The Animal and Dairy Sciences Graduate Student Association is hosting a fundraising event, "Agricultural Encounters," scheduled to take place on the breezeway and grassy field of the Bost Conference-Extension Center on March 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event will provide an engaging experience for the campus community while showcasing the vibrancy of the department. There will be a variety of animals present, including dairy cattle, rabbits, goats and a horse. 

There is $5 fee, payable in cash or through digital platforms such as CashApp, Venmo or PayPal. This fee will grant attendees ice cream and the opportunity to interact closely with the animals inside the pens and have unlimited photos taken by a friend or GSA member, fostering a memorable and enjoyable experience for all. Additionally, there will be an arts and crafts booth where attendees can customize a wooden cow ear tag for $5. These ear tags serve as common accessories for ADS students, often used as charms for backpacks and keychains. They symbolize Mississippi State University's pride as a land-grant institution dedicated to advancing education and research in agriculture. 

Beyond the entertainment value, this event holds significant educational and extension-based value, by serving as a platform to spotlight the contributions of professors, students and herdsmen, offering insight into the daily operations of ADS. Additionally, it provides a unique opportunity to honor the dairy cows that sustain our school cafeterias with their wholesome milk, cheese and ice cream, while paying homage to the origins of the cherished cowbell tradition.

This event promises to be a highlight of campus life, fostering community engagement and showcasing the invaluable work of the ADS community.