Shelby Shank grew up in the suburbs on Cincinnati, Ohio. Through her local 4-H program, she found her passion for agriculture.

"I always admired the rural way of life," she said.

While obtaining her Bachelor's Degree in animal science from Murray State University and her Master's Degree from Texas Tech University, Shank dove head first into various internship opportunities that helped her forge her own path.

Since then, she has not only involved herself in the industry, but but has become an emerging leader and trailblazer, telling meaningful stories as a Field Editor for Texas Farm Bureau. She works in tandem with their in house video team to produce media and articles to be released in both online and print publications, as well as on social media.

"I was the first one in my family to attend collage and set a goal to get an internship every summer," Shank said. "It was honestly a God moment how all of those experiences lead me to Farm Bureau."

Her fresh perspective and interpersonal skills have allowed her to fully immerse herself in each story, and helps her craft thoughtful questions.

"I want to know everything," she noted.

In addition to traveling the state engaging with producers of all kinds, Shelby was named to Cowgirl Magazine's 30 Under 30 Class of 2025.

Learn all about Shelby's journey from the suburbs to Texas Farm Bureau in the latest episode of Breaking the Barrier!

Breaking the Barrier is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and is produced by the Rural Radio Network.

Instagram: @breakingthebarrierpod