Kentucky Cattlemen's Association Welcomes Two New Members to the Team

Welcome Kylie Trail

Welcome

I recently had the privilege of accepting the Director of Brand Management Position with the Beef Council at the beginning of September. I may be a familiar face to some as I have been in the office as an intern since February and I have had the opportunity to meet many of our members at different events throughout my internship. A little bit of my back story, I am originally from Sturgis, Michigan where I grew up showing Shorthorn Cattle and Quarter Horses while also being very involved in swimming and track and field. Upon high school graduation, I made the move to the bluegrass state to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Kentucky. During my time at UK, I was the President of the Block & Bridle Club as well as an active member within the Agribusiness Club and a horsemanship rider on the Western Equestrian team. After graduating from UK in May I moved to Owen County where I reside on a Registered Simmental operation with my boyfriend Seth and our two dogs Poppy and Ruby. In this position, I will be at the forefront of advocating for Kentucky’s 38,000 beef farm families with the objective to raise demand for beef through promotion, consumer and industry education, market development, and research. I will work to increase the effectiveness of our marketing campaigns on social media and also through television, radio, and advertising. I look forward to working with our social media influencers and top beef Advocates to expand our reach when telling Kentucky’s Beef Story. I will also oversee consumer outreach events such as the Derby Festival, Beef Month, and State Fair, events for which I am very excited as those were some of the highlights of my time as an intern. I truly look forward to meeting more of our producers across the state and hearing each unique story that will in turn help me to advocate on your behalf.

Jesslyn Watson Hello, my name is Jesslyn Watson, and I am the new Office Manager & Communications Assistant at the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association! I was raised in Henderson County, Kentucky, on a family farm that produces row crops and runs a cow/calf operation. It was there that my interest in agriculture first began, and therefore led me to my position now. As a child, I raised and showed market lambs at county and state fairs. In high school, I enjoyed my time in the Henderson County FFA chapter competing in beef impromptu and agriculture marketing speech events. Through the culmination of days spent bottle-feeding calves, raking hay, and offering a helping hand, I began to understand the work ethic and commitment of cattle producers that I admire so much. In 2019, I graduated from Henderson Community College with an Associate degree in both Arts and Sciences. Afterwards, I transferred to the University of Kentucky where I spent time as a member of Block & Bridle, Dairy Club, and Sigma Alpha Professional Agricultural Sorority. I also had the privilege of working under the Animal Science Department as a research student working specifically with crossbred dairy and beef calves. I am now a very proud alum of the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences in May of 2021. In this position, I perform the administrative duties to ensure the office runs efficiently for all members and staff. In addition, I work closely with Cow Country, Livestock Advertising Network, membership and social media efforts. I am ecstatic to be a staff member at the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, and I am very grateful for this opportunity!