Jessica Young Blazing Trails While Balancing Important Roles

Jessica Young joins us on TCA Talk to share her personal and professional journey into production agriculture. Through the first part of our conversation, we’ll learn how Jessica is balancing her role as an Extension Agent in Wilson County for the University of Tennessee with her home life as a wife, mother and cattle farmer. Although she grew up in the Atlanta suburbs, Jessica developed a passion for agriculture through visits to her grandparents' farm and by farm-sitting for others. By the time she reached college close to home and initially sought to be a large-animal veterinarian, Jessi found her best path when she transferred to Middle Tennessee State University, becoming deeply involved in the school’s agricultural programs and farm laboratories.Jessica’s hands-on experience at MTSU included working with the dairy, beef, swine, and crops units, eventually serving as a student farm manager. She earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science with a concentration in horse science, followed by a master’s degree in agricultural education leadership.Jessica tells us the humorous story of how she was formally introduced to her husband, Chad. These days, the couple maintains a farming operation in Wilson County, which focuses on hay production and raising registered Angus cattle. You’ll learn how Jessica and Chad are taking the time to teach their two young sons about life on the farm, creating opportunities to build family traditions. While she is part of the farming operation, Jessica has a full-time position with the University of Tennessee as an Extension Agent for Wilson County.In her position with the UT system, Jessica coordinates a host of educational programs as well as offering support for producers with livestock and crops. Jessica shares with us that she views her job as an Extension Agent to serve as a resource and find answers to questions that come through her office. To learn more about the Tennessee Cattlemen's Association and how you can become a member of TCA, please visit TNCattle.org.