By Paul Hollis
Auburn University

Auburn University’s 41st Annual Ag Roundup — usually held prior to a home football game — will be a virtual event this year, out of health concerns for those who might want to participate.

But that doesn’t mean it’ll be any less fun. In fact, a virtual event will allow more alumni and friends than ever before to participate, says one of the event’s organizers.

“Someone in the state of Utah or someone from Eutaw, Alabama, all can be a part of this year’s Ag Roundup,” said Brian Hardin, chair of the Ag Roundup Committee and 2nd vice president of the Auburn Agricultural Alumni Club, which hosts the annual event.

“Although we are disappointed Ag Roundup cannot be held this year on the Plains, a virtual event allows for wider participation,” said Hardin, the Alabama Farmers Federation Governmental & Agricultural Programs Department director. “There are Auburn ag alumni and friends from around the world, and the Auburn Agricultural Alumni Club is excited about bringing the Auburn ag family together for this unique Ag Roundup. Distance, busy schedules or the ability to get to Auburn on a specific weekend won’t be obstacles this year.”

The event is Nov. 16-19, and participants can connect online through the Auburn Agricultural Alumni Club’s Facebook page. The Alabama Farmers Federation and Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation are helping sponsor the annual event.

“Alumni from the College of Agriculture will be sharing videos leading up to and during the week of Ag Roundup,” Hardin said. “There will be a couple of surprise greetings, as well as messages from our generous sponsors. We also will host an online auction where alumni can donate and/or bid on items. Proceeds from the auction and sponsorships will go to scholarships for students in the College of Agriculture.”

Goals of the Ag Roundup are to support Auburn University’s College of Agriculture by promoting it in a positive way and raising visibility, to maintain connection for the Auburn ag family and friends, to rally for a common cause by supporting student scholarships at the College of Agriculture, and to have fun and promote the Auburn Spirit.

“Last year, the College of Agriculture helped raise more than $10,000 for hardworking students, and we hope to exceed that amount with help from our Auburn Family,” Hardin said.

Participants can go to the Auburn Agricultural Alumni Club’s Facebook page and start following today. Bidding on auction items will be Nov. 16-19. For more information, contact Hardin at (334) 613-4217.