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!
Livestock animals play such a big role in our state’s agriculture industry. Ever since she was a little girl, Kali Kasulis has loved animals and wanted to ensure they are well cared for. Now in her first year of Veterinary School at N.C. State University, Kali is well on her way to making a difference for the livestock found in our state and beyond.
Growing up on a small-scale beef cattle operation in Goldsboro, Kali developed an appreciation for livestock animals at a young age. “My grandfather has operated a beef cattle and small crop farm since I was a little girl, so him and my mother are responsible for my first experiences in agriculture,” she said. “They both continue to work on the family farm today. I have learned a lot from them through the years and owe my love of agriculture to them both.” When Kali entered middle school, she immediately joined the 4-H club and began showing goats. “Participating in livestock shows really helped me learn the full circle of livestock animals and their purpose within the industry,” she said. “Raising a goat from the time it is a kid until it goes to market was an incredibly rewarding experience that only furthered my determination to work in this industry.” As she entered high school at Charles B. Aycock High School in Pikeville, Kali continued her education and experience in agriculture by joining FFA and participating in many competitions, including ag sales and floriculture. “FFA was truly beneficial for me, not only because I learned more about the agriculture industry, but also life and leadership skills,” Kali said. “Throughout my time in FFA, I served as Chapter Officer, Regional Officer and Federation Officer. I loved all the opportunities presented to me in FFA so much that I decided to continue serving through college.”
After graduating high school, Kali transferred to the University of Mount Olive where she became involved with collegiate FFA, ag classes and hands-on opportunities at the Cherry Research Farm. “I’ve always had a love for animals as well as an appreciation for their God given purpose in this industry,” she said. “I chose to attend UMO because of their Veterinary Bioscience Degree, which allowed me to combine Animal Science & Biology to give me an edge for entering the Veterinary field.” In addition to her college major, Kali also graduated with two minors in Chemistry and Biology in December of 2022. “My time at UMO developed me as a person and made me more excited about a career in this industry,” she said. “Through collegiate FFA, I was able to host competitions, manage events and more. I made so many connections that broadened my knowledge of agriculture, which I think will help propel me further in the future.” After taking a year off from school to work full-time at the Brentwood Veterinary Center in Wilson, where she also interned through college, Kali transferred to N.C. State University to start the Veterinary School program.
Set to graduate in April of 2028, Kali still has a few more years of Vet School before entering the livestock industry. “I love this program at N.C. State, not only the classroom education but also the hands-on experience I am gaining,” she said. “All of the professors and advisors truly want to see their students succeed, so I am very thankful to be part of this community.” Once she graduates, Kali hopes to become a Mobile Livestock Veterinarian, serving the Eastern North Carolina community. “Agriculture is what our world is built on, and I am tremendously proud to know that my work will go towards something bigger than myself,” she said. “I love networking with the producers, taking care of the animals, and ensuring they have the best life possible here on this earth experiencing the five freedoms.” For those who don’t know, the five freedoms of animal welfare are (1) freedom from hunger and thirst, (2) freedom from discomfort, (3) freedom from pain, injury, or disease, (4) freedom to express normal behavior, and (5) freedom from fear and distress. “Animals serve a purpose in this industry, but farmers are incredibly passionate about giving them the best life possible from birth to the market,” she said. “As a livestock veterinarian, my goal is to further that purpose and provide relief, comfort and joy to the animals I work with.”
In addition to her passion for livestock, Kali brings a plethora of skills to the table, including honesty, an outgoing personality, strong communication skills and a hard work ethic. Besides operating her own Mobile Veterinary business, Kali also hopes to have a small-scale farm one day with goats and beef cattle. “I have a dog, Rhett, and two cats, Paislee and Bean, now,” she said, “but I would love to have a small herd of goats and beef cattle one day. Not only for me to enjoy and work with on my own, but also for my future family to learn about agriculture and grow up with the same morals, responsibilities and values that I did.” Kali fully credits her hard work ethic and responsibility to being raised on the farm and hopes to instill those ideals in future generations.
Although she loves working with livestock animals and networking with producers, Kali’s favorite part of the agriculture industry is the feeling of pride it brings at the end of every day. “There is both immediate gratification and long-term gratification to be found in this industry,” she said. “Knowing that I not only helped an animal, but also a producer is extremely rewarding. Serving as a resource across the industry and contributing to feeding the world are also rewards of a job well done. I know that pride, as well as my strong passion and dedication, will propel me to continue through the bad days and push harder on the good ones.” It comes as no surprise that, although she loves working with all animals, cattle are still Kali’s favorite.
For anyone seeking a career in the agriculture industry, specifically in the veterinary field, Kali encourages you to get involved in the community, 4H and FFA. “Agriculture teaches you leadership skills and responsibility, so get involved as soon as you can,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to fail, because you will never know if you like something until you try it. Find what speaks to you and get involved.” We are so proud of all that Kali is doing for animal agriculture and can’t wait to see her make a difference in the livestock industry as a veterinarian!
