Animal science student finds new passion working at swine center

What started with an eagerness for a hands-on learning experience in the Department of Animal Science in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences ended with a new passion and opportunity for Carlie Rogers ’24, a first-generation college student from Diana.

In April 2021, Rogers began a student worker position at the department’s swine center unit and now her sights are set on a career as a sow farm manager.

Rogers is no stranger to the livestock industry. She grew up around livestock and companion animals and wanted to become a veterinarian. But after realizing the endless opportunities available in the animal science field, Rogers shifted her perspective on a career path.

This shift led her to the swine center, an animal unit located on the grounds of the O.D. Butler Jr. Animal Science Teaching, Research and Extension Complex, a 580-acre center near the main Texas A&M campus in College Station comprised of five unique facilities supporting various areas in animal agriculture.

Even though she had no prior experience working with swine, her agricultural background made her want to grow in a new area of animal agriculture. As a student worker, Rogers helped with the day-to-day operations of feeding and general care of swine, gaining a wealth of experience to support her in a future career in the swine industry.

“I was interested in this opportunity because I wanted to learn from hands-on experiences and make connections with animal science faculty and industry stakeholders,” Rogers said.

Immersive learning experience
One of the best opportunities for students to directly apply the knowledge and skills learned in their animal science courses is to work at a department animal unit, said Jeffrey Wiegert, Ph.D., instructional assistant professor and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service swine specialist, Bryan-College Station.

“Immersing in the day-to-day aspects of animal care exposes our student workers to thought-provoking challenges and realities of animal husbandry that are difficult to recreate in a classroom setting,” Wiegert said.