Outside the classroom, students learn from contact with other students, faculty, and industry personnel and from hands-on experience with animals and animal products.

The department also sponsors seven judging teams that compete in 20-25 national contests each  year.  These teams are livestock, meat, wool, horse, dairy, dairy products, and poultry.  Participation in the class from which these teams are chosen improves analytical reasoning and the ability to reach logical conclusions and defend decisions orally and in writing.

Clubs sponsored by the department include Block and Bridle, Collegiate Agri-Women, Collegiate Cattlewomen, Dairy Science Club, Food Science Club, KSU Horseman's Association, Poultry Science Club, Pre-Vet Club, and KSU Rodeo Club.  Participants benefit from lasting friendships, and opportunity to expand leadership potential and an increased understanding of the field that the club represents.