organized to achieve the end goal . You also must be adaptable . It ’ s also beneficial to have knowledge of the cattle industry and a passion for serving the future generation .
Keeling : I believe an individual with a deep interest in and aptitude for supply-and-demand economics and data analysis , and who can maintain a disciplined approach to strategic execution , could excel in this role . Moreover , anyone who possesses these attributes and who also has a passion for agriculture will really enjoy this work . Ultimately , what we are trying to accomplish is maintaining a sustainable business that can withstand market volatility , while providing our employees , their families , our communities , and our stakeholders with the economic opportunity to have healthy and fulfilling lives , all while providing nutritious beef to the world .
Brincefield : Anyone who likes the business side of things and creative work would appreciate this role . Someone who can keep a level head while balancing many things . You need to be organized , a leader , and able to write , design , and step in for whatever is needed .
What experience did you need for this role ?
Perkins : While I didn ’ t know it at the time , the many things I was involved in as a youth myself helped prepare me to lead youth with TCA . From my time in 4-H and FFA , to my brother and I being in the American Junior Shorthorn Association and competing on the University of Tennessee Livestock Judging Team . All these programs helped me appreciate a rigorous travel and work schedule , take responsibility for my work , learn how to communicate and adapt to others , and helped me make significant connections within the industry . Additionally , I interned for the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation , the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture Marketing and Communications , and NCBA as a convention intern . All this helped me go into my career with a better grasp of organizational communications , event planning and membership development .
Keeling : My undergraduate studies helped provide a solid starting point with a general understanding of supply-anddemand economics , economic price theory , and standard business practices . But hands-on experience in the professional world , where I have been very fortunate to learn from great bosses and mentors , provided the most value in preparing me for my current role . Fortunately , strong mentors continue to provide the support I need for continual learning and improvement . The biggest risk to my professional life would be to ever think I know enough or have enough experience that I no longer need to learn and improve .
Brincefield : While having experience in publication and communications work would be beneficial , I think it is most important that a person is a willing learner and hard worker no matter the position . In this role , I manage many projects and tasks simultaneously , so having experience understanding how to balance things and prioritize are important . Never be discouraged if you don ’ t have the right résumé of experience because having the right character traits will help you be successful and fill in the gaps .
What is the most challenging part of your job ? Perkins : In showing cattle , everything is subjective , and one person ’ s opinion can lead to upset parents and exhibitors . Similarly , when youth members apply for awards , we often can only select a handful of winners , and this leads to youth becoming discouraged from applying again . From experience , I know the amount of work our youth members put into their projects and the disappointment they feel when they aren ’ t chosen as a winner . The most challenging part of my job is making sure there are opportunities for involvement and recognition for everyone .
Keeling : Ignoring emotion . Market volatility and its effects on peoples ’ businesses and livelihoods tend to create emotionally driven market opinions . Separating emotionally driven market opinions from robust data-driven market analysis can be a heavy lift . The more disciplined a person ’ s risk management strategy is , the easier it is to ignore noise and make data-driven decisions .
Brincefield : One of the biggest challenges for me is holding others accountable to meeting deadlines . It can be hard juggling all the different tasks and knowing what to prioritize week to week . I want to help bring new ideas to life but also need to stay grounded in the day-to-day of the business . This balance can be hard for my creative mind .
What advice do you have for students considering this type of career ?
Perkins : My advice for a student considering this type of career , or any career , is to take every opportunity you are given . Looking back , if I had passed up the opportunity to intern at TCA in pursuit of a full-time job out of college , I would ’ ve missed out on my dream career . Secondly , connections matter . Beginning at a young age , the connections you make in high school through 4-H , FFA , and other youth agriculture organizations will serve you well in your career .
Keeling : Keep an open mind for opportunities to get a foot in the door . Operational understanding of a business is key to understanding economic drivers of prices from a production standpoint , and it is easier to enter the business from an operational capacity . Don ’ t be afraid to get your hands dirty and immerse yourself in the business . Become a student of the industry , once you are in the door , opportunities will present themselves . Be patient and take advantage of the opportunity to learn as you wait for these prospects . Finally , find good mentors . There are many talented people who have been there and done that . Take advantage of their knowledge and pass it along .
Brincefield : I think if someone is interested in the ag communications career path , it is important to have well-rounded experience — design , photography , writing , general communication , organizational skills such as planning , scheduling , etc . Beyond developing your skill set , it is critical that a person be willing to learn new things and put in the work . Be a good teammate , and never be too important to do the little things .
While these professionals represent just three career opportunities in the cattle industry , they are making an impact on the business environment and future of cattle production . Perkins , Keeling and Brincefield all recognize that they “ have a seat at the table .”
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