Virginia Tech celebrates agriculture and natural resources with Agtoberfest, Oct. 20

The third annual Agtoberfest, a family-oriented event where the local community can learn about the ever-changing fields of agriculture and natural resources, is coming to the Alphin-Stuart Livestock Teaching Arena on Saturday, Oct. 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Alpha Zeta, the honorary service fraternity of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Natural Resources at Virginia Tech, is sponsoring the free event along with Virginia 4-H.

“Agtoberfest is open to everyone and often attracts families because of its activities that teach youth about the importance of agriculture and natural resources,” said George Norton, professor and agricultural and applied economics and Alpha Zeta advisor. “Each of the student clubs in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Natural Resources will have educational displays.”

Attendees will have an opportunity to learn about topics such as animal anatomy and Virginia’s agricultural products. One display by the Poultry Science Club at Virginia Tech will feature live chickens hatching from eggs. There will be a farm animal showcase, a horseback riding demonstration, games, and arts and crafts for children.

Just prior to Agtoberfest, local 4-H agents, other Virginia Tech faculty members, and Alpha Zeta members are partnering for the annual Fourth Grade Agricultural Experience. The program, which is in its seventh year, brings more than 500 fourth-grade students each day from Pulaski, Giles, Floyd, and Montgomery counties to the Alphin-Stuart Livestock Teaching Arena for structured activities similar to those at Agtoberfest. It instructs fourth graders about the importance of agriculture, enhances their agricultural literacy, and uses agriculture as a medium to teach the Standards of Learning for Virginia public schools.

The Virginia Chapter of Alpha Zeta is a professional, service, and honorary fraternity for men and women in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Natural Resources at Virginia Tech. It is composed of student, alumni, associate, and honorary members who have been initiated by chartered chapters or alumni associations of the fraternity. In addition to fostering high standards of scholarship, character, leadership, and fellowship among its members, Alpha Zeta aims to promote the profession of agriculture and serve the students at Virginia Tech and the local community.