman’s Association. Some of the highlights included a stop at the dairy where Jeremy Waddell gave an overview of the operation, (and an opportunity to pet the new calves!), a brief tour of the new vegetable production facility where Travis and Tracy Coleman shared their knowledge of integrating high tunnel greenhouses in the community gardening program and a stop at the vineyard at which Nathan Howell introduced the participants to some of the research being conducted as part of the new viticulture program.

The annual visit was once again a success in showcasing the farm not only as a production facility, but also with a major function as a research complex and serving as a location for development of the newest undertakings in modern agriculture.

Submitted by : Tim Jones

WKU Vineyard News

Leadership Bowling Green Program Visits WKU Farm


Introduction to Viticulture class practicing their shoot thinning technique.

The past year has been a busy and productive one for the Viticulture program. Spring semester 2011 represented our (Mr. Roger Dennis and I) second offering of our Introduction to Viticulture class; 16 undergraduates and 3 graduate students completed the class this past May. We offered Advanced Viticulture class for the first time this Fall 2011 semester. We’re excited to have several new members on our Viticulture team. Nathan Howell (B.S., 2000) was employed as our Viticulture Technician in March 2011; Kellee Montgomery (B.S., 2010) and Blake Layne (B.A., 2005) are pursuing a Master of Science degrees in Agriculture with emphases upon Viticulture and Enology, respectively and Camille Hayden (B.S., 2012) was our Undergraduate Assistant during Summer 2011 vineyard activities. 2011 vineyard activities began with dormant pruning in March and April; the vineyards were utilized at this time to train students enrolled in Introduction to Viticulture class in pruning and shoot thinning techniques. April was also the initiation of

Kellee’s M.S. thesis project which is titled ‘Influence of Broiler Litter Application Rate on Growth Parameters, Fruit Yield and Chemistry, and Sensory Evaluation of two French Hybrid Grape Cultivars’. May and June saw turbulent weather in Bowling Green; a late-May windstorm and early-June hailstorm damaged our vines’ shoots and immature fruit clusters. We planted our newest vineyard on June 7, we were fortunate that the young plants avoided the June 5 hailstorm! Our new vineyard consists of 75 ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’, 50 ‘Malbec’, 50 ‘Syrah’, and 25 ‘Tannat’- all of which are varietals of European origin which will be utilized for wine production when mature in 2014. We encourage you to stop by the vineyards for a visit, they are located on both sides of the front greenhouse near the L.D. Brown Agriculture Exposition Center. Submitted by: Dr. Todd Willian




WKU Vineyard News









The past year has been a busy and productive one for the Viticulture program. Spring semester 2011 represented our (Mr. Roger Dennis and I) second offering of our Introduction to Viticulture class; 16 undergraduates and 3 graduate students completed the class this past May. We offered Advanced Viticulture class for the first time this Fall 2011 semester. We’re excited to have several new members on our Viticulture team. Nathan Howell (B.S., 2000) was employed as our Viticulture Technician in March 2011; Kellee Montgomery (B.S., 2010) and Blake Layne (B.A., 2005) are pursuing a Master of Science degrees in Agriculture with emphases upon Viticulture and Enology, respectively and Camille Hayden (B.S., 2012) was our Undergraduate Assistant during Summer 2011 vineyard activities. 2011 vineyard activities began with dormant pruning in March and April; the vineyards were utilized at this time to train students enrolled in Introduction to Viticulture class in pruning and shoot thinning techniques. April was also the initiation of

Kellee’s M.S. thesis project which is titled ‘Influence of Broiler Litter Application Rate on Growth Parameters, Fruit Yield and Chemistry, and Sensory Evaluation of two French Hybrid Grape Cultivars’. May and June saw turbulent weather in Bowling Green; a late-May windstorm and early-June hailstorm damaged our vines’ shoots and immature fruit clusters. We planted our newest vineyard on June 7, we were fortunate that the young plants avoided the June 5 hailstorm! Our new vineyard consists of 75 ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’, 50 ‘Malbec’, 50 ‘Syrah’, and 25 ‘Tannat’- all of which are varietals of European origin which will be utilized for wine production when mature in 2014. We encourage you to stop by the vineyards for a visit, they are located on both sides of the front greenhouse near the L.D. Brown Agriculture Exposition Center. Submitted by: Dr. Todd Willian




