Sask Women in Ag Scholarship winner - Michelle Ross

My name is Michelle Ross and I grew up near Grenfell, Sask on my family's grain and dairy farm.  While in high school, I attended the Western Canadian Junior Dairy show where I competed in judging and showing.  This opportunity opened my eyes to how passionate youth in the agriculture industry are.   Following after my parents passion for farming, I was inspired to study agriculture at the U of S. 

I am currently in my fourth and final year of my degree. So far my time at the AgBio College has provided me the opportunity to learn from experts in agriculture, both academic experts and my peers around me. I have enjoyed the opportunity to be active in student clubs such as the AgBizz Club,  Dairy Team,  Rangeland Team and the Agricultural Students Association.

Not only do I get to study agriculture, but I also get to work in the industry all summer long. For the past three years, I have worked as an agronomy summer student at a Co-op Ag retail. I have enjoyed the opportunity to shadow agronomists as they give advice to growers and through this experience I feel more confident starting my own career in agronomy.  The highlight for me is chatting with growers and being able to assist them in their farming decisions.

I love agriculture for being a close-knit community that is built on comradery and small town values.  This is truly the best part about being an Agro!  I also love that agriculture is the backbone of the province and provides opportunity for young people like myself.  I am excited about the future of agriculture, but success does not come without it's challenges.  Consumer public trust and feeding a growing global populations are some of the issues that confront the agriculture industry.  We all have a role to play in ensuring that our industry is sustainable by connecting with consumers and focusing on innovation. 

Needless to say, it is an exciting time to be an Agro and working in agriculture.

~Michelle Ross~