Victoria Benavides is a junior at Texas A&M University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics with a concentration in Real Estate and Finance and a minor in Agribusiness Entrepreneurship. Early on in her upbringing she was involved in Webb County 4-H raising market steers and participating in the American Brahman Breeders Association with heifers. She grew up in Laredo, Texas, before moving to Aguilares as an 8th grader in middle school. While attending Bruni Middle School, Victoria joined her FFA chapter as a junior member in the 8th grade. Throughout this journey her passion for the agriculture industry grew as an advocate which resulted in competing in creed speaking, livestock judging, parliamentary procedure, and securing officer positions. Benavides’ upbringing as the youngest female of a 5th generation rancher in South Texas fuels her drive in advocating for the agriculture industry. This passion guided her to Texas A&M University, where unique opportunities like the Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy Internship Program are available to further her future
endeavors in law. At Texas A&M University, Victoria is heavily involved in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council as the Programs Committee Chair, Ag-Econ Society Vice President, and F.I.R.E. Club Vice President. This past fall, Victoria furthered her love for policy and enrolled in Agricultural Policy 429 where she had the opportunity to visit Washington D.C. and meet with policymakers from across the country. This spring, Victoria will be a legislative intern with the Texas Farm Bureau and Texas Ag Council. Victoria plans to gain a better understanding of the policy making process throughout the session, and how to identify bills that are relevant to TFB and TAC priority topics. After graduation, she plans to attend law school to further her career in being an attorney for an oil and gas corporation.
Cameron Castillo
Office of State Representative Andrew Murr
Born and raised in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Cameron Castillo graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M University this past December. While at Texas A&M, he served as an officer on the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council in addition to his involvement in the Department of Agricultural Economics’ Aggie REP’s club and the MSC Student Conference on National Affairs. Cameron also served as an undergraduate teaching assistant for a freshman writing course in the Department of Agricultural Economics, as well as a peer mentor for one of the Department’s First Year Experience courses. He is currently working in Austin, Texas as a legislative aide to Representative Andrew Murr (HD-53). In August, he will return to College Station to pursue a Master’s of Science in Agricultural Economics. In his free time, Cameron enjoys spending time with friends and family and cheering on the Texas Aggies, especially during football season!
Sarah Denison
Office of State Representative Brad Buckley
Sarah is a December 2022 Animal Science graduate from Texas A&M University. Sarah is from Kalamazoo, Michigan, which is where her fascination with plants and animals began. Her passion for agriculture was further developed as she earned her degree. Throughout college Sarah was involved in a women’s organization on campus called Aggie Sweethearts, where she was a fundraising chair and created a support group. Sarah also has extensive customer service experience, which has improved her interpersonal and conflict resolution skills. She is looking forward to beginning a career in agriculture and is excited to be closely involved in a legislative session. The bill she is most looking forward to watching for progress concerning truth in labeling. After working in the Office of State Representative Brad Buckley, Sarah plans to attend graduate school to research animal reproduction and hopes to stay heavily involved within the agriculture industry.
Bailey Halbert
Office of State Senator Lois Kolkhorst
Bailey Halbert is a junior at Texas A&M University majoring in Agricultural Leadership & Development. Bailey is from Bryan, Texas where she developed an interest in policymaking through her involvement in 4-H. During high school, Bailey served as Texas 4-H Water Ambassador where she learned and taught others about water conservation and policy. She shared her experience at events across the Brazos Valley and beyond. Bailey was selected to attend a conference at the Texas Capitol where she learned about agricultural and economic issues facing the state during the 86th Legislative Session. This experience opened the door to several interactions with state leaders and revealed the impact of policies on the future of Texas. Bailey also participated in the Citizenship Washington Focus Program in Washington, D.C. as part of a 4-H exchange program where she met 4-H members from across the U.S. and learned about the legislative process on the national level. Bailey’s commitment to 4-H developed invaluable skills such as public speaking, communication, leadership. These experiences deepened her appreciation for agriculture and sparked her interest in pursuing a career in policymaking. Through the Agricultural and Natural Resources Internship Program, Bailey has accepted a position in Senator Kolkhorst’s office where she will serve during the Texas 88th Legislative Session in spring of 2023. Bailey looks forward to broadening her horizons and gaining insight on the policy-making process.
William Howe
Office of State Senator Pete Flores
William Howe is a senior at Texas A&M University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Leadership and Development with a minor in Agricultural Economics. He grew up in Austin, Texas, before moving to China Spring as a junior in high school. While in Austin, William joined his local FFA chapter, as a junior member, in 7th grade. This began a passion for the agriculture industry that resulted in him exhibiting multiple livestock projects, securing chapter office, and competing as a member of the Agricultural Issues forum team. As his passion grew, William became more inspired to advocate on behalf of agriculture and promote the importance of the industry across the country, making sure everyone understands what drives our nation. This passion guided him to Texas A&M University, where unique opportunities like the Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy Internship Program are available to further his education in the policy-making process. This past summer, William had the opportunity to intern in the Office of Congressman Pete Sessions where he had the opportunity to work on agricultural issues and learn about the policy-making process. After graduation, he intends to follow in his dad’s footsteps and promote policies beneficial to farmers and ranchers. William will be interning in the Office of State Senator Pete Flores in the 88th Texas Legislative Session and looks forward to expanding his knowledge of the policy-making process.
Cason Moorman
Office of State Representative Ed Thompson
Cason Moorman is a sophomore agriculture economics major from Huntsville, Texas. He will be interning with the Office of State Representative Ed Thompson in the spring of 2023. Outside his studies, Cason enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He enjoys working with his hands and rebuilding old cars and computers. He has an extensive background in 4-H, which sparked his love for agriculture and leadership. As a freshman, Cason was a member of Freshman Leaders in Education. This organization strives to help freshmen build a supportive community of their peers while providing leadership, service, and social opportunities. He is a member of Gents of Texas A&M, a men’s organization focusing on professionalism, service, and brotherhood. He will continue to be a member of Gents of Texas A&M until he graduates. After he finishes his undergraduate degree, he plans to attend the Bush School of Government to earn a master’s degree in public service and administration.
