Clubs & Teams
Clubs & Teams
Students interested in Animal & Food Sciences may be interested in the following organizations and teams.
Student Clubs
2024 AFSGA Officers
- President: Tyler Purvis
- Vice President: Amanda Lee
- Secretary/Treasurer: Katherine Purvis
- Social Chair: Annie Foliart
- Social Chair: Meredith Talley
Newsletter: Request access to the AFSGA newsletter: uk.afsga@gmail.com.
The Avian Science Club was established for students with an interest in poultry and the poultry industry. The club is here to help you learn more about poultry and the industry, whether you have a background in poultry or not!
2023-24 President: Cheyanne Hunt
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Tayo Adedokun
The UK Dairy Science Club has fun and exciting activities which allow its members to interact with the cows and people of the dairy industry. This could be traveling abroad to compare their industries or by inviting middle school students to learn about the cow and how milk is produced. From attending the Regional/National ADSA and State Fair, every Dairy Science Club event is an adventure.
2024-25 President: Whitney Dunklee (Whitney.Dunklee@uky.edu)
Faculty Advisor: Larissa Tucker
The Food Science Club at the University of Kentucky is designed to provide students a forum for extramural activities such as club picnics and outings, fundraising events and competition in regional and national events. Our fundraising activities provide support for students to participate in regional and national meetings (such as the Bluegrass and National Institute of Food Technologists Meetings), and a number of philanthropic activities. The club encourages students from other disciplines that are interested in learning more about the field of Food Science to attend our chapter meetings.
President: Ava Weyrich
Faculty Advisors: Dr. Rachel Schendel and Dr. Paul V. Priyesh
Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Links:
The UK Block and Bridle Club provides students interested in various aspects of the livestock industry with an opportunity to enhance their leadership skills. Members may participate in activities such as the Little North American, community service projects, National Convention, fundraising events and social opportunities.
2024-25 President: Malena Hughes (Malena.Hughes@uky.edu)
Faculty Advisors: Dr. Debra Aaron, Dr. Don Ely and Ann Leed
The UK Pre-Vet Club is open to all students interested in veterinary medicine. The club was created to help students with their undergraduate studies and to aid them in the selection of veterinary school upon completion of their requirements. Meetings throughout the year allow members to listen and exchange ideas and information about their classes and work experiences. Other activities include guest speakers, and field trips to Tennessee and Auburn’s vet schools.
2024-25 President: Malena Hughes (Malena.Hughes@uky.edu)
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jackie Wahrmund
Student Teams
The Meats Judging Team trains students to accurately evaluate a range of wholesale cuts and meat carcasses. Being a part of the team provides lessons for future occupations, with experiences in detailed observations, efficient communications and critical thinking. Students have to opportunity to travel the country competing against other university teams as they learn, experience and bond together.
Coach: Dr. Gregg Rentfrow
The University of Kentucky Dairy Judging Team was established to educate students on dairy cattle evaluation. Students will learn how to properly evaluate and rank dairy cattle for milk production and longevity based on physical characteristics. By joining the Dairy Judging Team, students will be given the opportunities to travel around the U.S., networking with dairy producers, animal science industry representatives and high school and 4-H agriculture instructors, as well as working with dairy cattle, aiding with dairy judging clinics and visiting working dairy farms. Team members will also have the opportunity to compete at the All American Dairy Show, World Dairy Expo and the North American Livestock Expo. No dairy experience is required. All students are welcome to join!
Coach: Larissa Tucker
Livestock judging consists of carefully analyzing animals (beef cattle, sheep, swine and goats) and measuring them against a standard that is commonly accepted as being ideal. There are numerous benefits to gain from competing on a livestock judging team. In the course of training and competition, students are given the opportunity to interact with future leaders of the livestock industry. Students develop a keen sense of judgment and confidence to make a decision that is defended in a set of oral reasons. At the University of Kentucky, team members compete at Dixie National Livestock Show, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, All-East, Keystone International Livestock Expo, Premier Stockman, American Royal and North American Livestock Expo.
