It was a pleasure for the University of Georgia Block and Bridle Club to host
the 80th Annual Block and Bridle Convention in Atlanta at the Crown Plaza Ravinia
Hotel March 23-26, 2000. A total of 562 attended the event from 48 different
schools from as far away as California and Pennsylvania. The largest delegations
were Clemson University with 34 and Ohio State with 32 students (other than
UGA with 45).
The event kicked off with a comedian act by Bill Clary. Bill has taken his
show around the world 91 times and been voted Master Magician of the year. Memories
of dressing Mr. Calvin Alford and the implications that followed will linger
with those attending forever! It was interesting to learn that Mr. Clary actually
grew up on a dairy farm in New York but left for the bright lights of the entertainment
business; yet he returns home to their farm of a great variety of farm pets.
A good time was had by all at the dance following Bill Clary's act and set the
tone for tours on Friday.
Two tours were available on Friday. The west tour went to Buckhead Beef, Three
Trees Angus and Charlois Farm in Sharpsburg (hosted by Craig and Cindy Smith,
managers for Stan Thomas, owner), and Chapel Farms Arabians where Chris Ankersen
demonstrated Arabians at liberty and in dressage. The east tour visited C. L.
Cook's Angus Farm, GA Pacific plywood making facility, Dupree Saddlebred Farms
for a parade of breeds, and William's Dairy, hosted by UGA Block and Bridle
graduates Carol and Everett William. A visit to Madison, an antebellum home,
and Cultural Center Cow exhibit finished the tour day. Dinner was served at
the UGA Ramsey Center by the GA Agriculture County Agent's Association prior
to the return to Atlanta.
A motivational Saturday morning started with Dr. Garth Boyd of Murphy Farms
who verified that even taxi drivers can have a positive influence on your life
and outlook for the day. A series of speaker options followed that addressed
aspects under the theme: "Agriculture, An Industry, A Profession, and A Passion".
The educational opportunities led by leaders in the industries associated with
cattle, horses, swine, veterinary options, and governmental agencies were well
attended. One of the most popular sessions was presented by Dr. Scott Williams
on "Viability of a Production Agriculture Career after College ".
The awards banquet followed a free afternoon to explore the Atlanta sites.
Georgia Commissioner Agriculture Tommy Irvin expanded on the breadth of GA agriculture
and thanked the convention for coming to Georgia. Jones Loflin, featured speaker
for the banquet, challenged the audience to develop their life into prime rib,
a theme that runs through his book, Prime Rib or Potted Meat . His warm
humor and agricultural analogies quickly captured the audience and provided
thought provoking means to a passionate and successful life. Jones Loflin wrote
after the meetings, " What an honor for me to speak at the 80th Annual National
Block and Bridle Awards Banquet! I tremendously enjoyed their enthusiasm and
their willingness to better themselves professionally and personally". After
a rousing overview from Dr. Jim Spain and students about the 2001 National Convention,
everyone left ready to travel to St. Louis next year to carry on the good times!
Thanks to all who attended for making it a memorable and enjoyable experience!
