Ferguson College of Agriculture

Kaylee Lundsford is a third generation Hereford breeder and native to Southeast Kansas who has been building her herd since she started in a 4-H bucket calf project at 9 years old. She chose to pursue her associate degree while still in high school to spread out her financial commitment of higher education.

 

“Since I am paying for my education personally, I chose to join the dual enrollment program at Bluefield University and complete my Associate of Science at a more affordable rate,” Lundsford said.

 

Through her operation, she has exhibited her cattle in livestock shows across the country and raised a few national champions with her own genetics. She was also able to teach herself about the logistics of running a business, learning about record keeping, profit loss analysis, drought management, and much more over the years.
Here at Oklahoma State University, Lundsford is pursuing a degree in animal science (pre-med).

 

“I chose this degree because of my lifelong commitment to agriculture through both my own purebred Hereford operation and my commitment to several youth organizations, including the National Junior Hereford Association,” she said. “I believed OSU had the highest quality ag program, and I also felt at home in Stillwater.”

 

Through all this time and effort, Lundsford has developed a passion for agriculture and leadership and plans to give back to the industry that has given her so much. She also loves that the people at OSU share this passion.

 

“After completing my bachelor’s, I plan to continue my education and work toward my master’s degree. However, I am still exploring options on what my next steps will look like,” she said. “All of this would not be possible without the help and support of my family, who have made it possible for me to continue building my operation while in college.”

 

In her free time, Lundsford is an avid scuba diver and the operation where she raises and breeds her Herefords is called Maple Ridge Farm.