Ross Herber

After completing my degree at SDSU, I plan to pursue a career in animal agriculture. I enjoy working with the generations of cows and with the many dairy families in our industry. I am also interested in advocating for the dairy industry by educating youth, consumers, and policymakers about the benefits of animal agriculture. Over the years that I have worked on my family’s dairy farm, I realize that a career in animal agriculture can be challenging, but there are also many rewards. There are days when you have equipment break down or when Mother Nature just isn’t cooperating. I feel the frustration on those days, but what I remember most clearly is the generosity of an ag community. I think of my farming neighbors who are willing to help us finish chopping hay before the rain comes, and I will never forget the many neighbors who are willing to help milk the cows or feed the calves when there is a family illness or tragedy. I have been on both the receiving and giving end of this generosity, and it is like no other occupation or industry. An important part of my career in animal agriculture is advocating for the futures of individuals, ag businesses, and organizations which are part of this amazing industry. I have worked hard to be a respected leader in my community, in student and ag organizations, and in the dairy industry. I plan to become a trusted advocate in animal agriculture and grow my service and leadership in the industry. I will continue to educate consumers to increase their confidence in the food products they consume and in the industry that produces them. Specifically, I want to be a respected voice for the animal ag industry in my day-to-day interactions with the public, in support of my community and youth, and while engaging with state and national policymakers. Speaking from my personal involvement with FFA, advocating for the animal industry should always include our youth. I plan to continue my support of student organizations which will allow me to contribute to the success of future generations. When our youth become advocates for our industry, they share their positive contributions and build connections with a new generation of the farming and non-farming public. These local efforts of our youth can become influential at a state and national level. The pandemic taught me a valuable lesson about how vulnerable our world’s food supply can be. This experience made me want to part of the solution to ensure that our country and countries around the world are not faced with future food or distribution shortages. After college, I would also like to become part of a larger effort in my region or state to ensure that families, especially children, receive the nutritious food they need in a timely manner. Ultimately, I look forward to a long career in animal agriculture and sharing my passion for the industry with future generations.