Cole Baerlocher, a junior from Colfax, Washington, is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communications & Journalism with a minor in International Agricultural Development. Raised on his family’s cattle and wheat operation, Cole developed a profound appreciation for agriculture from a young age, fueling his desire to contribute to the agricultural industry’s future. His dedication to Texas A&M University is evident through his diverse involvement, including serving as a Fish Camp Counselor, contributing to the Century Men’s Society, and representing the ALEC Department on C.O.A.L.S. Council. As a recipient of the esteemed 2024 Buck Weirus Spirit Award, Cole’s commitment to service and leadership has been recognized campus-wide, making him a valuable addition to the Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy (ANRP) Internship Program. He will be interning with the National Farmers Union.
Sarah Beth Brittain
Office of Congressman Nathaniel Moran
Sarah Beth Brittain, a first-generation Aggie from Mount Enterprise, Texas, is a senior at Texas A&M University pursuing a degree in Agricultural Economics with a minor in Agricultural Communications and Journalism, and a certificate in International Trade in Agriculture. Raised deeply involved in the agriculture sector through Texas FFA and Texas 4-H, and managing a registered cow-calf operation, Sarah Beth developed a passion for the livestock and agriculture industries. Her leadership roles in these organizations, along with her work alongside a Civil and Personal Injury Trial attorney, fueled her ambition to become an agricultural or civil attorney. An active participant in the Texas A&M Pre-Law Society, Saddle and Sirloin, Texas Aggie Cattlewomen Association, Agricultural Economics Society, Aggie Sisters for Christ, and Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority she also dedicates time to community service at various local organizations. As she prepares to graduate in May 2025 and looks forward to law school, Sarah Beth is currently pursuing national-level policy through an internship with the Office of Congressman Nathaniel Moran in Washington, D.C., aiming to advocate for those who cannot defend themselves and influence meaningful change.
Audrey De La Zerda
National Council of Farmer Cooperatives
Audrey De La Zerda, a second-year Ph.D. student at Texas A&M University, is advancing her studies in Meat Science and Food Safety within the Animal Science Department. Originally fromLeander, Texas, and having lived in Colorado and Washington, Audrey completed her undergraduate degree in Food Science and Technology and her Master’s in Agricultural Communications and Journalism at Texas A&M.Additionally, she obtained a certificate in Food Safety and Agriculture eLearning Development.Her involvement with AgriLife Extension has fostered valuable interactions with farmers, producers, and industry professionals, enhancing her dedication to agriculture and food safety.She is motivated by her passion for agriculture and producing safe food into commerce. This summer, Audrey is looking forward to an internship with the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives in Washington, D.C., where she aims to integrate her expertise in meat science with public policy to better contribute to safe food production practices in her future career.
Julie Diebel
National Cattleman’s Beef Association
Julie Diebel,a senior majoring in Animal Science at Texas A&M University, is set to graduate in December of 2024. As a sixth-generation rancher, Julie grew up heavily involvedin the agriculture industry and developed a love for advocacy. She participated in 4-H, and showed market steers and breeding heifers across the state of Texas. During her time at Texas A&M, Julie has remained heavily involved in Texas Aggie Cattlewomen, serving as Secretary and eventually First Vice President. These roles allowed her to work with the Texas Beef Council to promote the beef industry across campus and encourage members to pursue various scholarship and networking opportunities. Julie also pursued a meat science certificate, which led to her involvement with the Meat Science Quiz Bowl Team. She competed with the team at the annual Reciprocal Meat Conference for two years, serving as a team captain for one of the two competitions. This allowed her to advance her knowledge of the meat industry and gain connections with industry professionals. In the future, Julie hopes to attend veterinary school and focus on large or mixed animal medicine. Julie will be interning with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association this summer in Washington, D.C. and hopes to learn more about how policy affects cattle producers across the nation.
Laney Ferrell
National Association of Wheat Growers
Laney Ferrell, a first-generation Aggie from Seguin, Texas, is a sophomore at Texas A&M University, majoring in agribusiness. As a child involved in her local FFA chapter and county 4-H club, Laney’s passion for the U.S. agricultural industry was kindled through raising and showing cattle and swine, along with engaging in numerous leadership and public speaking activities. This foundation has flourished during her time at A&M, where her coursework and involvement in several organizations —including the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council, Pre-law society, Texas Aggie Cattlewomen, Saddle & Sirloin, and Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society —have deepened her understanding and commitment to agriculture. Laney intends to pursue law school post-graduation with a focus on agricultural law and policy. This summer, she is excited to intern with the National Association of Wheat Growersin Washington D.C., where she aims to immerse herself in federal agricultural policy, build professional relationships, and gain invaluable firsthand experience in the field.
