CFANS Student Organizations

This student-founded club is open to all students but it is made up of a majority of students from CFANS and the Carlson School of Management. We are eager to continue to develop and prosper, and with the help of industry sponsors, we know that we will be able to expose, educate, and inspire our students about business and agriculture. Our mission is to create leadership development opportunities for members through interactive learning to enrich students and prepare them for the agriculture industry. We plan to serve our mission through five key ideas:

1. Engage students
2. Increase excitement around the agricultural industry
3. Prepare students to be professionals in the industry
4. Educate about current ag companies, challenges, and the industry
5. Facilitate relationships between students, university faculty, and professionals

Our plan to accomplish these goals will be executed by the following four-step approach:

1. Facilitating forum and discussion at monthly meetings
2. Two industry field trips per year
3. Case study competitions
4. Fostering professional development through workshops and events

Let's connect - we would love to get to know you! 

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Agricultural Education, Communication and Marketing Club

The Agricultural Education, Communication and Marketing Club is for students who have an interest in educating people about agriculture in and out of schools. The Agricultural Education, Communication and Marketing Club utilizes resources of the Agricultural Education Department and Minnesota FFA along with the alumni to enhance student academics and experiences by providing professional and personal development opportunities. This club is also an opportunity for anyone with an interest in communicating about agriculture to get involved, develop skills, and obtain experiences that will benefit them in the professional world. You do not have to be majoring in the Agriculture Education to join. Check out the club on their Facebook page and which contains details about Ag Awareness Day, the club's largest event.

American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE)

Our group seeks to provide a microcosm in which engineers and scientific-minded people can socialize with others who share a similar interest in the area of Environmental and Ecological Engineering. We connect younger members with professors to learn about coursework in the EEE major and align it with their career goals. Our activities also assist students in obtaining internships and full-time employment through experiential learning and by connecting students to industry professionals. See contact info on the BBE department site.

Block and Bridle

The Block and Bridle Club is a social/professional club that allows students interested in Animal Science an opportunity to meet with other students, plan activities, and interact with faculty. Block and Bridle is a national organization which holds a national convention once a year. The club's emphasis is in beef cattle, sheep, swine, and horses. Programs include speakers, social events, and fundraisers. Block and Bridle is an excellent opportunity for networking on campus and for future job opportunities. Planned annual activities include the state FFA invitational judging contest, the State Hereford Sale, Minnesota Royal, annual Steer and Heifer Show, and a barbecue. The only requirement for membership is an interest in Animal Science. Students can join anytime. Connect with us on GopherLink.

CFANS Student Ambassadors

The CFANS Ambassadors are a voluntary, honorary organization of undergraduate students from the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Minnesota. They assist in promoting the College to prospective students and their parents, alumni, potential donors, and friends of the College and University of Minnesota. Members participate in several events throughout the year and help whenever applicable. Students who join this organization are usually outgoing, helpful and love the U of M. Connect with us on GopherLink.

CFANS Transfer Student Advisory Group

An organization housed in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) Student Services Office that provides an opportunity for transfer students to become more involved and familiar with the University of Minnesota, hold social activities to meet other transfer students, and articulate concerns and ideas about the transfer process. 

CFANS Undergraduate Student Board

The CFANS Undergraduate Student Board is comprised of elected student delegates, as well as student group representatives. The Student Board was created to establish and maintain open and meaningful communication among the faculty, student body and administration of the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences. Its responsibility is to consider issues and/or concerns of CFANS students and to make recommendations to the Dean concerning their resolutions. In addition, the Board sponsors several community-building events each year for the whole CFANS community. Students on the Board are chosen according to regulations designated in the constitution. Connect with us on GopherLink.

Companion Animal Club

The Companion Animal Club is for any student interested in the nutrition of companion animals (pets), exotic animals, and more! Learn more about the nutritional needs of the pets we love, discuss emerging trends in pet food, hear from professionals, attend fun events, and learn about job opportunities in the pet food industry.

Corporate Environmental Management Network (CEM)

The CEM Network is aimed at Corporate Environmental Management students from the ESPM major. The group networks with academia, governmental agencies, and corporations for the purpose of exchanging information and building relationships between all parties.

ESPM Student Association (ESA)

The ESPM Student Association (ESA) is a student-run university organization for students who are majoring, minoring, and/or interested in Environmental Sciences, Policy and Management (ESPM). ESA holds weekly meetings to discuss concerns and answer questions regarding the ESPM major. We also talk about and plan ongoing ESA projects and events, such as camping trips, Eco-U (an exciting environmental symposium), and Earth-Day-Palooza (a large-scale Earth Day event on campus). Our meetings are always fun, unpredictable, and sometimes have treats! Learn more on our Instagram.

