Agricultural Business / Campus Dairy Student Spotlight: Elizabete Neves

Fresno State student Elizabete Neves takes great pride in being a part of the Central Valley dairy industry since a young age and helping make California the nation's leading dairy state.

The Hilmar native is an equally important asset to one of the nation's top college dairies, thanks to her dairy farm background and prior work with the Hilmar Cheese Company. She is also actively tied to the industry through her connections via campus research and the Sigma Alpha sorority.

Learn more about the agricultural business junior who is minoring in animal science in this recent interview.  

 

Q: Why were you attracted to Fresno State and the agricultural business and animal science areas?

Neves: "I chose to attend Fresno State because of the hands-on learning experience on the farm units. My brother, Michael Neves, recently graduated from Fresno State with a bachelor's degree in agricultural business. I was drawn to this major because I have been heavily involved within the agriculture industry and want to continue to help and make a difference."

 

Q: What have been some of your favorite classes?

Neves: "My favorite class that I have taken is Farm and Ranch Appraisal with Professor Allen Barros. This class gave me knowledge of the basic appraisal principles, procedures, technology, and the mathematics of finance. I was able to experience the step-by-step valuation process of the appraisal world. Also, it allowed me to network and gain hands-on experience in a field that I was unfamiliar with. He has had the biggest influence on me among faculty because he is always willing to take that extra minute to make sure everyone's questions are answered fully, and is always willing to help you build industry connections."

 

Q: What's your previous background in agriculture?

Neves: "It started at a very young age. I grew up raising, showing and selling dairy cows. I have been showing and judging dairy cattle around the world for over 12 years. I have a few supreme champion titles under my belt, I also have a few awards for high individuals for dairy judging contests from different states."

Neves: "Before attending Fresno State, I worked at Hilmar Cheese Company for two years as a tour guide. My responsibilities were to facilitate quality tours and activities for thousands of school children, senior citizen groups, international visitors and public guests of all ages and origins who tour Hilmar Cheese Company. This job allowed me to communicate to the public about the farm-to-table concept and knowledge of the dairy industry. These experiences have also helped me develop leadership, communication and time management skills."

 

Q: How have you been involved with the campus farm?

Neves: "I started working on the campus farm last fall semester where I was responsible for any animals that needed to be treated and also maintaining milk weights, breeding information, antibiotics usage, classification scores, vet results and so much more. This prepared me for my career pathway by showing me how to balance multiple things at once and developing management skills."

 

Q: Are a part of any other campus organizations?

Neves: "I am currently a member of Sigma Alpha, a professional agricultural sorority, which promotes its members in all facets of agriculture. It has been a great way to network with women within the industry, and has provided many memorable experiences."

 

Q: What's your potential career path?

Neves: "I plan to use my degree and experience to potentially work for the USDA as a registered dairy Inspector."