Lee Erwin Reporting
lerwin@clarksvillenow.com
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The Austin Peay State University Farm Advisory Committee and the university’s agriculture department met Monday, August 19 at the APSU Environmental Education Center also known as the APSU Farm, on Pickens Road in Clarksville.
APSU President Tim Hall, members of the Austin Peay faculty, Farm and Agriculture Department students along with local businesses and community leaders discussed the final phase of the $1 million animal science classroom, laboratory and handling area. Two of the top contributors to agriculture projects at APSU
The meeting was an opportunity for two new student organizations from APSU, the Collegiate FFA and the Beef Show Team to share their experiences and their work with local leaders and businesses that support the university’s agriculture programs.
Also at the meeting were Tennessee State Senator Mark Green, State Representative Joe Pitts, State Representative Curtis Johnson and Tennessee’s Commissioner of Agriculture, Julius Johnson.
APSU Senior Development Officer Vonda St. Amant talked about the meeting. Tonight was an update night. Since we last met the legislators were able to help us with $400,000 in appropriations. So tonight was recognition of their help with that as well as the gifts that are being donated to this new building,” St. Amant said.
A special presentation was made Monday in memory of John Bartee Sr. to his wife Lois for his support of the agriculture programs at the University and the APSU Environmental Education Center. Bartee, who passed away July 8, was director of the UT Extension Service for Montgomery County and a leader in agriculture in the area for many years.