Kalli Kimble
Office of Senator Ted Cruz
Kalli Kimble, a junior animal science major from Kingsbury, Texas, is a third-generation cattle rancher with deep roots in agriculture, fostered through her involvement in 4-H, FFA, and the National Junior Santa Gertrudis Association. Kalli continues to play an active role in her family’s show cattle operation and in her breed association where she serves on the Marketing and Shows & Exhibits committees. Her involvement in agriculture sparked a passion which has led her topursue a career in veterinary medicine in which she hopes to specialize in large animal reproductive physiology. On campus, she is an integral part of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council’s Leadership Committee and participates in organizations such as Saddle & Sirloin and Aggie Cattlewomen. Recently, Kalli completed a Reproduction Internship at Granada Farms, enhancing her skills in equine medicine—a vital step towardsveterinary school. This summer, she is excited to l be interning with Senator Ted Cruz in Washington, D.C., where sheanticipates gaining a deeper understanding of the legislative process and exploring ways to impact American agriculture and the broader community.
Jayden Leverts
Office of Congressman Brian Babin
Jayden Levrets, an Agriculture Economics major with a certificate in International Trade and Agriculture,anticipates graduating in December 2024. Originally from Tyler, Texas, she boasts a rich background in agricultural organizations, having been activelyinvolved in both 4-H and FFA with leadership roles. Attending Texas A&M has been a lifelong goal for Jayden, who cherishes the university’s traditions of selfless service.She contributes to the community through theStudent Government Association’s Big Event and serves as an academic peer mentor and student assistant within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Jayden also represents the Department of Agricultural Economicsas an Aggie REP. During the fall of 2023, Jayden participated in a trip to Washington D.C. alongsideher Agricultural Policy class, where she visited with and learned from many influential experts in agricultural policy. This trip ignited her passion for agricultural policy,leading her to eagerly anticipate her upcoming internshipwith the Office of Congressman Brian Babin. With aspirations for a career in agricultural policy, Jayden will make a meaningful impact in shaping the agricultural industry’s future.
Zoë Meeks
National Cotton Council
Zoë Meeks, a junior Agricultural Economics honor student with a minor in Philosophy, is a devoted advocate of U.S. agriculture. Growing up in Dalhart, Texas,near her family’s crop operation, Zoë’s upbringing instilled in her a strong connection to the agricultural industry.At Texas A&M University, sheactively contributes to various organizations within the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, including the Student Council, AGEC Aggie Reps, Freshmen Experience, Agricultural Economics Society, and Gamma Sigma Delta Society.Despite recently graduating from high school, Zoë’seducation and leadership rolesat Texas A&M have already enriched her understanding of the agriculture industry’s needs.Inspired by her father’s dedication to farming and her ownexperiences in agriculture, she is passionate about agricultural policy. Zoëaims to contribute toinitiatives that support the agriculture industry’s global impactin feeding and clothing the world. As she embarks on her internship with the National Cotton Council, Zoë looks forward toexpanding her knowledge ofthe cotton industry on a national scale, eager to serve agriculture in a larger capacity.
Amelia Miller
Office of Congressman Jake Ellzey
Amelia Miller, a class of 2025 animal science/meat science major, is from Gridley, Illinois. Amelia was born the daughter of cattle farmers and grew up traveling the country as she and her family were heavily involved in the American Angus Association. She has served in various leadership roles while attending livestock shows, conferences, and conventions across the United States. Since arriving at Texas A&M, Amelia has been heavily involved both in and out of the College of Agriculture. She currently serves on the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council, is a member of the Meat Science Quiz Bowl Team, is involved in research through the department, and is a part of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority as well as serving on the executive board for the Out of State Student Ambassador Program. Amelia plans to pursue graduate school in Meat Science and Food Safety with the goal of advocating for agriculture to both producers and consumers. Amelia will be interning in the Office of Congressman Jake Ellzey this summer.
Cason Moorman
USA Rice
Cason Moorman isa junior majoring in agriculture economics at Texas A&M University. He isfrom Huntsville, Texas and has a deep-rooted passion for agriculture and leadership, kindled through extensive involvement in 4-H. Cason combines his academic pursuits with a variety of interests, including rebuilding old cars and computers, which reflects his hands-on approach to learning and problem-solving. He values spending quality time with family and friends and is an active member of Gents of Texas A&M, a men’s organization dedicated to professionalism, service, and brotherhood, where he will continue to contribute until graduation. This commitment to community and leadership extends to his professional aspirations as well; Cason is set to intern with USA Rice, where he aims to blend his love for agriculture with a growing interest in public policy.
Colton Whisenant
Office of Congressman Morgan Luttrell
Colton Whisenant, a sophomore agribusiness major from The Woodlands, TX,brings a rich Aggie legacy to Texas A&M Universityas a third generation Aggie with a deep-rooted love for Aggieland. Raised in a family where Aggie pride runs deep, Colton’s passion for his university is evident in his involvement and leadership roles on campus. Currently serving as Sophomore Class President and a member of the Corps of Cadets in company D-2, Colton also actively participates in Aggieland Ducks Unlimited and TAMU WAKE. His engagement extends further to organizations such as MSC FISH, MSC Abbott Family Leadership Conference, Student Senate, and MSC Fall Leadership Conference. With a profound appreciation for civics and government nurtured since childhood, Colton’s commitment to public service is underscored by his Eagle Scout rank and his love for the outdoors. In his free time,he enjoys fishing with friends and family. Looking ahead, Colton aspires to attend law school post-graduation, with aspirations to work on Capitol Hill, driven by his passion for civic engagement and public policy. This summer he will be interning in the Office of Congressman Morgan Luttrell.