Abstract:
Learning retention and enthusiasm are higher in classes where students are directly involved with application of theoretical material to practical business experiences. Forty-five Virginia Tech students were enrolled in a class entitled Livestock Merchandising during the 1995 Fall Semester. The new course was team taught by livestock industry and marketing specialists. Guest lecturers included breed association representatives, an auctioneer, livestock photographer, marketing directors, consultants, public and private sales representatives, seedstock and commercial livestock producers, and a health regulations expert. Students applied marketing principles to sale management and were responsible for developing sale catalogs, assisting the photographer, advertising, designing and preparing the facilities, managing the auction, clerking, budgeting and public relations. Students also learned sales preparation techniques for both beef cattle and horses, including grooming, nutrition, exercise and training methods. Thirty and 28 lots of beef cattle and horses, respectively, were auctioned off to the public. The sale gross exceeded $76,000 and income was used to support thc Virginia Tech beef cattle and equine teaching programs. A student survey conducted at the end of the semester indicated that all 45 students rated the class as either excellent or good and would recommend this class to a friend.
Keywords:
student-managed, livestock sale, job skills
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