UF students asked the Florida Legislature for funding to rebuild UF’s beef teaching units Wednesday.
The students requested $2.6 million for the second phase of construction for the UF/IFAS beef teaching unit renovations. The money will go toward getting grain bins, a tractor, fencing and another building.
The Department of Animal Sciences received $1 million last year to build a new metal building, classrooms and a cattle-working area. They need the other $2.6 million to finish all of their construction.
Members of the UF Block and Bridle Club, Gators Collegiate Cattlewomen and animal science faculty spoke with legislators.
Joel McQuagge, a UF animal sciences faculty member, said he went to the meeting last year and went again this year. He said funding will allow for improved research and teaching.
“This gives students the opportunity to get those hands-on skills and that internship for a future career,” he said.
McQuagge said he wanted students in Tallahassee to thank legislators and members of Florida Cattlemen’s Association for their support last year and to ask for additional funding.
Josh McLendon, a UF animal sciences senior, said he likes meeting other cattle industry advocates and producers in Tallahassee.
McLendon, 24, said UF’s beef teaching unit’s current equipment is outdated, rusted and brittle. He said funding to build a new facility will make students and animals safer.
“It was very cool to talk to the representatives personally, to show them what we would do with the money,” McLendon said.
