Senior Spotlight: Logan Real 

Fresno State dairy science senior Logan Real is taking advantage of one of the most challenging and rewarding positions on our 1,000-acre campus farm as the campus dairy student manager.

That graduate position will start officially in the fall, and she will be able to take advantage of our new dairy diagnostics lab. The new equipment gives our students hands-on experience using modern technology to test milk quality & cow specimens to ensure better herd health & antibiotic treatments.

The Hilmar, CA native has also been active on campus with the dairy club, dairy challenge team, and Portuguese Club to connect with the community and industry members that help make California the nation's leading dairy producer.

Learn more about this #FresnoStateGrad from our animal science and agricultural education department in this recent interview.

 

Why were you drawn to this degree field?

Real: “Agriculture is in my veins. I grew up on a family farm and have always had a passion for the dairy industry. I wanted to be able to make a difference, and I felt that going into an industry I have a passion for is the best way to achieve my goals. I also knew that if I wanted to expand my knowledge with hands on-experience that Fresno State was the place to be, and it was one of the best decisions I have made.”

 

What were some of your Fresno State favorite classes?

Real: “I enjoyed Farm Animal Anatomy and Physiology (ASCI 145) and learned a lot of valuable knowledge that I can take into my future career. In Advanced Dairy Challenge Team (ASCI 164) I was able to travel and make a lot of industry connections while learning a lot about the industry.”

 

Which faculty members had the biggest influence on you while at Fresno State?

Real: “Dr. OBannon and Dr. Thompson taught some of my favorite classes. They always helped me answer my questions in the classroom or on the dairy, and I have learned some of the most valuable information that I will be able to take with me in my future endeavors.”

 

Describe your work at the campus dairy and any other farm units and your responsibilities?

Real: “I started working at the campus dairy my sophomore year, milked for 6 months, and then became a calf feeder. Following that during May of 2019 I was promoted to the calf manager I was then responsible for the health of everything from day one of birth until breeding age as well as all of the cows and heifers a month out from calving. Upon graduation in May I became the Graduated Student Manager. This encompasses ensuring that all of the cows during every stage of life are comfortable and taken care of to the best of our abilities.”

 

What's your next career step, and how do you plan to use your degree eventually?

Real: “I am starting graduate school in the fall to receive my degree in ruminant nutrition and with that, my hopes are to become an asset to the dairy industry wherever I may fit to help calves reach proper growth and health.”

 

What was your background in agriculture before you started at Fresno State?

Real: “I grew up on my grandparents’ dairy until they sold it when I was in 6th grade. We also have 40 acres of land that we farm corn and oats.”

 

Were you a part of any clubs at Fresno State?

Real: “I was a part of developing the first-ever campus Portuguese Club and was the vice-president. I was also involved in the dairy club and served as both the vice-president and the president.”

 

Did you participate in any other outreach activities that benefited the community?

Real: “We hosted the 2019 Holstein Association Cow Camp at the dairy and helped educate youth about the dairy industry over the course of two days.”

 

What was your most memorable or rewarding experience at Fresno State?

Real: “Bringing back the dairy show team for the first time in 10 years and winning reserve intermediate champion at the California State Fair.”

 

Is there any family members you would like to thank that have been key influences for you receiving your diploma?

Real: “My dad, mom and brothers made a major impact on me being successful at Fresno State. They stood behind me in every decision that I made and are there at the end, good or bad. Without a support system like them I would not be where I am today. They are my backbone.”