A Big Night for CRU at SRU

On Friday evening, CRU at Slippery Rock University hosted the first Western Pennsylvania Conference night, bringing together CRU members from Edinboro, Cal U, Clarion University, IUP, Penn State Behrend, and Grove City College for worship.

Sarah Lozier, the leader of CRU’s weekly meetings, briefly explains exactly what CRU is and what Friday’s event was all about.

After brief announcements, and as the band played, students opened the service by singing along to songs of worship.

Michael Fry, a member of the staff of Western PA CRU and Pastor in Grove City, spoke about the importance and meaning of the book of Genesis as “a grand narrative about GOD.”

CRU President, Bill Evans prepared to close the service as all those who attended bowed their heads as he led them in prayer.

CRU develops a community for students who are passionate about the LORD.  It is made up of individuals who come from all walks of life, but come together to grow in a relationship with Jesus Christ.  

“We as an organization want to introduce you to the greatest relationship you can have; a relationship with Jesus Christ.”

For more info on CRU at SRU check them out on Facebook & Twitter!

Show Time!

Last week, although I had to miss a few days of class, I spent the week in Harrisburg, PA with good friends and great cows as we partook in two of the best cattle shows in the Eastern United States.  We made the four hour trek at the crack of dawn Saturday morning to make way to the PA Farm Show Complex for the PA Holstein Fall Championship Show & the All-American Dairy Show to take place later in the week.  It was a very successful week for my girl, Mases Manor Ross Quincy (aka "Quincy") and I.  Luckily, I documented  the journey as the week went by.  Take a look!

Not long after Saturday morning's drive to Harrisburg, Quincy was cleaned up and ready to begin settling in.

Finally, state show day!  Quincy was clipped, pampered, and show ring ready.

Taken from the stands, this photo shows Quincy pulled into first place by Judge Donovan Hollingsworth.

After the first lineup, the judge made some changes but stuck with his decision to keep my beautiful baby at the top of the class for the final line up.

First and second place animals of the milking yearling, two year old, and three year old classes are taken into the ring a second time for the selection of Intermediate Champion.  Judge Hollingsworth was working on his final decision.

Quincy was selected as Reserve Intermediate Champion! Intermediate Champion went to Windy Knoll View Pantene and the Burdette family.
(L to R: Justin Burdette, Ashley Mohn PA Dairy Princess, Pantene, Claire Burdette, Quincy, myself, & Judge Hollingsworth)

Intermediate Champions and Senior Champions paraded into the ring one last time for the selection of Grand Champion Holstein.  Unfortunately, Quincy was not selected and her day was over, but we still had a great run!

After the show she really didn't seem very disappointed that it was all over for the day.  She was just happy to relax.

 It was a great day overall, but Quincy's success only continued as she went on the the All-American show to be placed second in her class of the best animals in the eastern side of the country.  I could not be more proud of the way we ended our 2015 show season and cannot wait to see what next year hold for her!

Animal Testing... Yay or nay?

“It has enabled the development of many lifesaving treatments for both humans and animals…”

“It is cruel and inhumane to experiment on animals…and alternative methods available to researchers can replace animal testing…”

~ ProCon.org

As a farmer’s daughter, I’ve grown up around animals of all sizes, and in turn, have learned to love them all, big or small.  But the farm life has also let me see into the sometimes harsh reality that they cannot all be pets.  Since it is easy for me personally to justify both sides, the topic of animal research is an interesting one.

We use animals for various purposes throughout our daily lives – food, clothing, and companionship – and research.  Research is necessary to improve the lives of humans and animals alike.  But does that mean it’s wrong or right to make research one of the things for which we use our furry friends?  I’ve come to find that there are mixed feelings.  On one hand, one’s initial reaction is probably “No! That’s cruel!”  On the other hand, various regulations have been put in place in regards to animal research and it has been the lead into many medical breakthroughs.  Regardless of which side you defend, both have compelling arguments. 

Did you know… according to the Humane Society of the United States, an estimated 25 million vertebrate animals are used each year for research, testing, and education?  True story… These animals include cows, dogs, cats, pigs, birds, mice, rabbits, and primates.  Many believe that alternatives to animal testing are good enough. Alternatives such as in vitro testing (i.e. studying cells in a petri dish), microdosing on humans, and computer models spare the little creatures from becoming subjects.  Those who believe this side of the argument also agree that humans and animals are not similar enough for such things.  Based on anatomic, metabolic, and cellular difference maybe this is so.  I mean, in reality, we are not teeny tiny rats.

On the flip side though, there are justifications.  ProCon.org reveals that in 2011, a poll of nearly 1,000 biomedical scientists revealed that more than 90% “agreed that the use of animals in research is essential.”  Animals are used in research where there is need to discover something within the living body as a whole, which is obviously very complex.  It is not always possible to successfully complete a study so there a few reasons for using animals.  We conduct this research to develop knowledge and understanding and apply it to benefit both humans and animals.  Animals are also models used to study various diseases.  Our fluffy friends and ourselves share the possibility of many illnesses and diseases.  For example, both humans and animals are susceptible to cancer, obesity, heart disease, and infectious disease in similar ways.  According to AnimalSmart.org, research in animals has led to successful vaccines to tackle smallpox, measles, diphtheria, and tetanus.  It also looks like a positive gateway into Xenotransplantation.  Xenotransplantation is the ability to successfully transplant pig organs into human bodies.  Pretty cool! Not to mention lifesaving.  For some more details about these and other medical breakthroughs, check this out. 

The topic of animal research is such a sensitive and controversial one, even a quick Google search will flood you with information, but I hope with even the small quantity of information I’ve provided you can at least begin to understand why the other side believes what they do.  There are so many pros and cons, so check out some that I haven’t touched on, here or here.  I know my research shined a whole new light on both sides of the controversy for myself.  So now, I ask, how will this info influence your feelings on the subject?