"Build a network both professionally and with friends. This will be invaluable as you progress through your career."
Illinois Valley Community College - 1988
Western Illinois University - BS Agriculture 1990
University of Illinois - MS Agricultural Economics 1999
President, McCully Consulting, LLC
Dairy Industry Consultant
Favorite 4-H Projects: Beef Cattle & Crops
Did any of your 4-H project skills, experiences or connections help prepare you for your career path?
Public speaking, work ethic from showing cattle, meeting people
What advice do you have for someone who wants to enter your career path?
Have an idea of where you want to go, but be flexible on how you get there. Take internships while in college to learn about different companies and types of work. Build a network both professionally and with friends. This will be invaluable as you progress through your career.
What did you learn through 4-H that benefits you today?
Trying new things and learning - never stop doing that no matter how old you are.
How did 4-H contribute to your leadership skills today?
The combination of 4-H and FFA allowed me to get involved in a number of contests from livestock judging to crop judging and more. This created a passion for agriculture and the food industry which I've made a career out of.
What advice would you give a current 4-H member?
Try new things and be open to learning. Get involved.