SLE RODEO

By: Corley Williams

It is easy to notice how intertwined alumni from the College of Agriculture are in the production of the Southeastern Livestock Expo and Rodeo. From several members on the board, to the director herself, an education in agriculture from Auburn seems to be a common theme.

Started in 1958, the past 65 years of the SLE have had a great impact on Alabama agriculture. From the youth rodeo and livestock events to putting Alabama on the map for professional rodeo, the SLE is where Alabama livestock is showcased. Several board members as well as members of staff and volunteers spent their collegiate years at Auburn University.

Many are still active in collegiate activities because without the Auburn agriculture family, many aspects of the SLE would be absent. The interesting thing is the involvement of Auburn graduates encompasses people of all ages just as the event itself does. With the Director of Rodeo Programs being a 2016 graduate and members on the board with graduation dates in the 70s, there has truly been a long lasting impact.

In the realm of individual events, even more Auburn graduates come to light. Outside of the PRCA rodeo and the SLE as a whole the youth play a major role in the events. With the state beef cattle show and the state dairy show both happening during the event there are an abundance of Auburn alum helping run every aspect of both smaller events.

Current Auburn students also have the opportunity to be involved. With several of our student organizations going to help as volunteers, these students are carrying on the tradition of Auburn College of Agriculture and the SLE.

For the past 65 years Auburn alum have had an impact and future Auburn graduates will continue this impact for the next 65 years. The greatest show on dirt truly isn’t possible without Auburn agriculture and the larger implications this has on the Alabama livestock industry as a whole is something to be appreciated. The SLE isn’t going anywhere anytime soon and neither is Auburn's impact on the event.