WKU Vineyard News




Agronomy News Student News

Buck Hulsey, Coty Johnson, Phillip Rogers, Anna Stallings, Josh Timbers, Marie Weldon and Phillip Wheet were involved in the 2010 Southern Regional Soil Judging Competition, which was hosted by The University Georgia - Athens. Darwin Newton and Becky Gilfillen went with the group as coaches. The students placed 11th in the contest at UGA. Buck Hulsey, Phillip Rogers, Anna Stallings, Josh Timbers, Marie Weldon and Phillip Wheet competed in the NACTA Contest hosted by Modesto Junior College in Modesto, CA in April 2011. It was a good trip to see all different kinds of soils in California and also the Agriculture Industries that exist there. Fortunately, one day we did get to see Yosemite National Park which was just amazing.

During the November Kentucky of Academy Sciences Meeting, Marie Weldon placed 2nd in the Undergraduate Poster Contest and Gary Cundiff placed 2nd in the Graduate Student Presentations. Way to go Marie and Gary!

Kaylissa Horton was the Outstanding Senior Agronomy Plant Science Student this year. She graduated in December and is working on a Master’s Degree in Agronomy at Purdue University.

Buck Hulsey was the Outstanding Senior Agronomy Soil Science student this year. He graduated in May and is working with the USDA-NRCS currently. We wish both Kaylissa and Buck the best in their futures.

The Soil Management and Conservation Class along with the Agronomy Club had a field trip to Roundstone Native Seed Company in November which is located in Upton, KY. In the spring, the Soil Fertility Class and the Agronomy Club had a field trip to Crop Protection Services and Waters Agricultural Laboratory in Owensboro. We appreciate all of the support from our local Agricul tural Industries.

Gary Cundiff and Bill Penick are second year M.S. Agronomy Graduate Students in the Department. Gary’s project is using mycorrhizae in tomato and snap bean production and is working with Dr. Becky Gilfillen and Dr. Annesly Netthisinghe. Bill’s research is looking into using a no-till tobacco transplanter in various crop residues and is working with Dr. Todd Willian. Chris Ferguson has started his M.S. studies this spring working with Dr. Gray.

Research

The Agronomy Faculty continues to focus on research in the area of Waste Management in cooperation with the USDA-ARS unit located at the WKU Farm. We have added two new studies this summer. One study looks at microbial survival in soil and fescue after poultry litter, dairy manure or inorganic fertilizer applications. Information about soil nutrient accumulation and fescue y ields will also be determined in order to collaborate information between the study. Our second new project looks at nutrient accumulation under a feedlot setting. In addition to soil samples, greenhouse gas samples are also being collected. The hopes of this project are to see where the excess nutrients from the field lot are accumulating and being released. Research projects include the use of poultry li tter and dairy manure as a fertilizer source to grow field and forage crops. Dr. Annesly Netthisinghe made presentations at the American Society of Agronomy Meetings in Long Beach, CA and at the Southern American Society of Agronomy Meetings in Corpus Christi, TX. Dr. Becky Gilfillen made a presentation at the Southern American Society of Agronomy Meetings in Corpus Christi, TX. She has served as Vice-President/Program Chair this past year and will be President this coming year.

In Agronomy Research this summer – we are assisted in our efforts by undergraduate student Patrick Scott and graduate students Bill Penick and Gary Cundiff . Buck Hulsey and Marie Weldon were undergraduate student lab workers this past year.

Submitted by: Becky Gilfillen, Todd Willian and Elmer Gray


Please visit our new website: http://www.wku.edu/agriculture

If you would like to see something added, let us know. Call: 270-745-3151

Agronomy News Student News

Buck Hulsey, Coty Johnson, Phillip Rogers, Anna Stallings, Josh Timbers, Marie Weldon and Phillip Wheet were involved in the 2010 Southern Regional Soil Judging Competition, which was hosted by The University Georgia - Athens. Darwin Newton and Becky Gilfillen went with the group as coaches. The students placed 11th in the contest at UGA. Buck Hulsey, Phillip Rogers, Anna Stallings, Josh Timbers, Marie Weldon and Phillip Wheet competed in the NACTA Contest hosted by Modesto Junior College in Modesto, CA in April 2011. It was a good trip to see all different kinds of soils in California and also the Agriculture Industries that exist there. Fortunately, one day we did get to see Yosemite National Park which was just amazing.

