Kelly Baird, a recent graduate of the University of Kentucky's Agricultural Economics program, currently serves as the Director of Communications and Events for the Kentucky Beef Council. Her deep passion for agriculture, fostered through internships and leadership roles—such as serving as the 2021-22 KY FFA State Vice President—has driven her to champion the agricultural industry. Kelly's career path has been shaped by hands-on experiences with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Kentucky Farm Bureau, and the Kentucky Beef Council, equipping her with key skills in communications, leadership, and event management. Her academic experience, enriched by influential courses in agricultural financial management and human resources, along with her extensive campus involvement, has set her up for success in her role and the broader agriculture sector.

Q: What drew you to the Agricultural Economics major?  

A:   When I decided to go to college, I knew two things: I wanted to be a wildcat, and I wanted to tell people about agriculture. Yet when it came to deciding on a major, I really struggled. I assumed pursuing a pathway in formal education would be the only way to achieve my goals of sharing the agriculture message. Once I got to UK I was introduced to the idea of informal education and fell in love. One of my friends would work on their econ work and I knew I was in the wrong program. I was drawn in and decided to become an ag econ major by the versatility and value that the department held and instilled on us as students. The stories and career pathways that ag econ graduates shared when returning to UK was inspiring. The agricultural economics department at UK gave me a very thorough and well-rounded understanding of the industry, and continuously provided options and avenues for growth. I would continue to choose ag econ to this day. 

Q: What internships, jobs, or other relevant opportunities did you have in college that contributed to your success as an undergraduate?  

A: During my time as an undergraduate student, I was privileged to create connections and network with industry professionals through numerous opportunities. Chronologically, I served as the 2021-22 KY FFA State Vice President, serving on a team of 11 to serve the membership of over 20,000 Kentucky FFA members. I was able to intern with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture in the Office of the Commissioner, with KY FFA as the convention support intern, with KY Farm Bureau as the policy services intern, and was able to begin my career part-time at the beef council while continuing and finishing my last semester at UK. Each of these opportunities gave me the privilege to begin and facilitate relationships and develop skills necessary for success in the agriculture industry. I walked away with experience and traits that helped with my time as a student, and a future agriculturalist. 

Q: What is next for you as you enter this new chapter after graduation?  

A:  I am currently the Director of Communications and Events for the Kentucky Beef Council. I began part time in September while finishing my degree and began full-time immediately upon graduation. Through my position, I will work to ensure the proper utilization of beef checkoff dollars to represent the messaging of beef producers across the commonwealth. 

Q: What was your favorite class as an undergraduate? Explain.    

A:  During my time at UK, my favorite classes were (AEC 441G) Ag Financial Management with Dr. Jordan Shockley and (AEC 340) Human Resource Management in Agriculture with Dr. Steve Isaacs and Mrs. Emily Brown. Although I took both classes during my last semester at UK, I can easily say they were transformational in my experience as a student and set me up with skills and lessons to take into the work force. In Dr. Shockley’s course, our class was able to treat the curriculum as its own company, acting as ‘contractors’ and ‘project managers’. Serving as a project manager, I was able to lead a team of ‘contractors’ through course work scenarios, learned proper conflict management and team leadership, and received regular peer evaluations. This experience has been very useful in working with a team of coworkers. In Mrs. Brown and Dr. Isaacs course, I was able to cover all facets of human resources to become familiar with work-place etiquette, proper company regulations and protocol, and leadership and management can work together. These concepts are not often taught, but some of the more valuable takeaways someone can receive entering new environments. Both courses gave me a wealth of knowledge, but more importantly, life lessons I can take into my community and workplace as a leader. 

Q: How have your involvements contributed to your student life here at the University?   

A: I can contribute my success as a student at UK to involvement in on-campus organizations and activities. During my time as a student, I was able to serve as a MG-CAFE Student Ambassador, VP Chapter Relations and Standards for Alpha Chi Omega, VP for the Dairy Club, a Collegiate Farm Bureau member, and a member of the UK Dairy Judging Team. Each of these experiences connected me with faculty and students, nurtured connections and relationships, and built my confidence in my leadership and personal capabilities. Getting involved on UK’s campus can feel daunting but is endlessly worth the commitment. UK faculty’s investment in these organizations is clear and their efforts to give back to students who are involved and show effort is unmatched. 

Q: Was there an influential faculty member, professor, or general class you feel affected your current professional path? If so, explain.  

A:  It has always been interesting to me how mentorship can develop. Although I didn’t necessarily ever have her as a professor, Dr. Savannah Robin could be cataloged as an influential faculty member in my time as a student at UK. I initially knew of Dr. Robin after watching her keynote a few CTE events when I was an FFA member in high school and found her inspirational at the time. But it wasn’t until I joined Collegiate Farm Bureau, where she was one of the faculty advisors, that I found someone that shared valuable perspective, advice, and support. No matter the time or opportunity, Dr. Robin always ensures to support students inside her courses and members of the agriculture community outside.