Last year, the UAM Ag Alumni Society planted the seeds for annual get-togethers of UAM's agriculture alums with the Inaugural Aggie Comeback weekend. The special homecoming for UAM Ag Alumni and friends has grown like wild weeds. The UAM Aggie Comeback weekend was so successful that the UAM Ag Alumni Society is hosting multiple events this year.
This year's 2023 Ag Alumni Scholarship Dinner will be held Saturday, January 21, at the McGehee Men's Club. Last year the Ag Alumni Scholarship and Auction dinner surprised everyone when it sold out. The turnout maxed out the facility's seating capacity, which was held at an outdoor venue, The Ridge on Wilson Mill in Monticello. While it was covered, the sides of the facility were open to weather elements. With this year's dinner being held in January, UAM Ag Alumni Society Secretary Chris Bryant said an indoor covered facility was necessary.
The primary reason for holding the 2023 Ag Alumni Scholarship Dinner in January instead of April is to accommodate the row crop farmers who are normally in the middle of planting season in April. In addition to the dinner, earlier that day there will be a Row Crop Symposium that will take place from 9 am to noon at the newly renovated UAM Agriculture Building's auditorium. Speakers include University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture professors Dr. Hunter Biram, who will speak about the "Market Outlook for Row Crops and Risk Management Strategies," and Dr. Brian Deaton, who will present on "Hedging and Marketing Plans", and Dr. Kishan Mahmud, who will present on "Soil Health and Soil Microbiology".
"In 2022, we maxed out our venue with about 140 people, and we're looking to keep growing this thing every year," said Bryant. "We are shooting for a goal of 200 sold tickets", said Bryant.
"By holding the dinner in McGehee Men's Club, not only is the event allowed to grow due to the size of the venue," said Bryant, "its tenants will be fully enclosed and offer suitable parking."
"Money raised from the event will go toward the Dr. Kelly J. Bryant Memorial Scholarship. Bryant said, "the money will go toward an endowment to help students with finances or equipment. Whatever we see that the need is that year," said Bryant. He said the money goes toward scholarships or the advancement of the agriculture program at UAM.
Bryant said of the dinner, "it's the same kind of agenda as last year. It's a steak dinner, $40 a ticket, all the trimmings, dessert." He said there will be an introduction of new UAM agriculture professors and a review of where the agriculture program is now and heading for the future. The night wraps up with a silent, live auction."
In the spring, the UAM agriculture program will host more events. The UAM Stampede Rodeo will be held on April 6th-April 8th. The UAM Field Day/ Cattle Production Auction will be held Saturday, April 22, at the UAM Agriculture Building auditorium.
