Ep. 179 | Rethinking Animal Science Education with Dr. Jodi Sterle

In Today’s Episode:

What happens when agriculture’s future demands a different set of skills than the ones we have traditionally taught?

At Iowa State University, faculty and industry leaders are working together to rethink how the next generation of agricultural professionals is prepared for the workforce.

In this episode of Leaders of the West, Dr. Jodi Sterle, Associate Chair of the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University, joins Jessie Jarvis to discuss the university’s new Animal Enterprise and Innovation major.

A New Approach to Animal Science Education

Developed with input from Iowa State graduates and agricultural employers, the program combines animal science with business, entrepreneurship, technology, and data analytics. The goal is to prepare students not only to understand animal agriculture but also to recognize opportunities, solve problems, and adapt to the industry’s changing needs.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Sterle covers:

• Why Iowa State created the Animal Enterprise and Innovation major
• How feedback from graduates and industry employers shaped the program
• The growing need for business, technology, and data skills in animal agriculture
• How entrepreneurship and innovation fit into an animal science education
• Why students should explore career opportunities early in college
• The role internships play in helping students identify their interests and strengths
• Why gaining experience in different areas can help students make better career decisions
• How Iowa State is creating new pathways for students interested in large animal veterinary medicine
• The university’s new early acceptance program addressing the shortage of large animal veterinarians
• Why agricultural education must continue evolving alongside the industry

Preparing Agriculture’s Future Workforce

Preparing students for careers in agriculture requires more than teaching them what has worked in the past. It means listening to employers, recognizing where the industry is headed, and giving students opportunities to build a wider range of skills.

Whether you are a student exploring agricultural careers, an employer thinking about the future workforce, or an educator preparing the next generation, this conversation offers an encouraging look at what can happen when education is willing to evolve.

Connect with Jodi:

• Email her at jsterle@iastate.edu 

Resources & Links:

• Iowa State University Animal Enterprise and Innovation Major
• Iowa State University Production Animal – Veterinary Early Acceptance Program
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Connect with Jessie:

• Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv
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More About Jessie

Jessie was born and raised on her family’s cattle ranch in Southern Idaho, which at an early age, instilled in her the importance of a strong work ethic, and a deep appreciation for the American West.

In addition to her lifelong involvement raising cattle, Jessie has had over a decade’s worth of experience in print and digital media, both writing for and producing various agriculture and western fashion publications, as well as freelancing in ag and western communications.

As someone who has been on all sides of the spectrum—as a job seeker, a business owner, someone looking for various service providers, and as a freelancer—Jessie deeply understands the obstacles one must navigate when job hunting or looking to hire for employment or project purposes in the west.

Jessie’s proudest accomplishment(s) in life is that of her family—her husband Justin, her son, Jhett, and baby girl, Jaxyn.

More About Leaders Of The West

Leaders Of The West is a podcast for innovators and change-makers in the ag and western industries. Hosted by Jessie Jarvis, the Founder of Of The West, our mission with Leaders Of The West is to foster a community of pioneers, innovators, and leaders who want to be at the forefront of what’s next. 

Whether it’s a guest episode where we’re digging into the blueprints behind our favorite industry businesses, discussing the innovation and strategies that have allowed family farming and ranching operations to continue on for another generation, to episodes with honest conversations from entrepreneurs who have risked it all on their dreams, or leaders detailing how to create a company culture so strong that you couldn’t pay your employees to leave. 

These conversations are meant to encourage the leaders of today and inspire the next generation of trailblazers. 

In addition to bringing in guests, you’ll also find some solo episodes, where Jessie shares the lessons she’s learned throughout her journey as a rancher, entrepreneur, wife, and mother. 

Whether you’re a farmer, a rancher, an equine lover, someone headed up the leadership ladder, an ag business owner, a western sports athlete, an entrepreneur, or someone who just loves the western way of life—this is the place for you.

You’ll find new episodes every week. Don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss a show!