Posted: February 15, 2023
Penn State’s Block and Bridle Club was recognized nationally as first in the nation for chapter activities at the 102nd national Block and Bridle Convention hosted by Louisiana State University Jan. 31 – Feb. 3 in New Orleans. Penn State’s Collegiate Cattlewomen Club was also in attendance.
From left to right, back row onwards: Abigail O’Shell, Hummelstown, PA; Ella Brummer, Millerstown, PA; Grace Prout, Oley, PA; Carlin Ligo, Fredonia, PA; Lily Corbett, Florham Park, NJ; Erin Comp, Duncannon, PA; Leah Welk, Strasburg, PA; Madelynn Pimm, Bergen, NY; Leah Pellis, Bethel Park, PA; Emma McLaughlin, Furnace, PA; Noell Nichols, Bellefonte, PA; Tayler Garges, Telford, PA; Elijah Earnest, Marianna, PA; Sarah Landeck, Massapequa, NY; Alexis Banik, Wellsboro, PA; Mikayla DeReinzi, Saylorsburg, PA; Jaren Bomgardner, Annville, PA; Natalie Apgar, East Earl, PA; Caleb Antram, Somerset, PA; Mattie Horchler, New Wilmington, PA; Ashley Mosier, Palmerton, PA; Matthew Kaelin, Evans City, PA; Haley Weidman, Oley, PA; Jacob Heflin, Gettysburg, PA; Daniel “Doc” Kniffen, Pennsylvania State University
The club also received second place nationally for their yearbook and fifth place for their scrapbook. Erin Comp, a current senior, placed third for the outstanding junior award, noting her hard work in support of the Club from the previous year. She has served as the Club’s vice president.
The convention is held in partnership with the Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) tradeshow, allowing much time for students attending to network with industry leaders.
Twenty-five Penn State students attended the event, along with Dan Kniffen, Ph.D., club adviser.
Kniffen said, “We are so proud of the recognition for these students.They have worked hard throughout the year offering educational and service opportunities for members and others. I congratulation them on a job well done.”
Some of the club’s activities include a club calf sale, industry tours, and fall and spring meat sales. The meat sales are important fundraisers for the Club and offer a variety of beef and pork products to students, faculty and family members. An important activity is “Blood for Bats” for the Philadelphia Zoo. They also participate in the Keystone International Livestock Exhibition, assisting with the judging contest. Members are integral to the Little International Livestock Exposition, held each spring, where students prepare and show horses, sheep, swine and beef cattle.
