Experiences
Throughout my high school and collegiate years, I have had a variety of experiences. Whether that be in a classroom, an extracurricular experience, a job opportunity, leadership conference or anything in between. Check out the highlights of the last few years!
(this is my extended resume)
Work Experience
Corteva Agriscience
May 2024 - August 2024
40 hours per week
Communications Intern
Worked with the Seed Business Unit in the Johnston, Iowa office. More about this experience at the end of the summer!
Champaign County Farm Bureau Foundation
September 2023 - present
15 hours per week (5 during the summer)
Ag in the Classroom Intern
Collaborate with the Champaign County educators, Sarah Kaper and Julie Adcock to design and plan engaging seasonal lessons. I manage the packing and distribution of weekly lesson kits for 400-1,000 students, ensuring each student gets all the resources needed for the lesson. I also maintained the organization's online presence by regularly updating the Facebook account and website with current and relevant information.
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UIUC Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communicaitons Program
May 2023 - present
5-10 hours per week (5 hours during summer 2023)
Communications Intern
Worked with Dr. Owen Roberts and two other ALEC interns to creatively translate the ALEC pillars into visual materials such as social media posts, handouts and event materials. Keep the ALEC website (alec.illinois.edu) up to date.
Family Resiliency Center
Communications Intern
September 2023 - May 2024
5-8 Hours per week
Worked with the Director and Associate Director of the center to assess communications needs. Crafted the Newsletter each month that went to about 1,700 people. Worked on website design and layout. Wrote all of the Collaboratory Member biographies.​
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UIUC Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications Program
Education Intern
January 2023 - November 2023
various hours per week
Worked with Mr. Gary Ochs and a team of 8 in the ALEC program to spearhead the 2023 FFA Greenhand Conference. Every high school in the state of Illinois that has an FFA program was invited to a 3-hour leadership conference at UIUC on October 4, 2023. There were over 700 freshman and sophomore students from around the state present. I led the team that created the curriculum, ordered all of the materials, and organized all of the facilitators. The event took about 70 college volunteers in addition to all of the high school attendees.
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Illinois Farm Bureau
May 2023 - August 2023
40 hours per week
Ag in the Classroom Intern
Collaborated with the Education Manager, Chris Wyant, to develop resources for educators and content for social media. Contributed to maintaining an online presence throughout the summer and after by creating social media graphics using Canva and Meta Business to promote the IAITC message across Instagram and Facebook. My large projects were completing a suite of educational materials, including “Facts for Little Readers” and “Farm-Bites.”
Univeristy of Illinois
Illinois - Student Admissions Representation (I-STAR)
January 2022 - May 2023
6-8 hours per week
Worked in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at the UIUC campus. Learned all the ins and outs of connecting people to other offices, the admissions process, and conflict resolution. Answered the phone to prospective, admitted, and current students/parents. Guided tours of 10-50 students and parents around campus and answered questions. Spoke on a panel of 4 in from of 100-600 students and parents about my experience at UIUC and answered questions from the audience.
Nutrien Ag Solutions
Paxton, IL Summer Intern
May 2022 - August 202
40 hours per week
I gained knowledge about crop production and collaborated with another intern to make tasks more efficient for employees while we were there. My responsibilities included organizing the shop, flipping seed containers, and taking inventory of extra seed and crop protection products. Additionally, I was trained as an active admin, organizing mix tickets, orders, and billing paperwork. My final project was to work closely with Dyna-Gro farmers to document field locations and the types of crops planted. I then worked with those farmers to place seed signs across Ford, Iroquois, Champaign, and Vermillion counties.
Talbert Farms
Farm Hand
Winter 2011 - August 2021
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Proficient in executing diverse and demanding tasks on the family farm
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Worked diligently throughout winter and summer seasons to ensure appearance of show cattle
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Assumed full responsibility for the care and well-being of animals
Involvement
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Sigma Alpha
President - 2024
Recruitment Director - 2023
Ag in the Classroom Director - 2022
August 2021 - present
I've been involved in a lot during my college career, however, the most impactful thing has been Sigma Alpha. Sigma Alpha is a professional agricultural sorority. Though the National Organization the pillars are Scholarship, Leadership, Fellowship, and Service. Though Sigma Alpha - Alpha Mu (the Illinois chapter). I have held various leadership roles; the most notable being president. As the president, I lead the meetings, organize officers, serve as a liaison between the advisors and nationals to the active members, and so much more. Want to know more? Email me at trt3@illinois.edu and I can tell you ALL about it!​
ACES Student Leadership Council*
Co-Chair - 2023-2024
Recruitment Committee 2022-2023
March 2022 - present
The Student Leadership Council is a group of undergraduate students who work with ACES Advancement, Recruitment, Alumni, and faculty to raise funds, encourage growth and connect with others. As a member of the Recruitment Committee I helped with events where prospective students were on campus. As a Co-Chair I am the acting leader of the organziation with Carmen Trotta. Leading an organization of 45 and of officer team of 10.
