1615 Commerce Parkway Bloomington IL 61704
Mikayla holds an Associate of Applied Science degree from Kishwaukee Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science: Pre‑Veterinary from the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign. Her agricultural foundation began early—she joined 4‑H at seven years old and spent more than a decade in the show ring exhibiting beef cattle, swine, sheep, and other livestock. Those years taught her not only animal husbandry and showmanship, but also responsibility, leadership, and the value of community.
Her strongest passion has always been beef cattle. Mikayla has hands‑on experience in cow–calf management, herd health, nutrition, and reproductive practices. She has worked with both purebred and commercial cattle, gaining practical skills in calving, record‑keeping, pasture management, and evaluating cattle for structural soundness and performance. She enjoys helping youth understand the “why” behind good livestock care and believes that strong stockmanship builds confidence far beyond the barn.
Mikayla is committed to using her agricultural background to inspire the next generation. Through her work with Extension, she aims to create meaningful, hands‑on learning opportunities that help youth explore their interests, develop practical skills, and discover their place in agriculture. She is especially passionate about sustainable farming practices and helping young people understand how thoughtful stewardship can strengthen both rural communities and the livestock industry.