Agricultural Business Student Spotlight: Lilly Kier

(December 13, 2024) -- Fresno State alumna Lilly Kier's academic and research ties to the Jordan College have helped put her on a path to becoming an appraiser after an internship with Fresno Madera Farm Credit.

As part of the Jordan College's Honors Program, she learned more about the economics that Central Valley growers face through a feasibility study on growing guayule in areas facing saline soil and water availability issues on the West Side.

Besides receiving her agricultural business degree in only three years, her dedication and leadership skills were proven by her service to the campus Mustang Club as its president and founder.

Learn more about the Madera Ranchos native's background and what's ahead in this recent interview. 

 

Q: Why did you choose to attend Fresno State, and how did you pick your major?

“Growing up I was involved in 4-H and FFA and showed steers, horses, goats and chickens. I competed in many agriscience fairs and horse judging. I knew that I wanted a career in the subject that shaped my life. Fresno State is local to me, and has one of the best agricultural programs within California. I knew that I would be supported with what I wanted to do, and I could become as involved as I wanted. At Fresno State with an agricultural business degree I am able to educate myself to become a better version of myself for my career.”

 

Q: When do you intend to graduate?

“In high school I was able to participate in dual enrollment education and was able to get a year of GE classes done. I graduated at the end of my third year at Fresno State in spring of 2024.”

 

Q: What do you consider your hometown and /or where are you a native of?

“I call the Madera Ranchos of Madera County in California, my home.” 

 

Q: Did you have any other family members graduate or attend Fresno State?

“My mother, Denielle Kier, graduated with an agricultural business degree from Fresno State.” 

 

Q: Which classes and faculty members have had the biggest influence on you while at Fresno State?

“I have four teachers that have helped me most. Dr. (Annette) Levi taught me to love learning and structure in a classroom. She encouraged me to apply for the Jordan College Honors Program and took the time to sit down and talk about careers with me. Another teacher that has inspired me to appreciate education and strive to be the best learn I can is another faculty member, Patrick Berends. In my accounting class he was always open to helping us understand the material, and taught me to work hard for my accomplishments. Additionally, Dr. (Lynn) Williams has helped me figure out life after a bachelor's degree by explaining graduate education and what career opportunities lie ahead with this education. Finally, Dr. (Todd) Lone has taken me on as a mentee and taught me how to conduct research, and strive to solve problems and think outside the box.”

 

Q: Talk about any campus farm units you have worked at, and how skills you have learned can apply to your career.

“I did not work at any farm units, but did use the campus beef barn in an appraisal class. This class taught me that I am passionate about being an agricultural appraiser.”

 

Q: Have you been involved with research on campus, and how will it benefit your career path?

“I was a part of the ninth Jordan College Honors Cohort where we conducted our own undergraduate research projects. I created a budget for the feasibility of Central Valley farmers growing the guayule plant. This plant would give something to farmers on the West Side to grow in salty soil and dry water conditions, along with helping the amount of natural rubber that the United States can produce domestically. This research has allowed my curiosity to grow and has helped me understand how we find our information.”

 

Q: Describe the research, and anything else that’s important to convey about it?

“My research is addressing two main issues in the United States, specifically California. The Guayule plant is a drought tolerant plant that may give many Central Valley farmers a chance to farm a profitable crop with the soils and limited water they are given. Additionally, the plant is a natural rubber that can be used in the medical and automotive industries. We created a budget to see if it is feasible for California farmers to grow by using data from the Arizona State Research Institute and then adjusting the prices to fit California prices using technology. Dr. Lone was my mentor for this project.”

 

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

“I was not raised on a farm or ranch like many students at Fresno State are. I was raised on two acres  with a few horses and the occasional fair animal. Being involved in organizations like FFA and 4-H helped me learn more about agriculture and all that goes into it. I had a job at a grocery store as a checker where I got to see the demand side of it.”

 

Q: Describe any internships you've done at Fresno State, and how it has prepared you for your career path?

“After completing my first year at Fresno State I applied and accepted an internship at Fresno Madera Farm Credit in the appraisal department. During this internship I learned, not only how to appraise land, but how financing a farm works. I learned how the Farm Credit system operates and how farmers and ranchers can get loans. This has helped prepare me for my future career because it taught me the love I have for appraisal, while staying involved with agriculture. I come from the livestock production side of ag, and discovering the crop production side was very eye opening to the opportunities out there.”

 

Q: What clubs and organizations at Fresno State have you been a part of?

“Related to agriculture, I have helped judge the horse judging field day, and volunteer for various events. Not related to agriculture, I am the founder and president of the Mustang Club of Fresno State, one of the only car clubs on campus.”

 

Q: Have you received any scholarships related to campus, the Jordan College or Ag One?  

“I was honored to receive the Rodger and Margaret Jensen Scholarship. I am so grateful that someone believes in me enough to help pay for my college education. Words will never be enough to express my gratitude.”

 

Q: What’s your potential next career step? And do you have any other general career directions or options to mention?

“I plan to become a rural ag appraiser, so I have started as an appraisal trainee with Fresno Madera Farm Credit after my year-long internship ended with them.”

 

Q: Have you overcome any challenges to get where you are today that have shaped who you are?

“Every hard-working college kid knows the many struggles we go through to put in hard work. I’ve sacrificed time to studying, while taking 18 units and working and being involved in my community. On top of that I have had to help take care of my family and animals, so I learned time management skills. Going to Fresno State allowed me to expand my educational horizons, build meaningful life long relationships, and gave me a career path I love. I was also able to get more involved with my community and stay closer with my family, and avoid the stress of accumulating too much college debt.”

Q: Are there any other interesting notes about yourself that you would like to include?

“I love community service and teaching others about agriculture. I am an assistant leader for the horse group of my local 4-H club. I was also the 2023 Clovis Rodeo Queen, and represented the Clovis Rodeo at various rodeos around California.”