Passion for animals and where it stemmed from: My passion for animals developed through my experience raising pigs from farrow to finish. Growing up actively involved in this process has given me firsthand insight into the responsibilities and demands of animal agriculture. Caring for livestock at every stage of development has taught me the importance of consistency, patience, and attention to detail. I have come to understand that raising animals is not only a production-based responsibility but also an ethical commitment to ensuring their health, comfort, and well-being. These experiences have fostered a strong respect for animals and a deep appreciation for the agricultural industry as a whole. Over time, this work has shaped my interest in pursuing a career that continues to support and improve animal production systems. How I plan to make a positive impact in the animal world: I plan to make a positive impact in the animal industry by combining my hands-on livestock experience with the knowledge and skills gained through higher education in agribusiness. My goal is to support farmers and ranchers in improving both animal care and overall agricultural efficiency. I believe that success in agriculture depends on balancing productivity with responsible stewardship of animals and natural resources. In the future, I hope to work within my family’s agricultural commercial applicator business, where I can directly assist producers in making informed decisions regarding crop production, land management, and livestock care. By helping implement effective and sustainable agricultural practices, I aim to contribute to healthier animals, more productive operations, and long-term agricultural sustainability. Major and how it involves animals: I plan to pursue a degree in agribusiness, which closely aligns with my background and future career goals in agriculture. This field of study integrates business principles with agricultural production systems, providing a comprehensive understanding of the economic and operational aspects of the industry. Coursework in areas such as agricultural economics, marketing, management, and production systems will equip me with the tools necessary to support and improve agricultural enterprises. My personal experience raising pigs from farrow to finish provides a strong foundation in livestock production, which will complement my academic studies. By combining practical experience with formal education, I will be better prepared to bridge the gap between agricultural producers and business operations. Ultimately, my education in agribusiness will enable me to contribute meaningfully to the success of agricultural operations while continuing to prioritize animal welfare and responsible production practices.

My name is Julianna Feddes, and I grew up in a hardworking, family-oriented environment in White Sulphur Springs and Absarokee, Montana. Growing up in a rural setting taught me the importance of responsibility, consistency, and strong values. From a young age, I worked alongside my family raising pigs with my sisters. This experience required daily care, attention, and commitment, which helped me develop a strong sense of accountability. I also became actively involved in 4-H and FFA, where I showed livestock and participated in various leadership and educational activities. Through these organizations, I gained valuable experience in leadership, communication, time management, and dedication. These opportunities not only helped shape my character but also taught me the importance of setting goals and working hard to achieve them. In high school, I was a three-sport athlete, participating in volleyball, basketball, and golf. Athletics have always played a major role in my life and have taught me discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. Being part of a team helped me understand the importance of working with others toward a common goal, as well as pushing myself to improve individually. I plan to continue my athletic career at Miles Community College, where I am excited to grow both academically and athletically. During my freshman year of collegiate basketball at Dickinson State University, I sustained an ACL injury. I am currently in the process of rehabbing from that injury. While this experience has been physically and mentally challenging, it has strengthened my resilience, patience, and determination. It has also given me a deeper appreciation for hard work, recovery, and the ability to overcome setbacks. My hobbies are centered around hands-on work, especially welding and beading. I enjoy creating things with my hands and take pride in completing projects from start to finish. In high school, I completed a dual credit welding course where I gained experience in MIG, TIG, and stick welding. Through this course and various projects, I developed strong technical skills, attention to detail, and an understanding of safety procedures and precision in the shop. Welding has taught me patience, focus, and problem-solving skills, as each project presents different challenges that require critical thinking and adaptability. Alongside welding, I also enjoy beading. Although it is very different from welding, it also requires patience, precision, and creativity. Both activities allow me to focus, be creative, and produce something meaningful through consistent effort and attention to detail. In addition to school, athletics, and hobbies, I work for my father’s commercial applicator business. In this role, I assist with irrigation installation, weed spraying, and lawn maintenance. This job has given me hands-on experience in a variety of outdoor working conditions and has taught me the importance of reliability, adaptability, and strong work ethic. I have learned how to take pride in every task, no matter how big or small, and how important it is to contribute to a team. Balancing work, school, athletics, and extracurricular activities has also strengthened my time management skills and my ability to stay organized and focused under pressure. Overall, I am a motivated and hardworking individual who values learning, responsibility, and perseverance. My experiences in agriculture, athletics, welding, and work have shaped me into someone who is determined to succeed and willing to put in the effort required to reach my goals. I am committed to continuing my education, developing my skills further, and building a strong future in a hands-on career field where I can continue to grow and contribute to my community.