Meet Ashley N. Pellerin, M.S. African Americans in Agriculture Spotlight Series
Year 2! Ladies first! Let’s hear from Houston, TX native, Ms. Ashley N. Pellerin, M.S.
Let’s get right into it. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. What does Agriculture mean to you? What was your first introduction?
When I hear the word agriculture, I think of community! Everyone in the World actively participates in agriculture in some form and it's usually the center of community and familial interactions, from eating to shopping to crafting and more.
I accidentally got into agriculture because I was trying to avoid taking a lot of math in college. lol! As a native Houstonian, I never knew FFA and 4-H existed and I had NO knowledge of agriculture outside of being a vet or a farmer. I chose agriculture as a major in college because it only required 2 semesters of basic math and I liked animals. However, from my 1st day in Animal Science 101, I knew I had found my tribe!
We're glad to have you as a part of the tribe! So, what exactly is your agricultural profession? What is your favorite part about what you do?
Currently, I am an Extension Program Specialist with the Prairie View A&M Cooperative Extension Program. I work with county agents across Texas to help them develop and execute educational programs and workshops in the area of Livestock and Forage Production. I was a county agent for 6 years before getting this position. Though I love helping the agents, my favorite part about this job is interacting with historically underserved/minority farmers and ranchers in Texas. They really are like family to me and helping them make improvements that can benefit them and their families is the most rewarding thing to me. (Also, I love the free food I get when I visit them sometimes! )
Speaking of historically underserved farmers, what is it like being an African American in Agriculture in today’s society?
This is a loaded question... If I had to summarize it, I would say it's intense, yet rewarding. Working in varying parts of Texas, I have experienced the best and the worst of what the industry has to offer. As a single, young Black Woman in agriculture, I was seen as a rarity (even amongst minority producers). There were years where I was the ONLY Black female Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent in the entire Texas Extension Program. I know that representation is KEY so I felt that at any moment, my presence could be what sparks the interest in agriculture for someone, young or old.... and that makes all the bad encounters worth it!
How do you think the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the agricultural industry?
It's no secret that the pandemic has negatively affected some portions of the agricultural industry. However, there was a surge in small scale, backyard and balcony gardens since people were home for extended periods of time! I really think the pandemic gave people time to participate in agriculture in a way they didn't feel like they had time to before. Social media has allowed for the growth of the virtual agricultural community, as well!
Since we have this surge in small scale gardening/farming, what words of encouragement or advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing an agricultural career or operation?
The reward is greater than the struggle!
Do you provide any agricultural services? If so, what are they and how can others learn more?
As an extension specialist, I can connect you to your local county extension agent who will be able to assist you locally with any agricultural questions you may have. Feel free to browse the PVAMU Cooperative Extension Website, specifically the Agriculture and Natural Resources Page to view upcoming programs and access educational materials. (https://www.pvamu.edu/cahs/cep/agriculture-and-natural-resources/). You can also follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pvamucepagnr
Any additional words you’d like to share?
My high school friends thought I was crazy for leaving Texas to attend Tuskegee University (TU... You KNOW) in Alabama and major in agriculture. I didn't know what God had planned, but He knew! In all things, never tell yourself no. Always try at 100%... if others tell you NO... Then go find your YES because it's out there! Never Quit!
Ashley N. Pellerin, M.S.
Agriculture Extension Specialist Prairie View A&M University- Cooperative Extension Program
Houston, TX
Email: ANPellerin@pvamu.edu Office: (936) 261-5035
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleypellerin1/ FB: Ashley N. Pellerin
