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The University of Delaware’s Ag Day turned from an event into a tradition almost from the beginning 28 years ago, the founding professors and students would say, and that tradition will continue Saturday, April 27.
Although its beginnings were modest, Ag Day has evolved into the culminating celebration of the school year, an opportunity to show, tell, educate and involve the community in the wonderful worlds of animal agriculture, ecosystems, insects, horticulture and food science.
 “At the first Ag Day, animals lined the Mall,” co-founder Paul Sammelwitz, now a retired professor of animal science, recalled. “Cows were brought in for milking demonstrations, and there were five or six pairs of broilers. Also, we had a couple of sheep, pigs and a young calf for youngsters to pet.”
After a few years, Ag Day moved to its current site on the grounds surrounding the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, because the animals were already there.
Always held the last Saturday in April, Ag Day today draws 1,500 to 2,000 people, and the exhibits have kept pace with the number of visitors and with the times.
A livestock petting zoo and pony rides have replaced the small number of penned animals. An incubator is set up for visitors to view chicks hatching throughout the day. Insect displays and a see-through beehive buzz with activity. And, for the adventurous, entomology students serve up protein-rich mealworm stir-fry and cricket-crunchy cookies.
Hay bale mazes for tots to climb over blend with exhibits on the importance of preserving wetlands and educational booths on the genetic engineering of plants and animals.
Volunteers from the Master Gardeners Program diagnose sick houseplants or give advice on backyard composting and garden water conservation. Visitors can take wagon tours around the UD farm, see a real blue hen and visit a display about Delaware’s endangered species.
“Ag Day was surprisingly good from the start, so students have always been eager to continue the event,” co-founder Dave Frey, professor of horticulture, said. “While clubs now sell such things as wildlife buttons, cookbooks and bedding plants, there’s still a strong educational component to the day.”
Sammelwitz agreed. “The constant has been that emphasis on students and student clubs who plan the event,” he said. “Ten student clubs and organizations use their exhibits as a way to raise funds for their activities and service projects for the coming year.”
April 23, 2002
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