The Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology
Jordan College Spring/Summer 2021 Newsletter
Over the July 4th weekend, my wife, Susan, and I hosted our children, their spouses and our grandchildren for a family reunion. One day, we (all 28 of us) visited the University Agricultural Laboratory.
Jonathan Moules, a student employee at the sheep unit, was shearing a sheep and John Cordeiro provided information on wool, sheep, and the valuable products - such as lanolin - that come from sheep. The family was impressed.
We then dropped by the dairy where Dr. Kyle Thompson helped us understand what to look for in a ‘perfect’ cow. The 10-and-under crowd were more impressed with the fish tank in his office.
He then helped the kids understand how a milker (the equipment, not the person) works, and of course the kids got to pet cows and try to feed them. Kyle offered a chance to feed calves with bottles, and Logan, the student assistant, chased after us as we left to offer the chance to see a newborn calf.
We declined both offers because the promised ice cream cones at the Gibson Farm Market were too tempting.
We created a crowd in the store and at the ice cream cone station, but Patty Terry, the manager there, had things well under control, and the students serving cups/cones (Jennifer Ruiz and Sara Hawk) were patient and efficient. Our 16 year-old-grandson declared the ‘cake batter & cookie dough’ ice cream to be the best flavor he has ever tasted. The reviews of the farm trip were universally positive.
We hope your family and friends feel equally attached to our campus farm in their own unique ways. It is truly special to have such a hands-on 'laboratory' in the heart of our vibrant city. Likewise, our students, faculty, and staff take extra pride in sharing the wonders of agriculture with our community every day.
Dennis Nef
Dean, Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology