The daughter of two agricultural science teachers, Brittany Blum said she has always known agriculture would be her true passion. When it came time to choose a university, she felt confident that choosing to major in animal science at Texas Tech University would provide opportunities to further her interests and passions.

Now, as only a sophomore, Blum has been elected to serve as president for Texas Tech's Ag Council Organization. "I've always loved being involved and Ag Council was the perfect opportunity to continue doing that," Blum said.

The Howe-native said she served as a representative last year and after the first meeting saw all the activities the Ag Council did for the college, the organizations, and most importantly its students. "It [the council] helps students get involved and allows them to meet new people; it's also a great way to see the diversity of our college," Blum said.

Among the activities of Ag Council are Ag Fest, Ag Olympics, Homecoming Breakfast, Pig Roast, Ag-in-the-Bag, and a barbeque cook-off, along with several member organization volunteer projects. The council also organized a Boots-to-Suits Career Seminar.

Blum previously served as a representative from the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow to Ag Council. She also actively participates in other organizations spanning not only the college, but the university. These include Block and Bridle, Ambassadors for Agriculture, President's Select, and Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society. In addition, Blum was a member of last year's co-national champion wool judging team and plans to compete on the 2013 Texas Tech Meat Judging Team.

Blum said she would encourage any new student to become involved in Ag Council. "You'll be faced with new challenges, new experiences and new opportunities, so take nothing for granted," she said. "Be active, ask questions, and don't be scared to step up and take on new challenges. You're beyond blessed to be in a college that is so helpful and welcoming."

Ag Council members include the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow; Agricultural Economics Association; Agri-Techsans; Agronomy Club; Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity; Ambassadors for Agriculture; American Society of Landscape Architects; Block & Bridle; Collegiate 4-H; and Collegiate FFA. Other members are the Food Science Club; Horticulture Society; Meat Science Association; Pi Alpha Xi; Range, Wildlife and Fisheries Club; Sigma Alpha; Society for Conservation of Biology; Student Association for Fire Ecology; Tech Collegiate Horsemen's Association; Tech Pre-Vet Society; and Tech Turf.

Written by Kelsey Fletcher

CONTACT: Brittany Blum, Ag Council President, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at brittany.k.blum@ttu.edu

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