While Miranda Donnelly grew up riding horses, coming to the University of Kentucky was her introduction to agriculture on a larger scale. She started as a natural resources and environmental science major, but like many students, she discovered new passions and changed her area of study to reflect that. Now in the animal sciences program, Donnelly uses her experiences inside and outside of the classroom to support other students and further pursue her dreams.

Donnelly was introduced to the organization Agriculture Future of America (AFA) during UK’s K-Week activities her freshman year. From there, Donnelly became more involved, attending conferences and eventually becoming UK’s college ambassador for AFA. She aims to use this position to support UK students and share AFA’s resources, opportunities and mission—building bridges for young leaders and fostering engagement and innovation in agriculture.

“I always knew I wanted to be a leader, I just didn’t know where or how it would look,” Donnelly said. “UK and AFA has allowed me to explore my interests and find my place.”

In the fall of 2024, Donnelly participated in the AFE 100 peer instructor program, in which she grew her leadership skills through teaching and supporting incoming freshmen. Donnelly has also been a member of the UK Eventing Team since her freshman year. This has given Donnelly a consistent community and avenue to express her love of horses.

“Being involved in so many things has definitely forced me to prioritize my interests and develop my time management,” Donnelly said. “I have also been trying to surround myself with people that uplift and support me.”

Becca Dobbs, Martin-Gatton CAFE Living Learning Program coordinator and staff adviser for AFA, has been an impactful mentor for Donnelly. 

“The organization is connected with global agriculture industries and students across the nation,” Dobbs said. “Their goal is to increase students’ professional development, build skills and connect students with internships, scholarships and future careers.”

AFA is open to students of all majors and allows various commitment levels. Students can attend the annual leaders conference, up to six institutes ranging from policy to plant science throughout the year, and/ or apply for scholarships. There is also an alumni alliance program to allow continued involvement after graduation.

This year’s AFA Leaders Conference is being held in Kansas City, Missouri on Nov. 6-8, 2025. Registration is currently open and students who attend with AFA will have all expenses other than travel covered.

“If I could give one piece of advice to students looking to get into agriculture, it would be to start conversations and put yourself out there,” Donnelly said. “You don’t know what you don’t know, but there really is a place for everyone within agriculture.”

To learn more about Agriculture Future of America and the Leaders Conference, visit https://www.agfuture.org.

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Writer: Zoey Ortega, zoey.ortega@uky.edu 

The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment is an Equal Opportunity Organization with respect to education and employment and authorization to provide research, education information and other services to individuals and institutions that provide equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.