By Andrew Horvath, Agricultural Education and Communication master’s student
Growing up in a farming family, Micah Gallagher knew her passion for the agricultural industry would eventually lead her into a career in agriculture.
Upon being accepted into the University of Florida’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS), Gallagher was confident CALS would be her new home. When she arrived in Gainesville, Gallagher began studying food and resource economics, but soon switched to animal sciences focusing on food production in beef cattle.
“Educating consumers about where their food comes from is one of my favorite characteristics of the industry, so I hope my future career allows me to demonstrate just that,” Gallagher said.
Throughout her time in high school and college, Gallagher has had many women who have influenced and encouraged her to push for her dreams of working in the agricultural industry. As a member of the National FFA in high school, Gallagher was greatly impacted by her four different advisers: Karly Cohenour, Deb Barry, Venessa Giammanco and Megan Welch.
“These wonderful women taught me to be strong in a field that sometimes does not welcome women with open arms, they were there through some of the hardest times of my life, yet did not allow me to become discouraged,” Gallagher said. “They supported my passion and said the sky is the limit by throwing every possible opportunity at me to further my aspirations.”
As a sophomore studying animal sciences, Gallagher has already found a new group of women who are strong supporters, pushing her to continue working toward her career goals. Adviser Amie Imler and professors Saundra TenBroeck and Tracy Scheffler have become true encouragements and inspirations to Gallagher. She also added that most men she works with on a daily basis in the beef cattle industry embrace working with women alongside them.
“This is due to the number of women in agriculture rising, who have high positions, and are efficient in their work – especially when it comes to creative thinking,” Gallagher said. “I like to think that men and women in the agriculture industry work side by side to achieve a goal, making the industry stronger as a whole.”
Gallaher has used the example of other women in the agricultural industry to become an active leader in several groups within CALS. Currently, she is serving her second term on the Agricultural and Life Sciences College Council (ALSCC) and is an active member of the Gator Collegiate Cattlewomen’s Club, serving as a co-chair for the club’s annual beef dinner fundraiser.
Gallagher hopes to encourage younger women interested in a career in agriculture to work hard and push toward their goals. Her advice is helpful to both young women and men: “When you present an idea or propose something new, you have to know your topic well with extensive research. This allows for you to stand up for what you believe in while educating yourself and others.”
“Young women considering careers within the agriculture industry should follow their dreams,” Gallagher said. “Jump in head first and do not ever limit yourself because the possibilities are endless. The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences is a very welcoming family that has a niche for everyone.”
Note: In honor of Women’s History Month, CALS will be sharing stories of students throughout March.
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Comments:
December 15, 2021
Amazing job my friend! Your perseverance and success is inspiring.
December 15, 2021
So very amazed by you Jason! You have made your family and UF so proud. Your story lights a path for others. May you continue leading the way with your perseverance and integrity!
December 15, 2021
Congratulations!!! Very inspiring story, May continue to be a beacon of hope for other young men dealing with similar issues
December 15, 2021
Congratulations Mr. Coby. 11 straight ‘A’s eh? Way to go. Now go forth and fix the environment. Your girls look good with the current graduate. Nicely done. Beautiful fam.
December 15, 2021
Thank you for helping my nephew Jason I know he wasn’t a quicker but is this song I know if it’s Roman it will make it I’m proud of him and I look I love you and we always be there to support you we love you we love you aunt to Mimi
September 14, 2021
You can post my comments.
September 14, 2021
What a wonderful learning opportunity for the college students & it helps with their future education & career planning. Thank you Tall Timbers.
December 22, 2020
Dear sir, Thank you for your post. I Love group study.
December 10, 2020
Dear sir, Thank you for your post. Group study is the main for all students life and we learn a lot of things
November 1, 2020
Congratulations for rewards well earned. Keep up this very important research. We are dependent on the honey bees. Your work is helping educate us all. The use of DDT was stopped due to scientist like you. Please continue to develop more earth friendly solutions for the good of mankind.
August 7, 2020
Congrats-well-deserved!
June 11, 2020
Really appreciate you sharing this article.Really looking forward to read more. Keep writing.
May 12, 2020
Congratulations you earned that degree
May 7, 2020
Congrats Dr. Kawther. With your efforts you make what is difficult, been easy to get. Keep going don’t give up. Always the beginning is difficult but with the patience will be easy.
March 29, 2020
Very true this virus is very contagious, serious and potentially deadly virus hopes we can do what we can to reduce the spread of this virus and find the best solution to eradicate it. I was very scared until now and just stayed at home all day. Thank you for the information.
December 19, 2019
Lindsey is an amazing, competent and caring young woman. She will be an asset to any company forward-looking enough to hire her.
December 19, 2019
Wow! I am so proud of her. Nana
December 14, 2019
Congratulation Rivas, hopefully the knowledge gained can be useful in the future and can help the community. Merry Christmas and happy new year too.
October 1, 2019
So proud of you Adrian!!!
June 21, 2019
Father figures are needed in all parts of education and in all of life. I teach GED to inmates in a local jail and many of the problems these inmates have stems from their many drop out fathers both male and female.
June 20, 2019
Three perfect examples of men with integrity.
April 26, 2019
Way to go, Kendra!
April 1, 2019
Indeed everyone need to eat, and many also complain about the food source quality. I think we all should, at least, do farming in our homes. If the lack of space is a problem, then we should use vertical farming methods. This will not only clean our environment but also reduce the peoples depression (as looking at green reduces depression and is good for mental health).
March 16, 2019
Great information! Thank you Dana for sharing Ms. Clark’s enthusiasm about Florida’s agricultural importance.
March 22, 2018
I am sooo proud of Gallagher n the example given to her by these wonderful women encouraging others to jump in n make a difference. I say take your places with men n unite making the difference side by side. WELL DONE!!!
March 17, 2018
Great article!
February 21, 2018
We are very proud of you and your dedication to make agriculture better.
February 21, 2018
Enjoyed reading your article. It was well written and I could tell that you had put a lot of thought into what you wanted to say. Wishing you a great deal of success as you work toward your dream of becoming a lawyer. May God bless and watch over you as you embark on this journey.
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