A native of Lillian, Alabama, Kelsey Cassebaum is no stranger to the life of agriculture. Cassebaum knows the meaning of hard work after growing up on a farm boasting of 1500 acres of row crops, 250 head of cattle in a cow-calf operation and a 1000+ pecan tree operation.
“There is something to do all year-round,” she says. “My interest is the cattle side of things whereas my dad and brother run the farm.”
In addition to running a farm full-time, Cassebaum also helps her family operate a produce stand that starts on Memorial Day well known for “Cassebaum’s silver king corn.” By not wholesaling any of their produce, they are able to sell everything at the stand with nothing going to waste.
“We plant 30 acres of sweet corn in two week intervals so it’s not all ready at once. In addition to corn, we have about two acres of watermelon and cantaloupe, about three acres of peas and butter beans that we shell out, and about one acre of tomatoes each summer.”
With hard work being instilled in her at a young age, Cassebuam was bottle-feeding baby calves and helping out at the age of five.
“My father started his own part of the farm when he was 16, so that determination was passed down to my brother and I. That is why I have such a strong passion in Agriculture and always will.
FAVORITE STUDY SPOT ON THE HILL:
“The second floor of Comer Hall.”
WHERE DOES YOUR PASSION FOR AGRICULTURE LIE?
“I am passionate about every aspect of agriculture. It’s not only handwork and dedication that explains agriculture, but it is a source of livelihood and a backbone of our economic system. Agriculture is very important in our society today and I hope it continues to increase in such a way that is positive to farmers.”
FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS DEPARTMENT:
“My favorite thing about the Ag Econ department is knowing a lot of your peers, and being able to see them in some of your classes or getting them to help you in one of their previous classes that you are currently taking, but most importantly everyone is just as passionate as you are when it comes to Agriculture.”
ADVICE TO INCOMING STUDENTS:
“As a transfer student, I advise you all to become involved within your major, meet new people, gain knowledge and experience, and most of all don’t be afraid to stick yourself out there when the time is right.”
