Bailey USDA Trip

Texas State Pre-Veterinary Student Selected to Participate in Student Diversity Forum

Bailey Thomas, a senior animal science pre-veterinary major was one of just twenty undergraduates selected to participate in the Agricultural Outlook Forum & Student Diversity Program held by USDA in Arlington, VA in February. Eligible students were required to attend Land Grant Colleges, Hispanic Serving Institutions or Non-land grant Agricultural Colleges. Applicants were required to submit an essay discussing “The Greatest Challenge Facing Agriculture Over the Next 5 years”. Bailey was selected to participate based on her essay and letters of recommendation. Bailey participated in various discussion sessions ranging from animal and plant health to food labeling guidelines moderated by industry. Bailey spoke with members of the Agricultural Research Service, as well as industry representatives. Bailey returned from the trip with a new-found drive for improving agricultural communication between producers and consumers, and urges other students to consider applying to future events. Bailey’s entire trip was funded through USDA.

Bailey Thomas (front row, second from right) poses with the 2017 participants of the Student Diversity Program at the Agricultural Outlook Forum in Arlington, VA.

Bailey Thomas (Third row, third from right) poses with the 2017 Student Diversity Program participants and Mr. Michael Young, Acting Deputy Secretary of Agriculture (front row, center).