"Who Wouldn't?"

When people ask why I want to work in the agricultural industry I always respond, “Who wouldn’t?”  However, some tend to ask for an explanation.  As a senior animal science major and agriculture economics minor, I am excited to become involved in the industry.  When it comes to pinpointing why I want to pursue a career within agriculture, many reasons come to mind.

I didn’t grow up on a big farm. My parents are not farmers.  Farming doesn’t even run in my family. I got lucky.  My sister, brother and I were involved in the 4-H program.  I started out as a Clover Bud and enjoyed watching my sister do fashion review, public speaking, demonstrations and camp.  Before I knew it, we were showing sheep at the county fairs.

Myself, at age eight, showing at the Maryland State Fair.

If you asked my parents now, looking back, they would have had no idea what was in store for them. Now, after a decade of showing literally every species, my family has 40 head of crossbred cattle and four breeding goats in addition to my brother’s 4-H projects.  A single sheep project turned into a year round extravaganza. With a little taste of the agriculture industry, I became determined to pursue a career within the industry.   

Agriculture is more than an occupation; it is a way of life that supports America’s booming population.  It puts meals on our families’ tables every night.  Farmers work seven days a week to produce safe and abundant food that America relies on. Farmers and industry professionals work hard to improve this vital industry. However, they still value family. In fact, 98 percent of all farms are family-owned, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.

I have previously worked at the Animal Agriculture Alliance, the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, a vet clinic and a dairy farm.  These experiences have all had one common thread—a sense of family and belonging.  These positions are more than a job. They are life lessons.



The ladies of the Missouri Cattlemen's Association and Missouri's Cattlemen Foundation.

Agriculture has shaped me into the person I am today.  I want nothing more than to raise my family the same way I was raised—on the farm. Lessons about the importance of hard work, responsibility, sportsmanship and dedication lead me to my true passion—agriculture.  I am excited to see what my future has in store.

I am confident that I can make a difference within the industry.