* Formerly known as Student Advancement Committee and ACES Council (merged)
Collegiate Farm Bureau
Public Relations Chair - 2023-2024
August 2021 - present
The Illinois Collegiate Farm Bureau develops young agricultural leaders through education, networking, and advocacy. Members attend monthly meetings to explore various agricultural sectors. Being the Public Relations Chair I had to manage the organization's social media platforms.
Collegiate 4-H
Membership Director - 2022-2023
Secretary 2021-2022
August 2021 - January 2024
Illinois Collegiate 4-H's missions is to supports the growth and development of young adults in agriculture through educational programs, leadership opportunities, and community involvement. As the secretary I was to maintain records of monthly meeting minutes to keep everyone informed. As the Membership director I designed and managed content across all social media platforms, with a focus on Instagram to grow the following. I was also in charge of community events and encouraging membership.
Illini Emerging Leaders
Vice President - 2023-2024
ACES Council Representative '22-'23
August 2021 - May 2024
Illini Emerging Leaders is an organization that helps students develop leadership skills, grow individually alongside a team, and network with professionals and other Illinois students. As the ACES Council Rep, I attended monthly meetings of the ACES Council and informed them of what was happening in our organization. As the Vice president it was my responsibility to organize Quad Day materials, organize teaching at local schools, and the election meeting.
Illini Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT)
August 2021 - present
Illini ACT is an organization for students interested in all aspects of agricultural communications. From networking to exploring career opportunities, Illini ACT offers students contact with professionals in the agricultural communications industry. As a member I attend meetings and events hosted by the organization.
Illinois Ag Ed Club
August 2021 - present
The Illinois Ag Ed Club (also Alpha Tau Alpha) promotes agricultural education and supports future educators through professional development, networking, and resources. Activities include workshops, guest speakers, and community outreach projects. As a member, I attend meetings. As the Education Intern in 2023, I organized the primary fundraiser for the club.
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Professional Development
National FFA Convention & Alpha Tau Alpha Conclave
2023
I had the opportunity to represent the University of Illinois with seven other students during the National Alpha Tau Alpha Conclave. While in Indianapolis, Indiana we competed in contests like Parli Pro, Quizbowl, and the Program of Excellence (POE). I represented the University of Illinois in the POE. When I wasn't on stage, I was at the UIUC College of ACES Booth. I spent a majority of my time there sharing my collegiate story and advocating for the College of ACES. On Saturday, I got to walk the stage in front of 70,000 people to receive my American FFA Degree.
Farm Progress Show Job Shadow
2023
During the 2023 Farm Progress Show in Decatur, IL, I got to job shadow Betty Haynes, editor. Throughout the day we met with industry professionals and took photos of the event. I was given this opportunity through the Illini Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow and Dr. Roberts. You can see some of the photos taken in the "Photography" section of my portfolio.
Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leaders Conference
2023
more about this experience coming soon...
Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leaders Conference
2024
more about this experience coming soon...
University of Illinois Agricultural Communications Center Roundtable
2024
To tap into the momentum that's building in the University of Illinois agricultural communications program, nearly 30 industry professionals, students, faculty and staff gathered on campus in Bevier Hall for a workshop to explore opportunities for the program's future. Agricultural communications pioneer Dr. Jim Evans (front, center) took his rightful place in the middle of it all, kicking off the workshop by sharing his unique perspective that goes back to the 1960s and continues to be highly relevant today.
Agriculture Future of America Leaders Conference
2023
While sitting in sessions and workshops, I made it my mission to find a collective theme that each of the speakers and professionals believed in and told us to take away. The number one thing I found was to NETWORK! Network, network, network and find those people who believe in you and will help you in your dreams and successes. The other take away that I got was from Adam Carroll and Adam Miller. It can be summed up as this “do what others won’t today, so that you can do what they can’t tomorrow.” My busy schedule often reminds me of why I chose this industry and who it is impacting. This quote in particular stuck out because it reminded me to sit back and reflect on all the amazing opportunities I had while at the University of Illinois and what that means for my future. I am beyond excited to enter this industry full of so many incredible people who are willing to help grow the future of agriculture.
