Welcome!
Besides a sweet coffee, it's cattle, good conversations and being behind a camera that energizes me every day! My passion lies in using creative storytelling to bridge the gap between producers and consumers, sharing the real stories of farmers and ranchers and helping people better understand where their food comes from and the dedication that goes into producing it. I am a recent graduate of South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota, where I majored in agricultural communication with minors in agribusiness marketing, agricultural business, animal science and advertising.
When I wasn't in class, I was actively involved on campus in a variety of clubs and organizations including;
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Sigma Alpha Sorority, where I served as the alumni relations director, the National Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow's Member Relations Coordinator, Prexy Council Ag Week Chair, Little International Catalog Superintendent, Agriculture Futures of America Ambassador, Collegiate Cattlemen's Club, College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Ambassador and College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences Marketing and Communications student employee.
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When I'm not busy on campus, I enjoy traveling abroad, where I've visited agricultural practices in Australia and South Africa along with visits to London & Paris!
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I've been fortunate to serve in internship roles that have allowed me to grow my passion, network within the industry, learn from industry professionals and use my creative ability to promote the agriculture industry.
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My most recent adventure has been the launch of my own photography business, Captured By Kristen Photography! View more of my work on my website or portfolio page!
My passion for agriculture and the beef industry stems from the
six-generation farm I grew up on in southwest Iowa. We run row crops and operate a feedlot and cow-calf herd. On our farm, I've learned the lifelong lessons of the major role farmers play in not only the agricultural industry but the entire world. In high school, I was heavily involved in FFA and the competitive CDE events at the state and national level and my passion for the agricultural industry flourished. Growing up surrounded by beef has driven my passion for serving the beef industry through photo, video and creative communications.
