Laura Mills (Greenwood, NY) followed in the footsteps of her grandfathers to study agriculture at Alfred State. As a double major, Agribusiness Management and Agriculture: Animal and Plant Sciences, she has found hands-on experiences to expand her interests.
"I wanted to learn about every aspect of agriculture, and Alfred State gave me the opportunity to do that."
Through a combination of lectures and lab experiences, Laura has gained practical knowledge working with livestock, agricultural equipment, and advanced technology, including robotic milking, and feeding systems.
"I love that we learn the concepts in class and then immediately apply them in the lab. It helps everything click."
Faculty mentorship has also played a significant role in her success. She credits her professors with helping her secure an internship with Cornell Cooperative Extension, an experience that broadened her career goals and strengthened her passion for serving the agricultural community.
"My professors genuinely care about every student. They've helped me build connections and opened doors that have shaped my future."
She has applied her new knowledge of agricultural technology, business management, and modern farming practices to help improve operations on her family's farm while expanding her understanding of the industry.
Laura has stayed active through competing in regional soil judging and national dairy challenges. Experiences she says have expanded her professional network and introduced her to leaders across the industry.
Looking ahead, Laura hopes to use her education to become a trusted resource for farmers by combining technical knowledge with practical experience.
Alfred State has helped Laura grow her network so she can help cultivate the farming community.