Agriculture Future of America Leaders Conference
2022
Agriculture Future of America Leaders Conference took place from November 10th – November 13th in Kansas City, Missouri. There were around 900 students from around the United States in attendance. At the AFA Conference there are 4 tracks that are tailored to your age and where you are in the career hunting process. I was in track 2 this year. Through track 2 I met so many new people and got to travel from session to session with them! Another cool thing that came from AFA was that there were so many Sigma Alpha members from schools across the nation present. It was so beneficial for me to meet them and hear about how they run their chapters. We even got a group picture one day! It was so fun to grow my network from this. I learned so much about myself through the other attendees.
National FFA Convention & Alpha Tau Alpha Conclave
2022
Alpha Tau Alpha is a national organization created right here at the University of Illinois. It was formed to "promote the highest standards of agricultural education and a more intimate acquaintance and closer relationship with individuals who have chosen a major in agricultural education or extension education." I got to represent the University of Illinois with 5 other students during the Conclave. While I don't have an Agricultural Education concentration, I do have a passion for agricultural advocacy which I was able to share at the Conclave. While in Indy, we competed in contests like Parli Pro, Quizbowl, and the Program of Excellence. When we weren't participating in contests, we were at the University of Illinois - College of ACES booth in the National FFA Convention Exhibit Hall. We shared our stories and got students from around the nation excited about the College of ACES.
Donaldson Leadership Retreat
2022
I participated in the Illinois Leadership Center's program called the Donaldson Leadership Retreat. While there, I got to learn more about leadership with about 40 other students who are all actively involved in student organizations at UIUC. We participated in many different sessions where we learned about our leadership values, how to be a good teammate, and how to 'coach' in leadership. We also got time to share our stories with one another and our challenges of leadership. It was so cool to meet so many people who had similar experiences as me but came from completely different backgrounds. We shared so many laughs and even went on a few adventures around the Allerton grounds. It was also a great opportunity for some members of the Illini Emerging Leaders exec team to bond and plan our semester!​
Awards
University of Illinois College of ACES Dean's List
Fall '21, Spring '22, Fall '22, Spring'23, Fall '23, & Spring '24
Achieved a grade point average in the top 20 percent of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences class for the given semester. To be eligible for Dean's List recognition, students must successfully complete at least 12 hours of course work in which traditional letter grades are earned.
IAA Foundation Scholarship Recipient
2022, 2023, 2024
Handpicked to receive the following scholarships out of a pool of more than 500 candidates:
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2022 Illinois College Farm Bureau Scholar
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2023 William J. Kuhfuss Memorial Scholar
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2024 Illinois Farm Bureau Presidental Memorial Scholar
Illinois Farm Credit Scholar
2021
Selection criteria includes academic achievement, participation and leadership within school and community organizations, and a commitment to pursuing an agriculture-related career. Twenty-nine students were awarded this scholarship.
The National FFA Organization
American FFA Degree
October 2023
An American FFA Degree is the highest ​achievable award within the National FFA Organization. It shows the dedication to the organization and agriculture industry. In order to be considered I had to go through and application and interview process as well as complete the following requirements:
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received the Illinois State FFA Degree and an active member for the past 3 years
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had completed the equivalent of at least three years of systematic secondary school instruction in an agricultural education program
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having maintained record to substantiate an outstanding SAE
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have earned and productively invented $2,000 and worked 2,250 hours in excess on the SAE
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have received a scholastic record of "C" or better in high school
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have participated in at least 50 hours of community service within at least 3 different activities
Illinois State FFA Degree
May 2021
This degree is awarded for production, agribusiness, agriculture placement and agriscience programs. Applicants must have completed a minimum of two years of agriculture education and be a Junior or Senior in high school.
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Have received the Chapter FFA Degree.
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Have been an active FFA member for at least two years at the time of receiving the State FFA Degree.
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The applicant must have records of a Supervised Agricultural Experience Program that includes at least two calendar years.
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A student after entering Agricultural Education must have worked at least 750 hours in excess of scheduled class time in a supervised agricultural experience program.
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A student after entering Agricultural Education must have productively invested at least $1,000.
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Demonstrate leadership ability by:
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Serving as an officer, committee chairperson or participating member of a chapter committee.
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Have participated in the planning and completion of the chapter Program of Activities.
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Have participated in at least five different FFA activities above the chapter level.
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The member's local chapter must certify that it has held not less than twelve meetings during the preceding twelvemonth period.
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Be in the upper 40 percent of the class in scholarship or have an average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale in all school subjects during the entire period of application for the State FFA Degree.
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Have participated in at least 25 hours of community service activities that are not a part of the member’s supervised agricultural experience hours and are in addition to the hours required in Article VI, Section E, Item 4.
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Taylor Renae
©2024 by Taylor Talbert