Some students on the Minneapolis campus are offering their support for this week's events. Psychology junior Josh Gefroh said he looks forward to the Milkmaid event each year. During the Milkmaid competition, students sing a song they created using popular background music while milking a cow. Other highlights include a panel Thursday of agricultural industry leaders such as Brian Knudson, a business development manager for swine from Cargill Inc., who will discuss the future of agriculture and advise undergraduates about careers in agriculture. On Alumni Day, Saturday, events will include a barbecue and Celebrity Showmanship Contest featuring local celebrities as well as University students and staff.
Showmanship requires training the animals to be in a ring with people and other animals.
State House Speaker Rep. Steve Sviggum, R-Kenyon, and Randy Breuer, a former Gophers and NBA basketball player, will be showmanship participants.