OVERTON, TX ----- Four decades of agricultural progress at the Kilgore College Farm, including numerous innovations and academic and leadership achievements, will be highlighted and celebrated on Saturday, May 8.  The event---the 40^th anniversary of establishment of the Kilgore College Demonstration Farm and very first reunion of KC agricultural students---takes place at the farm northeast of Overton on State Highway 135.

Registration and tours of the farm begin at 10 a.m., followed by a 12 noon lunch.  A formal program begins at 1 p.m. featuring reflections by the three instructors associated with the Kilgore College Farm---Wayne Lacy (1963-1980), Jeff Grote (1980-1992), and Bob Young (1992-current)---since its inception in 1963.

From the very first buildings erected on the premises to the greenhouses, Bull Evaluation Center, farrowing pens, purebred Angus herd, livestock show team, alfalfa meadow, sheep and goat flock, and perennial state award-winning agriculture club, all the improvements and enhancements, including the department’s independent Web site (www.kilgorecollegeagfarm.org) ,  will be highlighted and celebrated, according to Ken Ragle.  Ragle is master of ceremonies for the event and a member of the initial class to utilize the college farm. Ragle also serves on the planning committee.

“First, we want to alert all former agriculture students of Kilgore College about this event on May 8; then we want them to notify us (903-834-6255) if they are planning to attend,” Ragle pointed out, encouraging former KC ag students to make the necessary contact so counts can be determined for the lunch.  “This Anniversary/Reunion is the first such event held for our students, which makes it very special. You can bet there will be a lot of memories rekindled and stories revisited that have been long forgotten.”

Ragle said one of the more interesting discussions will be how Wayne Lacy, the original college farm manager, developed 300 acres of worn out oilfield property into one of the more prestigious community college agricultural programs in the nation during his 17 years at the helm. Grote and Young will narrate their additions to the farm and academic program which includes the introduction of sheep and goat herds, a purebred Angus herd, the introduction of several improved grasses, and the continued dominance of the Kilgore College Agriculture Club in Texas Junior College Agriculture Association (TJCAA) leadership activities.

Ragle said the afternoon program will conclude with keynote speaker Marcus Hill, president of Agricultural Workers Mutual Insurance Company based in Fort Worth.

“Marcus is an outstanding speaker of high demand who is one of the more noteworthy proponents of higher agricultural education in this state and perhaps the nation,” Ragle projected.  “He appreciates the educational product we offer and he understands the rural youth we serve.  These two components comprise a dynamic opportunity for the future of agriculture in our area.”

Following the program, ample time for more farm tours and visitation will be available.  Ragle said that campus buildings will be open until 6 p.m. for former students who wish to take a personal walking tour of the campus.  He also noted that the East Texas Oil Museum and Rangerette Showcase will be open for spouses who desire alternatives to the formal program.  Ragle said he expects the formal festivities at the farm to conclude by 3 p.m.

Additional information, including a program agenda, will be available at www.kilgorecollegeagfarm.org.

(Article published locally and provided by writer, Ralph Ward Jr.)