Meet the Candidates - Anastasia Poull: An Agricultural Journey to Storytelling

Agriculture may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Ozaukee County—but for me, it’s where everything began.

I grew up spending many days at my grandparents’ dairy farm, helping feed calves, milk, and other small tasks. Through 4-H, my curiosity grew through projects such as horse and pony, beef, and beekeeping. I was an active member of the horse education program, competing at state and national events while strengthening my public speaking. This marked a huge transformation from my first 4-H meeting, where I struggled to introduce myself!

4-H became my foundation and confirmed my future in agriculture. That path led me to South Dakota State University (SDSU) where I earned bachelor’s degrees in Animal Science, Agricultural Leadership, and Agricultural Science. I eagerly pursued new experiences, including the wool judging team, stepping into the show ring through Little International, volunteering, and serving as a college ambassador. A culminating moment was being selected as the 2023 Outstanding Student in Animal Science. These experiences broadened my perspective and led me to agricultural communications.

 Through an assistantship with the SDSU Department of Animal Science, I later earned a Master of Arts in Communication and Media Studies. My work included developing a first-year student peer mentor program, coordinating events, leading the social media team, and co-creating and teaching an agricultural communications course.

In addition to a short-term international experience in South Africa where I experienced global agriculture, I also completed internships with Red Line Dairy, UW-Extension, URUS, and the National Association of Farm Broadcasting (NAFB). These experiences strengthened my communication and organizational skills while building expertise in social media, public speaking, and event management. I was able to apply these skills while serving as the 2025 Ozaukee County Fairest of the Fair, sharing my passion at events and media interviews. These experiences connected me with industry professionals, and reinforced my desire to bridge the gap between producers and consumers. 

While my journey has taken me beyond Wisconsin, it has also brought me back home. After working with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection as a limited-term Agricultural Marketing Specialist, I returned to Red Line Ranch. The sounds and rhythms of the dairy farm remind me where my story began—and why it matters. Wisconsin’s $116.3 billion agriculture industry is built on people, passion, and purpose, and I’m proud to be part of it.

No matter where the journey takes me, I look forward to sharing the stories that connect people to agriculture.