The Future of Agriculture Through Young Voices | Ally Spears
Empowering Women in Agriculture Through Storytelling and Connection
Ally Spears, known for her podcast AgChicks, has a remarkable story that intertwines personal passion and professional growth. As a fourth-generation farm girl from Northern California, Ally has long been immersed in agriculture. From showing cattle to competing in livestock judging, her roots in agriculture run deep. However, Ally’s journey took an unexpected turn when she moved to Texas to pursue a college degree at Texas A&M University, a decision that would shape her future in ways she never imagined.
During her time at Texas A&M, Ally initially set out with aspirations of going into water law, inspired by the complexities of California’s water issues. But as she got further into her studies, Ally discovered a different path that called to her—agriculture communications. Despite a lack of clear direction early on, Ally embraced the journey, and it led her to a pivotal point where her career in higher education and her passion for ag advocacy collided.
Ally’s path took some unexpected twists after graduation. Initially unsure of her next steps, she found herself experimenting with various opportunities, including working for the State Fair of Texas, which gave her a newfound respect for those who run livestock shows. Eventually, Ally’s love for agriculture and her desire to make a difference led her to pursue a role at Texas A&M, working in youth recruitment and helping students connect with opportunities in the agricultural sector.
It wasn’t until Ally’s time during the COVID-19 pandemic that she rediscovered her passion for hands-on agriculture. After an unexpected encounter with a calf that needed care, Ally’s spark reignited. The experience encouraged her to start sharing her agricultural journey on social media, and what began as sharing her “COVID calf” story evolved into something far more impactful. She launched AgChicks, a podcast that highlights the voices of women in agriculture, giving them a platform to share their experiences, challenges, and successes. Ally’s podcast quickly became a valuable resource for women in agriculture, and her social media presence grew as well, providing a space for both industry professionals and consumers to connect.
“Sharing stories is one of the most powerful ways to advocate for agriculture and build trust in the industry.”
Ally’s journey is a testament to the fact that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to agriculture or career success. Whether you’re from a traditional farm background or just starting to find your place in the industry, Ally emphasizes that there’s space for everyone. Through AgChicks, she advocates for the importance of women in agriculture and emphasizes the significance of sharing stories, whether it’s through social media or simple interactions in the grocery store. Sharing stories, Ally believes, is one of the most powerful ways to advocate for the industry, connect with others, and ultimately build trust in agriculture.
One of Ally’s key pieces of advice is to embrace the process of self-discovery. She acknowledges that the road to finding one’s path in agriculture is often not clear-cut, but that’s part of the journey. Ally encourages young people to take the time to explore different opportunities, make connections, and learn from others. Networking, she says, is crucial—especially in agriculture, where relationships can make all the difference. Ally herself has experienced the power of connection, often citing how meeting the right people at the right time has led to unexpected opportunities.
Ally’s advice to the next generation is simple but powerful: “We need you.” The agricultural industry is facing a generational shift, and there is a great need for passionate, engaged individuals to step up and contribute. Whether through higher education, podcasts, or in-the-field experiences, Ally believes everyone has a role to play in shaping the future of agriculture. Her story is a reminder that no matter where you come from, your unique perspective and skills are invaluable in pushing the industry forward.
https://www.agchicks.net/
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/agchicks
YouTube-https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjxACPclc7yeXtl1RiWa0sA
AgChicks Podcast- https://open.spotify.com/show/2SZxfuL8rX1V8P9H7q0icW
