AUSTIN, TEXAS (RFD News) — At the Rodeo Austin Stock Show, the focus goes beyond the livestock in the ring. For some, it’s also about helping the next generation understand where their food and fiber come from.
Jazmine Gutierrez-Davila, a junior at Tarleton State University, is doing just that through her internship with the Texas Farm Bureau.
Through TXFB’s Doorways to Agriculture program, Gutierrez-Davila spends time at livestock shows teaching young children about agriculture and its role in everyday life.
“I really like coming out here and teaching kids what agriculture is, especially using my bilingual skills,” she said.
Gutierrez-Davila says her passion for agriculture started early. She was involved in FFA in high school, where she showed sheep and goats.
“Back in high school, I did FFA and I showed sheep and goats, so I was a stock show kid,” she said. “Coming from that background, I want to promote agriculture so that kids know what agriculture really is in the world.”
Rodeo Austin reaches more than 500,000 fairgoers each year, with over 15,000 youth participating in hands-on agriculture experiences. Organizers say programs like these play a key role in connecting the next generation to the industry.