HER INVOLVEMENT IN 4-H SPARKED A PASSION FOR TEACHING OTHERS IN THE INDUSTRY.
Hometown: Gretna, Nebraska
Major: Animal Science
Minor(s): Krutsinger Beef Industry Scholars Program
Anticipated date of graduation: December 2025
Why did you decide to come to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and what drew you to the Krutsinger Beef Industry Scholars Program?
I decided to come to UNL because it was close to home. It also gives unique opportunities being a land grant university and has given me opportunities to grow my passion for 4-H and extension education. I was drawn to the KBIS program because it is unlike any other minor program. It gives students the opportunity to grow their network within the beef industry, encourages them to learn about issues within the industry and how to present and talk about those issues to the public.
What has been your favorite experience in the Beef Scholars program so far?
I loved going down to the National Cattleman's Conference in San Antonio. Being surrounded by so many people who only wanted to see the industry flourish was amazing. The opportunity to travel and learn about the diversity in the beef industry is so unique.
How has the Beef Scholars program helped you prepare for a career in the beef industry?
The Beef Scholars program has shown me so many different outlets of education within the industry and has shown me so many different organizations that I could work for to spread the word about the beef industry.
What has been your favorite class or learning opportunity connected to beef, and why?
My personal favorite class connected to the minor has been ASCI 482. In this class we were given the opportunity to go to San Antonio for the National Cattleman's Conference to learn about policy making at NCBA and then throughout the semester, we learned about different policies related to agriculture and the beef industry. Finally, we ended the class with a tour of the State Capitol and then had a mock hearing for different beef industry policies. Prior to this class, I have not been able to learn about the policy side of agriculture, and it was an amazing learning opportunity.
Can you share a memorable activity, trip, or connection from Beef Scholars (e.g., tours, industry visits, networking)?
A memorable trip for me was when we went on an industry tour in Colorado. We got to experience all parts of the industry from cow-calf to processing to advocacy. I loved being able to listen to presenters from NCBA and the Red Angus Association. Listening to them made me realize that education is what I want to do once I graduate and specifically do extension education and teach people of all ages about agriculture.
What are your plans post-graduation, and how do you see the Beef Scholars program playing a role in your future?
After I graduate in December, my goal is to find employment within the industry as an educator of some kind. I do not want to be in a classroom, so I plan on finding something in extension, a breed organization, or a beef outreach program. The Beef Scholars program has shown me how many opportunities in agriculture there are outside of being a vet or ranching.
Outside of school and Beef Scholars, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love working at the UNL Cow-Calf Management Unit, reading, going to concerts, traveling, and spending time with my family.