Equestrian Team/Club

The Equestrian Team at the University of Minnesota is a registered student group, and a club sport which operates under the Animal Science department. We help members make equine-industry contacts through riding lessons, group outings, speakers, and other activities. Members can volunteer in the community, and make an impact in the lives of horse people and other university students. Many members compete in Intercollegiate Horse Show Association shows. Horse ownership is not required. Meetings are generally held monthly.

Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology Club / Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society

The Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Club promotes fellowship among students and faculty, and the development of fish, wildlife, and conservation enthusiasts. We sponsor social, vocational, and educational events. The club aims to prepare members for careers by building field experiences and fostering connections with future employers. All U of M students are welcome to join. Contact FWCBClub@umn.edu with any questions.

Food Science and Nutrition Club

The Food Science and Nutrition Club fosters a close relationship among students and faculty, and promotes interest in the nutrition-related professions. In 2020, the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) selected this club for Overall Student Chapter of the Year. This group of students is undeniably deserving of this immense honor because of all the work they've done to organize interactive industry tours, engaging social events, volunteer opportunities, and educational seminars, all of which has benefited the Food Science and Nutrition Department and its students in countless ways. Programs include speakers, demonstrations, field trips, a new-product development team, and networking opportunities. We also do food company tours and have social gatherings for club members. There are no requirements for joining the club—it's open to all students interested in Food Science and Nutrition. Email fsnclub@umn.edu with questions.

Forestry Club

The Forestry Club focuses on social and educational opportunities related to the fields of forestry and natural resource professions. Forestry Club traditions include the Midwestern Foresters Conclave (lumberjack games), highway cleanup, tree cutting and subsequent tree sales at the Forestry Club Christmas tree lot, and an annual Forester's Day featuring a pancake breakfast, field events, and a banquet. Meetings are generally held twice per month. We welcome all interested students. For more information, contact the Forestry Club at fclub@umn.edu and visit our Instagram.

Gopher Crops and Soils Club

Gopher Crops and Soils is a social/professional club that encourages student interaction with faculty and with each other. The mission is to promote leadership and networking among current and future agriculture professionals. Club activities include attendance at SASES conferences, events featuring presentations from agriculture companies, social gatherings, pumpkin and soil kit sales, and the opportunity to learn about internship and career opportunities. No dues are collected. To become a member, you must have an interest in agronomy and participate in multiple club activities. Students can join anytime.

Gopher Dairy Club

The Gopher Dairy Club is known nationwide for its involvement and promotion of the dairy industry to college students, faculty, and the public. Club members gain academic and hands-on learning experiences about the dairy industry through activities, events, and tours. Club members participate in Minnesota Royal, and Regional and National Dairy Science Association Conventions; assists with the Minnesota State FFA Convention; and manages the Gopher Dairy Bar at the Minnesota State Fair. Profits from Dairy Bar sales make the Gopher Dairy Club one of the U of M's most well-funded student groups, which allows us to send club members to various dairy events around the United States. Any students interested in the dairy industry are welcome to join, anytime.

The Horticulture Club promotes professionalism in all aspects of horticulture, provides a voice for horticulture students, and provides information relative to the field of horticulture to club members through tours, speakers, movies, projects, and many other fun and interesting activities. Members of the club gain practical experience in plant culture in the greenhouse. The members enjoy propagating and growing plants together at various campus plant sales to generate the club's funds.

MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences)

Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences is a St. Paul based nonprofit that provides opportunities for students of different backgrounds to grow professionally within their field of interest, to socialize with other students of the same or different backgrounds, and to make a difference in the community. MANRRS is also a nationally recognized organization with yearly conferences. All are welcome! Join in, enjoy our pizza meetings, and learn different things from speakers and professional groups. Email odicfans@umn.edu with any questions.

Minnesota Royal

This is an annual, agriculture-focused event organized by CFANS students, with participation from alumni. It began on the St. Paul campus in 1916, when it was known as Ag Royal. The event is open to everyone and includes activities and competitions that help people learn about agriculture. Event activities include: BBQ, Ag Olympics, Quiz Bowl, Royal Run, skits, "MN Royal Court", music, celebrity showmanship contests, and more. See the official Student Group page, Facebook page, and the CFANS page for this event.

