Bathing in the splendor of the day, the birds sang their morning songs. A slight breeze rustled the budding greens on trees as spring struggled to emerge.

It was a typical spring morning on campus.

Suddenly, a vociferous ‘moo’ abounded from the brickyard, breaking the morning serenity.

At 9 a.m., two Holestien dairy cows were brought forth and placed into cage-like stalls.

Crowds gathered around, cameras in hand, as Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler and 94.7-radio caster Heather Green prepared to commence Ag Week’s premiere cow milking contest.

Green decorated the commissioner’s cow with two large, red ribbons, Mardi Gras beads and a pink thong. She then proceeded to put ‘shoes’ on her cow, consisting of stickers with the radio station logo.

When the two contestants sat in their places, the contest officially began. Ensuing was a frenzy of hands, utters and hooves.

Within the one and a half minutes allotted for the contest, comments from Green were jestingly delivered: “Go over there and kick Steve’s bucket,” “Someone fill my cow back up please,” and “I’m squeezing as hard as I can and nothing is coming out.”

Troxler milked in silence.

Four, three, two, one — the seconds were counted down, and the milking vivacity ceased.

The milk was measured in cups and the final outcome found: the commissioner had two cups of milk and Green had only one cup. Sponsors presented shirts and trophies and took pictures as Green demanded a rematch.

“I got the lesser of two cows. I want a rematch next year,” she said. Green said she felt the commissioner was a worthy opponent.

“It was a pleasure being beat by you,” she said.

The commissioner did not practice for this event and said he had not milked a cow in years.

“It was a hard fought victory, but I was confident all along,” Troxler said.

Although he suspects Green will be practicing, Troxler said he is ready for next year’s rematch.

Fans could see a wave of students clothed in dark blue shirts with the letters ‘AZ’ on the front; Alpha Zeta is the honors fraternity that sponsored Ag week, a week-long event aimed at informing University students on the many facets of agriculture.

Jennifer Taylor, a junior in agriculture business, pointed out that the food at grocery stores does not get made at grocery stores.

“Agriculture is a lot more than most people think. It is the clothes you wear, medicine, etc,” said Taylor.

Erin Woody, a sophomore in animal science, agreed when she said, “It’s a necessity to life.”

“Cows produce milk, cheese and dairy products,” April Madison, a graduate student in agriculture education, said. “These particular cows produce the milk sold in stores at N.C. State.”

Many said it was a successful Ag Week with people asking questions and learning not only facts but also a new respect for farmers and animals alike.

“It was the best Ag Week in 10 years or more,” Madison said.

Madison planned and directed this week’s events. She said the goal of the week’s activities was to educate people outside of the agricultural school.

“I thought it was a great way to promote agriculture in dairy industry and a great way to end agriculture awareness week,” Stephanie Moffitt, a senior in animal science, said.

“It was utterly fantastic.”