LSU Ag-Econ Trivia Team Wins National Competition

The LSU Agricultural and Applied Economics Association (AAEA) Academic Bowl team achieved an outstanding double victory at the 2023 Annual National Competition held in Washington, D.C.

Outshining 32 teams from institutions across the nation, including Florida State, Ohio State, Purdue, Texas A&M, Clemson and others, LSU’s Academic Bowl teams secured both first and second place, marking an exceptional triumph for the LSU Tigers.

The LSU sweep at this national competition showcased the remarkable talent and dedication of the university’s agricultural economics trivia team. Each year, AAEA sponsors an academic bowl competition for undergraduate students at the AAEA Annual Convention. Students compete on teams of three.

This year, LSU’s first and second place national championship teams were composed of Samuel Palencia, Andrew Meche and Daniel Harris on team one and Colin Raby, Mattie Thrasher and Krissy Brodersen on team two. The teams were selected based on students’ individual areas of expertise, and both teams trained throughout the summer meeting two to three times a week to review material and compete against each other to prepare for the national competition.

LSU College of Ag Outraises Arkansas in Golden Boot Challenge

In 2022, the LSU College of Agriculture beat the University of Arkansas Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences in the first Golden Boot Giving Challenge. This fundraising competition marked the annual meeting of the two universities’ football teams, which have competed for a golden boot trophy since 1996.

For the 2023 challenge, which ran from Sept. 16 to Sept. 23, 147 LSU College of Agriculture supporters gave $4,209 to the Ag Student Success Fund, which supports College of Agriculture programming and professional development for our students.

Each semester, the dean’s staff supports student programs, organizations, professional development opportunities and personal emergencies. The rival University of Arkansas Bumpers College supporters raised $2,717 for scholarships.

Ag Career Prep Week Prepares Students for the Future

In October, Ag Career Prep Week students had the opportunity to build their professional development skills and network with potential employers. Faculty and guests provided lessons on building resumes, using the LinkedIn social networking site and the proper etiquette for dining with potential employers.

The week ended with an agricultural employer career fair and free headshots by an LSU AgCenter photographer.

LSU’s 2023 two AAEA teams competed against each other as the top two teams. From left to right are Jerrod Penn, Colin Raby, Daniel Harris, Andrew Meche, Mattie Thrasher, Samuel Palencia and Kristy Brodersen. Photo provided by LSU College of Agriculture

The Golden Boot Giving Challenge trophy was awarded to the LSU College of Agriculture in its inaugural year. Photo provided by LSU College of Agriculture

Ashely Grant, the manager of internships and student engagement for the LSU College of Agriculture, speaks to students at a session during Ag Career Prep Week. Photo provided by LSU College of Agriculture