Howdy, my name is Jesse R. Bussard!  I’m a Pennsylvania cowgirl with a passion for advocating for agriculture and the beef industry.  My family owns a small cow-calf operation and raises cross-bred beef cattle that we sell locally for freezer beef.  My life has provided me with a variety of experiences and I’m very thankful for that because it has provided me with an interesting outlook on life.  I grew up showing livestock and draft horses and competing in barrel racing.  Since high school, I spent a majority of my time breaking colts and riding horses for local stables.  I obtained my Class A CDL at the age of 19 and drove truck for a year and a half all the while still working at a local stable training horses.

I am proud of my agricultural heritage.  It runs in my veins.  Even so, my real interest in Agvocacy didn’t start until I and some of my fellow cattle-loving friends decided to start our own

Collegiate Cattlewomen chapter at the Pennsylvania State University.  Through the support of both Penn State’s Department of Dairy and Animal Science and the Pennsylvania Cattlemen’s Association and Cattlewomen we successfully formed the Penn State Collegiate Cattlewomen in the Spring of 2009.  I served as Vice President during the Fall 2009/Spring 2010 year.  After completing my Masters of Beef Advocacy training and learning more about current issues in the cattle industry I developed a deep passion for agvocating to others and haven’t stop doing my part to tell our story yet.

I am a recent Animal Science graduate of the Pennsylvania State University and starting in the Spring of 2011, I will be pursuing a Masters and Ph.D. in Plant and Soil Science at the University of Kentucky in Lexington.  My research will focus on forage crops and livestock grazing systems.  As I move onto a new chapter in my life I hope to continue to be an active member of the beef industry and agvocate for our industry whenever possible.  I plan on becoming involved with the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association and hope to help with extension events to educate cattle producers about current research and management practices.  I hope that by becoming a YPC Cattle Call blogger I will be able to provide some insight into current issues in our industry and also give perspective into issues related to my specific areas of interest, such as animal nutrition, forage crops, grazing issues, and ag policy.

Thanks for this opportunity.  And until we meet again, Happy Trails!

~ Jesse R. Bussard