National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA)

The student chapter of the National Agri-Marketing Association prepares students for careers in agricultural marketing, sales, communications and public relations. NAMA helps members develop career skills and gain professional contacts. Planned annual activities for the club include a trip to the national NAMA convention to present a marketing proposal for a new agricultural product. The only requirement for the club is an interest in an agri-marketing career or an interest in career contacts and networking.

The Gopher Poultry Science Club is an undergraduate and graduate club at the University of Minnesota. Any students, faculty or staff with an interest in poultry science are free to join, and there is no registration fee.

As a member of the club, you will have the opportunity to meet and get advice from poultry industry representatives, learn about poultry specific scholarships, participate in community service through the Minnesota FFA Foundation, and enjoy the company of other's who love anything poultry.

Pre-Veterinary Club

The Pre-Vet Club is an undergraduate organization with the purpose of instilling the utmost knowledge in future veterinarians through the aid of guest speakers, group discussions, hands-on experiences, study groups, and social events. Activities include visits to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, visits to zoos, attending symposium for the American Pre-Veterinary Medical Association, overnights at the Wildlife Science Center, volunteering at the MN Horse Expo, a Dog Wash Fundraiser, a sleigh ride, and more. Contact pvc@umn.edu with questions.

Residential Building Science and Technology Group (RBST)

The Bioproducts Marketing and Management major includes a track called 'Residential Building Science and Technology'. The RBST student group is a way for students in this track/major to socialize, and to participate in activities that complement their coursework. For info about the RBST club, see the BBE department clubs page.

Society of American Foresters, Student Chapter

This student chapter provides opportunities to meet with forestry professionals, discuss current issues, and receive employment information. Activities include field trips, meetings, social events, Habitat for Humanity projects, and more.

Society of Women Engineers (SWE)

The primary focus of the U of M's Society of Women Engineers is to support and encourage women in science and engineering fields, to help develop leaders in these fields, and to emphasize the positive attributes of the engineering profession. SWE is a very active student group with many educational, networking, athletic, social, and outreach events throughout the school year. The group is open to everyone. Learn more by visiting our website.

This student-run farm sells organic produce at farmers markets on the Minneapolis and St. Paul campuses during the growing season. Learn more by visiting our Instagram.

Student Organization of Nutrition and Dietetics (SOND)

SOND brings together nutrition and dietetics students for networking, support, fun, and outreach. Most members of SOND are students pursuing a B.S. in Nutrition or a B.S. in Nutrition Sciences. SOND is involved with many activities throughout the year, including nutrition fairs, the bi-annual nutrition career fair, networking with industry professionals, and various community volunteer opportunities. SOND seeks students who are interested in nutrition involvement, education and organizing. Students may join any time throughout the year. Meetings are approximately once per month. Visit our Instagram for more information.

Sustainable Systems Management Club

The Sustainable Systems Management Club is open to all U of M students interested in the sustainability industry or in the Sustainable Systems Management major. We focus on increasing students' sustainable knowledge, sharpening their business acumen, expanding their network with companies in our industry, and building relationships with each other and SSM alumni. We strive to prepare our members to positively impact the sustainable industry by equipping them with a competitive edge in the studies of energy efficiency, sustainability, and renewable resources. Visit our Instagram for more information.

Technical Association of Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI)

This is a student chapter of the professional organization TAPPI, which focuses on forest products, paper, and associated industries. This group is primarily for Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering students, but is open to everyone. The group builds relationships with industry, fosters interaction between bioproducts engineering students, and offers opportunities to participate in national events and student outreach. For contact information, see the BBE department clubs page.

The Tree Ascension Group is dedicated to passing down age old arborist tree climbing techniques to U of M students as well as faculty in an attempt to educate those of natural resources backgrounds. We do not exclude anyone just looking to have fun and learn the useful skill of professional tree climbing. Connect with us on GopherLink.

University of Minnesota Solar Vehicle Project

The solar vehicle project refers to a team of undergrads from many disciplines who accept the challenge to design, build and race a solar powered vehicle in biennial, cross country, intercollegiate competitions, representing the U of M. Since 1993, the team has built eleven vehicles to race cross country events in the USA, along with closed course events, and international events in Japan, Australia and Taiwan. The team has finished either first or second in 11 of these events.

Women in Natural Resource Sciences activities will bring students with common interests and career aspirations together for sharing resources, networking, mentoring, and general support. It is a great fit for CFANS students or any student wanting to have greater involvement in environmental and natural resource-based activities. We hope to promote personal and professional development and help foster a more inclusive and supportive environment in the University community!