Get to Know the NBC’s New Manager of Producer Education and Engagement
A Q&A with Makenzie Neves
Manager of Producer Education and Engagement
Makenzie Neves joined the Nevada and California Beef Councils as the Manager of Producer Education and Engagement last month. A California native, Neves grew up on a dairy in the Central Valley and is a third-generation agriculturalist.
Q: Tell us about your upbringing on a California dairy. How did your family get involved in the dairy business?
A: My grandparents immigrated to California from the Azores islands. My grandfather worked milking cows for another dairyman until he could purchase his own. Since then, my family has owned and operated Alfred Nunes dairy in Turlock, CA. While I do not work on the family operation, I loved growing up there with my cousins and appreciate my grandparent’s pursuit of their American dream.
Q: What led you to pursue degrees in public relations and agricultural communications?
A: With my family background, I’ve always been passionate about agriculture. I was active in 4-H and FFA and really enjoyed the advocacy opportunities both organizations provided. In high school, my school counselor suggested I look into a communications program as I began applying to colleges. At Sacramento State, I fell in love with public relations. However, I knew I wanted to represent agriculture and decided to pursue a master’s degree in agricultural communications at Texas Tech University, a perfect degree to blend two of my passions.
Q: Why did you want join the NV & CA Beef Councils in this role?
A: When I saw the job posting, I was really excited about how I might be able to apply what I’ve been studying in school to an industry I care about. While I might not be from Nevada, every producer I’ve met has welcomed me with open arms.
Q: What are you most looking forward to about this position?
A: I am most looking forward to working with producers. It is a large part of why I joined the organization. Much like my grandfather, I truly admire and appreciate the work our cattlemen and women do. I feel lucky to work with them.
Q: Why do you think it’s important for beef producers to learn more about their Beef Checkoff investment on a state and national level?
A: Beef producers need to know where their Checkoff dollars are going. When an investment is made, the investor checks on its performance to understand how their money is working for them. Producers should think about the Beef Checkoff in the same way. In order to understand how their investment is paying off, it’s important to stay up-to-date on what the Beef Checkoff is doing on a state and national level.
Q: How can producers reach you?
A: Producers can reach me at makenzie@calbeef.org. Please feel free to reach out anytime!
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself?
A: I am looking forward to the upcoming year and am so excited to dive into my new role!
Your Nevada Beef Council Board
• Jay Dalton, Wells, Chair (cow-calf)
• John Jackson, Tuscarora, Vice Chair (cow-calf)
• Keri Pommerening, Smith Valley, Secretary/Treasurer (cow-calf)
• Annalyn Settelmeyer, Gardnerville (cow-calf)
• Ted Christoph, Fallon (dairy)
• Bernard Petersen, Ely (cow-calf)
• Lucy Rechel, Yerington (feeder)