FARGO, N.D. — From Little International princess to agriculturalist of the year, Jackie Buckley had a full-circle moment at this year’s 96th Little International that was held on North Dakota State University's campus in mid-february.
Buckley has spent her entire life in North Dakota’s agricultural industry. Growing up on her family’s farm she was immersed in the industry at a young age. Her family’s operation encompassed registered Hereford cattle and small grains. Being the oldest of five girls, she took on additional responsibilities on the farm.
“Being the oldest of five daughters, I was my dad’s hired man on the farm,” Buckley said. “I was raking hay, hauling bales, running the combine, driving the truck or whatever other duties needed to be completed.”
During her youth, Buckley was an active 4-H member, being a part of the organization for 10 years. She showed Hereford cattle at her county fair as well as the North Dakota State Fair. She has fond memories of her time within the organization.
Following high school graduation, Buckley enrolled at North Dakota State University, where she majored in animal science and minored in food nutrition and agriculture communication. She graduated from the institution in 1979. During her time at NDSU she was a member of the Saddle and Sirloin Club, where she held several officer positions. She also showed animals in the Little International and was even a Little International princess, where she advocated for North Dakota agriculture. She also received the club’s outstanding senior award.
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After her college graduation, Buckley went back home to the farm.
“I went home for the summer, not really knowing what I was going to do. I saw an ad in the paper for an assistant county agent,” Buckley said.
While she did not get that initial position, Buckley eventually did get hired as an assistant county agent, which started an illustrious career in NDSU Extension that would span 37 years. Buckley greatly enjoyed her years in Extension, but was not always met with open arms, especially in the early years of her career.
“In 1979, it wasn’t the time for a woman to be applying for a male-orientated career. So it was a hard pull convincing people that I could do the job. It produced some challenges, but it ended up being a great career as an Extension agent,” Buckley said. “In the beginning I caught a lot of grief from producers and the other ag agents thinking I could not do the job.”
The bulk of Buckley’s work in Extension took place in Morton County, where she worked for 26 years. Her dedication to the community and agriculture industry during her career made her an obvious choice for the Little International’s agriculturalist of the year.
“Agriculture more times than not, it’s pretty quiet. There’s a lot of people in the background that are doing so much for the ag industry, North Dakota ag and North Dakota youth especially that a lot of people don’t get recognition for it. I think giving the opportunity to give back to them for what they have done for us is a really big deal,” said Hope Willson, the 96th Little International queen.
For Buckley, being named agriculturalist of the year was an apt honor, one that made her cry.
“Jackie has been involved in the ag industry for her whole life,” Willson said “It’s a great honor to give back to her after everything she has done for North Dakota agriculture and for North Dakota’s youth.”
The Link LonkFebruary 17, 2022 at 06:31PM
https://www.agweek.com/business/jackie-buckleys-little-international-experience-comes-full-circle
Jackie Buckley's Little International experience comes full circle - Agweek
https://news.google.com/search?q=little&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en
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