Professionals Working in Kentucky Agriculture
Social Media and Graphics Coordinator
As the social media and graphic coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA), Alexis Smith has the pleasure of creating content daily to elevate the importance of Kentucky’s farm families and their impact on our everyday lives. She also helps coordinate KDA’s print and digital graphic design content.
Division Director
We interviewed Division Director Sharon Spencer of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture about how she began her life and career in agriculture. From humble beginnings in Frankfort County to her promotion as Director of the Direct Farm Marketing Division in 2017. Throughout her years of experience, she imparts some wisdom to all those looking to make their own impact and help move the agricultural industry forward.
International Trade Specialist
After receiving her bachelor's degree in Animal Science from the University of Kentucky and her master's degree in Ruminant Nutrition from Virginia Tech University, she landed herself at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) as an International Trade Specialist in Washington, D.C.
Agricultural Statistician
Kimberly’s primary job is to coordinate the efforts of National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) field enumerators and territory supervisors, who collect data on behalf of NASS. That may include organizing training workshops and sending out regular communications about why and how data should be collected.
Futures Grain Broker
Even though his official job title is futures broker, Boyd Brooks, a Cynthiana native, says he is truly a risk management specialist who helps farmers turn a profit in an industry of financial uncertainty.
Digital Agriculture Engineer and Instructor
Tucker is currently an Agricultural and Biological Engineering instructor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, as well as the Assistant Director of Education for the Center for Digital AG (CDA) and The Artificial Intelligence for Future Agricultural Resilience, Management, and Sustainability Institute (AIFARMS).