During the November Kentucky of Academy Sciences Meeting, Marie Weldon placed 2nd in the Undergraduate Poster Contest and Gary Cundiff placed 2nd in the Graduate Student Presentations. Way to go Marie and Gary!

Kaylissa Horton was the Outstanding Senior Agronomy Plant Science Student this year. She graduated in December and is working on a Master’s Degree in Agronomy at Purdue University.

Buck Hulsey was the Outstanding Senior Agronomy Soil Science student this year. He graduated in May and is working with the USDA-NRCS currently. We wish both Kaylissa and Buck the best in their futures.

The Soil Management and Conservation Class along with the Agronomy Club had a field trip to Roundstone Native Seed Company in November which is located in Upton, KY. In the spring, the Soil Fertility Class and the Agronomy Club had a field trip to Crop Protection Services and Waters Agricultural Laboratory in Owensboro. We appreciate all of the support from our local Agricultural Industries.

Gary Cundiff and Bill Penick are second year M.S. Agronomy Graduate Students in the Department. Gary’s project is using mycorrhizae in tomato and snap bean production and is working with Dr. Becky Gilfillen and Dr. Annesly Netthisinghe. Bill’s research is looking into using a no-till tobacco transplanter in various crop residues and is working with Dr. Todd Willian. Chris Ferguson has started his M.S. studies this spring working with Dr. Gray.

Research

The Agronomy Faculty continues to focus on research in the area of Waste Management in cooperation with the USDA-ARS unit located at the WKU Farm. We have added two new studies this summer. One study looks at microbial survival in soil and fescue after poultry litter, dairy manure or inorganic fertilizer applications. Information about soil nutrient accumulation and fescue yields will also be determined in order to collaborate information between the study. Our second new project looks at nutrient accumulation under a feedlot setting. In addition to soil samples, greenhouse gas samples are also being collected. The hopes of this project are to see where the excess nutrients from the field lot are accumulating and being released. Research projects include the use of poultry litter and dairy manure as a fertilizer source to grow field and forage crops. Dr. Annesly Netthisinghe made presentations at the American Society of Agronomy Meetings in Long Beach, CA and at the Southern American Society of Agronomy Meetings in Corpus Christi, TX. Dr. Becky Gilfillen made a presentation at the Southern American Society of Agronomy Meetings in Corpus Christi, TX. She has served as Vice-President/Program Chair this past year and will be President this coming year.

In Agronomy Research this summer – we are assisted in our efforts by undergraduate student Patrick Scott and graduate students Bill Penick and Gary Cundiff . Buck Hulsey and Marie Weldon were undergraduate student lab workers this past year.

Submitted by: Becky Gilfillen, Todd Willian and Elmer Gray


Please visit our new website: http://www.wku.edu/agriculture

If you would like to see something added, let us know. Call: 270-745-3151



1906 College Heights Blvd #41066

Bowling Green, KY 42101-1066

Address Service Requested

We are on the web: http://www.wku.edu/agriculture

ANNUAL ALUMNI HOMECOMING

LUNCHEON

Saturday, October 22, 2011 at 12:00 p.m.

AG EXPO CENTER

Please call 745-3151 to RSVP

Tickets $15.00

U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 398

BOWLING GREEN, KY42101

©2011 Western Kentucky University. Printing paid from state funds, KRS 57.375



1906 College Heights Blvd #41066

Bowling Green, KY 42101-1066

Address Service Requested

We are on the web: http://www.wku.edu/agriculture

ANNUAL ALUMNI HOMECOMING

LUNCHEON

Saturday, October 22, 2011 at 12:00 p.m.

AG EXPO CENTER

Please call 745-3151 to RSVP

Tickets $15.00

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