Next Gen Ag is a year long series that will run on our In The Field blog, Facebook page, Instagram page and Twitter account. Each Wednesday, we will highlight a young person pursuing a career in the agriculture industry. Individuals can be in high school, college, or recent graduates who are working to establish a career in agriculture. Stay tuned each week to meet some of our industry’s future leaders!
Agriculture impacts the world in many ways from the field to the fork. Breyana Robinson grew up on a family farm in Texas and immediately fell in love with the agriculture industry. From raising livestock and harvesting produce to research in the lab, Breyana has already gained a vast amount of experience in the industry, and she’s just getting started.
Growing up in Garland, Texas, Breyana was surrounded by agriculture. “In Texas, there is a barn and a farm on every corner,” she said, “so I was always very aware of the industry, even outside of our family farm.” Breyana’s family not only raised livestock, including cows and pigs, but also a variety of produce, like peas. “I remember helping around the farm at a very young age,” she said. “I’ve always had a passion for agriculture, especially the animals.” Learning at the hand of her father influenced Breyana to become involved with agriculture and FFA as soon as she started her freshman year at Lake View Centennial High School in Garland.
Agriculture and FFA are ways of life for many high schoolers in Texas, including Breyana. “We had our own barn where we could gain hands on experience working with livestock animals, as well as a huge livestock show at the end of the year where we could showcase the skills that we learned,” she said. Breyana was also a member of the Veterinary Assistance Program at the Career Center in her hometown, where she began to develop a passion for veterinary medicine. “I didn’t know exactly what path I wanted to take with agriculture in high school, but I was very fortunate to have opportunities in a variety of areas,” she said. “Ultimately, it was my work at the career center that pointed me in the direction of a Vet Med degree.” Upon graduating high school, Breyana packed her bags for North Carolina and began her college journey at North Carolina A&T State University.
As a senior, Breyana is looking forward to graduating in May with degrees in both Laboratory Animal Science and Animal Science. She is currently applying for master’s programs and veterinary medicine programs to continue her education. “I have loved my time at N.C. A&T State University because it has not only given me a well-rounded education in the classroom, but also a variety of hands-on experience at the N.C. A&T Farm and in the LARU Laboratory,” she said. “I’ve learned so much in four years, including how we can positively impact the environment and community through research. I can’t wait to continue my education and impact the world through my work.” In addition to her education, Breyana has held various internships to further her experience and knowledge, including with the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, a nutrition lab, and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. “I love to learn new things,” Breyana said. “I take as many opportunities as I can because I know that each one will make me grow more as a person and as an agriculture industry professional.”
Perhaps one of Breyana’s most impressive accomplishments is receiving the Astronaut Scholarship with N.C. A&T State University both in 2023 and in 2024. The Astronaut Scholarship is awarded annually to the nation’s most academically accomplished students pursuing STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) degrees. “When I first applied for the Astronaut Scholarship, I really didn’t think that I would get it, but decided to take a chance,” Breyana said, “and I’m glad that I did! This scholarship has opened so many opportunities for me to educate others on my research, including industry professionals and college professors. I’ve had the opportunity to speak on TV, radio and more!” As a part of this honor, Breyana conducted a research project that showcased her passion and desire. As a Vet Med major, Breyana embarked on a project in livestock research. “My research stems around the fact that what happens with the animals that make up our nation’s food supply matters,” she said. “I did a lot of research with prebiotics and probiotics, including how we can eliminate those things and use natural ingredients/medicines in our livestock to increase their health.” As part of the scholarship process, Breyana presented her research to a room of professional researchers and professors, who all loved the unique ideas and fundamental truths shown in her research. “It is such an honor to teach others about my work and see their eyes light up as they see the value in it,” she said. “To be awarded this scholarship, and all the amazing opportunities that come with it, not just once but twice, is a bigger honor than I can possibly put into words.”
In addition to her plethora of knowledge and hands-on experience, Breyana also brings a variety of skills to the industry, including public speaking, strong communication skills, determination, adaptability and passion. “I love taking on a challenge and constantly learning new things,” she said. “I think that I am an asset for this industry in many ways, and I can’t wait to make a mark on this industry that effects everyone equally on a daily basis.” In the future, Breyana hopes to work as a Clinical Investigator and lead Vet Tech for a company. In this role, she plans to research diseases and how we can not only treat those illnesses but prevent them and their variations for livestock in the future.
For anyone seeking a career in the agriculture industry, Breyana challenges you to take every opportunity that comes your way. “Don’t get in your own way,” she said. “Many of the opportunities that I’ve been given simply found me, but I wouldn’t have taken them if I didn’t believe in myself. Don’t be your own worst enemy. If an opportunity comes your way in the agriculture industry, jump out of your comfort zone and say yes because you never know where it might take you.” We can’t wait to see how Breyana will impact the NC Agriculture industry in the future with her research. Congrats on your recent graduation Breyana and keep reaching for the stars in your ag research and field work!
