College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics

Madelyn Cary’s strong passion for agriculture led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness Management in the Michigan State University (MSU) Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics (AFRE). This major gives students the flexibility to choose courses related to individual interests in farm management, commodity procurement and marketing, labor and personnel management, public policy and global food issues.

Cary says she decided to enroll at MSU because of its renowned agriculture program, its vast opportunities and the positive feedback from alumni.

“I chose my major because of my deep passion for the agricultural industry and I knew that business would offer various opportunities,” Cary explained.

Her passion was influenced by her family who owns a cash crop, feedlot and elevator operation in Alma, Michigan. She is also an alumna of the Gratiot County 4-H program and the Alma FFA Chapter.

“Growing up on a farm and doing FFA as well as 4-H throughout my childhood inspired me to pursue a degree in agriculture.” Madelyn Cary, Agribusiness Management senior

“Growing up on a farm and doing FFA as well as 4-H throughout my childhood inspired me to pursue a degree in agriculture,” Cary said. “From a young age, 4-H taught me dedication, responsibility, leadership, perseverance, and sportsmanship. My favorite memories were made at the ‘best week of the summer.’ 4-H holds a special place in my heart, and I wouldn’t be who I am today without it,” she said.

“Early on in high school I took every opportunity offered in FFA and began showing cattle at various shows throughout Michigan. Starting out I wanted to be a veterinarian, but quickly learned biology does not come easy to me. The next turning point was when I competed in the Agricultural Sales contest my junior year. This is when I knew I wanted to pursue agribusiness with an end goal of sales.”

Cary balances a strong GPA with being extremely active in several organizations. She is a member of MSU’s National Agricultural Marketing Association (NAMA), serves as vice president of public relations for Collegiate Farm Bureau and is a Michigan Ag Council ambassador.

“I grew a great passion for the National Agricultural Marketing Association club this past year. It has been challenging to try and get the club up and running post-pandemic, but it is a great experience. I was able to compete in the sales competition and observe the marketing competition. My favorite part about this club is it directly relates to what I want to do in the future, there's numerous opportunities to network, and the members. The members are very diverse, which is what I enjoy, learning about others who don't have the farm background but found an interest that sparked a passion for agriculture,” Cary said.

“The best experience I have had thus far is when I traveled to Kansas City with the National Agri-Marketing Association to compete nationally in the sales competition.”

Her professor's tout that she is a joy to be around, and her work ethic is infectious. She has been very active in supporting incoming students, taking time to share her experiences, providing resources and making new students feel welcome.

Her advice to new students, “Put yourself into uncomfortable situations to create the most success. Learn how to stay organized and on top of your schoolwork to create a well-balanced lifestyle. College is what you make of it.”

After graduating in May 2023, Cary will begin the six-month Syngenta Crop Protection Developmental Sales Representative (DSR) Program in Wisconsin. Then she will be placed in her own territory in the Midwest. Her long-term goal is to return to Michigan to be able to help on the family farm.

Cary is one of the 2022 CANR Alumni Association Scholarship recipients.

Name: Madelyn Cary

Hometown: Alma, Mich.

Major/Concentration: Agribusiness Management, B.S.

Expected graduation date: May 2023

Why did you choose your major and why MSU?
I chose my major because of my deep passion for the agricultural industry and I knew that business would offer various opportunities. I chose to come to MSU because of the agriculture program and the things I heard about it from alumni. Also, because of the faculty and students I am surrounded by.

Who or what inspired your interest in the major you selected?
Growing up on a farm and doing FFA as well as 4-H throughout my childhood inspired me to pursue a degree in agriculture.

What was it about your 4-H/FFA experiences that made you want to come here?

Early on in high school I took every opportunity offered in FFA and began showing cattle at various shows throughout Michigan. Starting out I wanted to be a veterinarian, but quickly learned biology does not come easy to me. The next turning point was when I competed in the Agricultural Sales contest my junior year. This is when I knew I wanted to pursue agribusiness with an end goal of sales.

Are you involved in any extracurricular activities or committees?

I am involved in the National Agri-Marketing Association, I currently serve as the secretary. In addition, I am a member of the Sigma Alpha Professional Sorority and Collegiate Farm Bureau.

What is your favorite extracurricular activity and why is it important to you?

I grew a great passion for the National Agricultural Marketing Association club this past year. It has been challenging to try and get the club up and running post-pandemic, but it is a great experience. I was able to compete in the sales competition and observe the marketing competition. My favorite part about this club is it directly relates to what I want to do in the future, there's numerous opportunities to network, and the members. The members are very diverse, which is what I enjoy, learning about others who don't have the farm background but found an interest that sparked a passion for agriculture.

What has been one of your best experiences within your major so far?
Getting to know the faculty has been a joy, but it was challenging with online classes. The best experience I have had thus far is when I traveled to Kansas City with the National Agri-Marketing Association to compete nationally in the sales competition.

What do you want others to know about this major?
Agribusiness Management doesn’t narrow you down to one thing, it is an extremely broad and flexible major.

What are some of the best things about being an MSU student?
Joining clubs, meeting people and sporting events.

Any thoughts or advice for current or new students?
Put yourself into uncomfortable situations to create the most success. Learn how to stay organized and on top of your schoolwork to create a well-balanced lifestyle. College is what you make of it.

What are your future plans?
After graduating in May 2023, I will start the Syngenta Crop Protection Developmental Sales Representative (DSR) program. This program will last approximately six months in Wisconsin, then I will be placed in my own territory somewhere in the Midwest. In five to six years, I would like to be back in Michigan to help on the family farm.