By Blake Jackson
Growing up surrounded by her family’s cattle farms, Whitney Peck learned the daily realities of raising livestock at an early age. However, her studies in Animal Sciences at the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment have helped her understand the science behind those practices.
“I had a little bit of background knowledge of everything I was learning, which made me want to learn more about the little things,” Peck said.
“So, I knew that we had to give our cows mineral, but I never knew why. Then going through the animal science program, I learned you give mineral for these certain reasons."
A rising senior from Fredonia, Kentucky, Peck has continued building her agricultural knowledge through hands-on experiences. This summer, she is gaining industry experience as an intern with Pratt Feeders Group in Pratt, Kansas.
Anne DeMott, Martin-Gatton CAFE director of transfer and graduate recruitment, helped connect Peck with the internship through relationships within the cattle industry.
“Whitney exemplifies what happens when preparation meets initiative and the courage to pursue goals,” DeMott said. "Her story is one I hope encourages other students to be proactive in investing in relationships — you never know where connections might lead.”
Interested in expanding her experience beyond Kentucky, Peck was excited about the opportunity to work in Kansas.
“It’s nothing but cows, which I think is why I like it,” Peck said.
During her internship, Peck has gained experience throughout the feedlot operation. She begins her mornings working in shipping and receiving, where she helps weigh and record cattle arriving at the facility.
Later in the day, Peck assists with animal health tasks alongside the head cowboy and works with cattle management decisions, including evaluating animals ready for sale.
“I’ll go look at the cows and see if they are ready to be sold,” Peck said. “Look at their frame, their disposition, and are they fat enough, with fat on the topline?”
Her experiences with Bluegrass Stockyards and the UK Cooperative Extension Service internship have also shaped her career goals. Peck hopes to combine her passion for cattle with opportunities to support producers and the agriculture industry.
“That made me realize that yes, if you’re a cattle farmer, cattle’s a part of it, but there are also 14,000 other things that go into it,” Peck said.
Supported by The Bill Gatton Foundation scholarship, Peck plans to continue advocating for agriculture through her education and future career.
Photo Credit: sabrina-hounshell
Categories: Kentucky, Education, Livestock, Dairy Cattle