Julie Had A Little Lamb
At 95 years and counting, the Block and Bridle Club’s Little International (Little I) is one of Penn State’s oldest and dearest traditions. The latest installment of this Penn State mainstay was hosted on April 15th, 2012 at the Agricultural Arena.
Little I, although not very well known outside of the College of Agricultural Sciences, is still an important event for the university. This year a surprise visitor came to take in the event, and show Penn State’s commitment to its Ag school. Dr. Rodney Erickson, university president, dropped by with his wife and grandchildren to offer some support.
The event is arguably an even bigger deal for the College of Agricultural Sciences itself. The event is taped and used as a recruiting tool for the college.
“They show the event to prospective incoming students, and it gives them an advantage over other schools because it provides a unique opportunity to work closely with large animals. A lot of Ag students at other schools don’t get to do that till after they graduate.” says Ellison, “I know it caught my eye when they showed me the tape on my visitation day.”
This year, 68 participants showed a variety of horses, heifers, swine and sheep to keep the Little I tradition alive and well. Nick Britt of Gasport, New York, took home the Little International Grand Champion Award for his entry in the heifer show.