Meet Audrey Martin, a Kurt W. Anderson Agricultural Scholarship recipient and 2024 graduate of Delta College’s agricultural technology program.
In November 2023, Audrey became the collegiate-level champion of Michigan Farm Bureau’s
discussion meet and was awarded the opportunity to represent Michigan at the National
Farm Bureau discussion meet hosted in Nebraska earlier this year.
The discussion topic that earned Audrey the collegiate-level championship was on the high cost of entering into farming for a beginner—someone who doesn’t inherit a farm. It was a topic she could closely relate to, given that both her parents are chemical engineers, not farmers.
I was born and raised in Midland, MI. I don’t come from a farming background. My immediate family doesn’t do anything agricultural. Growing up, I was in 4H, and because we don’t have much land, I could only show smaller animals like rabbits, ducks, geese and goats. But I was always curious about livestock like cows, pigs and horses. So, when I was in middle school, I started going to the small cash crop and beef cattle farm owned by a great uncle on my dad’s side of the family. At first, I was there to help with the cows but, eventually, my interest switched to the cash crop side. And that is what led me to this program.
I will be going to MSU for the crop and soil science program. I’ve also secured a
summer internship in Minnesota where I’ll be working with GDM’s soybean breeding program.
The opportunity will allow me to confirm if plant breeding genetics is something I
really enjoy. If it is, I plan to pursue a master’s degree in [plant breeding] after
completing my bachelor’s degree. The ultimate goal is to own and operate
a farm of my own one day.
Just being able to have the experience of collaborating with others. You can research the question and attempt to come up with solutions on your own, but as you’re up there discussing the problem with other people, you can build so much more. There’s power in sharing perspectives to identify the best solution to a problem.
If anyone ever has an opportunity to compete in something they love, go for it. Last year, before the state competition, I wasn’t confident in my public speaking skills. I was really nervous. But I stepped out of my comfort zone and developed different skills throughout the experience that will be beneficial throughout my education and career, including networking and building valuable connections.