Kashley Hayden
Ben Wilson Memorial Scholarship
Kashley is the daughter of Shelley and Scott Hayden of Keenesburg. She is a Junior at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater and is majoring in Agribusiness. She is hoping to do something in the ag industry. She is also interested In working in the oil and gas industry. Kashley has had some experience as she had an internship at a reclamation company. It was an experience that allowed her to learn many of the different aspects of large companies, as well as specific to the reclamation industry.
Once Kashley was old enough for Cloverbuds, she was at every meeting. She hit nine years old and was ready to show. Being a part of agriculture has always been important to her. Holding officer positions in her school's FFA Chapter, and being president of her 4-H club, she was always looking to improve the agriculture experience for herself, as well as other members of her clubs and communities. As it became time to choose a college and a major, her heart kept coming back to agriculture. She decided on Oklahoma State University, which would allow her to see other parts of the country, as well as learn different aspects of agriculture that may not be present in Colorado. Kashley knew that Agribusiness would allow her to pursue a wide variety of careers within the agricultural field. She wants to make an impact on agriculture, and wants to inform people on how much of a difference agriculture makes on their lives, even if they are not directly involved in row crop and livestock production, the industry is all around us every day. Kashley wants to advocate for agriculture and to pursue a degree in something that she is not only passionate about, but is devoted to making an impact on the industry as well as on citizens who are unfamiliar with agriculture. As she is getting into classes for her specific major, she’s getting a greater idea as to the aspect of her degree, and is happy with her decision on her degree and where it could take her.
As soon as Kashley was able to show, she bought her first two pigs. Naturally, they had to be named, so she went with Pork N’ Beans. When July came, Pork was the Reserve Grand Champion Gilt at the Weld County fair. At that moment, she knew that showing would be something she would treasure forever. Being the former president of her 4-H club, Magic Spurs, it is crucial for Kashley to be a leader and show up for the members of not just her club, but other club members as well. 4-H has allowed her to learn those special skills that she’ll take with her for the rest of her life. Whenever she is stressing out over her animals not eating, or not looking good enough, she thinks back to Pork and how although she had very little knowledge, they succeeded. Now, with having a more extensive knowledge about many species of livestock, Kashley knows that she can make it work and doing her best and putting in the hard work will result in the success that she will strive for. Finishing up her last show year was one of the hardest times of her life. Although upsetting, she knew that as this chapter closes, it has opened up many doors for her and her future that she is so grateful for.
Kashley is the recipient of the Ben Wilson Memorial Scholarship.