An event with a long tradition at the University of Minnesota, Crookston, Ag and Natural Resources Activities Day, is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 4, 2009, and will bring some 1,300 high school students to the Crookston campus.  The competition, held at the U of M, Crookston for more than 30 years, is overseen by faculty in the U of M, Crookston Agriculture and Natural Resources Department.  Last year almost 50 high schools participated in this event.
 
The more than 20 contests range from horticulture and forestry to ag mechanics, livestock, and sales. "Students really enjoy the competition at Ag and Natural Resources Activities Day," said Ron Del Vecchio, head of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department. "Offering students this opportunity to compete with their peers in the field of agriculture and natural resources proves to be a great time for everyone and especially beneficial for the students."

An awards ceremony culminates the day. Scholarships, plaques and certificates are awarded to school teams and individuals for each contest. More than $32,000 in scholarships are available to award-winning students. Last year, $750 UMC scholarships were awarded for the high individual in each contest; $600 UMC scholarships were awarded for the second place individual; and $450 UMC scholarships were awarded.

The event is sponsored by the Crookston campus Agriculture and Natural Resources Department. If you would like more information regarding Ag and Natural Resources Activities Day events, contact Amy Lubarski at 218-281-8101 (lubarski@umn.edu) or visit www.umcrookston.edu/academics/agri/activities.htm.  

Today the University of Minnesota, Crookston delivers more than 25 applied-science undergraduate degree programs and 50 concentrations, including several online degrees, in agriculture; arts, humanities and social sciences; business; math, science and technology; and natural resources. To learn more, visit www.UMCrookston.edu.