Farm Girl Brings Her Love of Horses, Cattle, and Communications

Dylana thought she would walk across the graduation stage early in May and then join with her study abroad group to tour Germany for two weeks. But the world shifted during the past few months, and Dylana’s path took a different turn. CAST benefitted by having the new graduate join as its Communications and Social Media Specialist. And in Dylana’s view, “Things happen, and I’m just rollin’ with it. I’m pleased to join CAST, where I’m learning a lot and excited to see what comes.”

Dylana’s skills and background make her especially suited to join CAST. She graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Agricultural Business, and minors in Animal Science and Entrepreneurial Studies. Even with a demanding list of studies, she actively joined committees.  “I made sure to be involved with different clubs, so I could gain diverse experiences.” These included the ISU National Agri-Marketing Association Club (and competition team), the ISU Block and Bridle Club, the ISU Agricultural Business club, and the ISU Rodeo club. Dylana helped with events, shows, and a heifer/cow sale.

Dylana grew up on a farm, and she spent nine years in 4-H, where she showed her dog, horses, and cattle. “I was also on a 4-H equine judging team,” she noted, “and I still own two horses.” She hopes to show her horses when such activities begin again.

Some of Dylana’s childhood memories revolve around working with her grandparents’ cow/calf operation. As an 11-year-old, she was able to combine her love of horses and cattle when she entered the bucket/bottle calf costume class at the fair. She dressed as a cowgirl, and she dressed her calf as her horse. Whether she won the top prize or not, the experience still ranks as a gold star event for her.

Dylana’s final internship during college was for a startup company where she designed the logo, wrote the product guide, and created content for the website. She brings entrepreneurial skills and a solid agricultural background to her new job at CAST. As she said, “I believe that an organization like this is necessary to bridge the gap between science and the public.” Dylana is eager and skilled enough to do just that.