Fields of Change

Like many college students, Olivia Redmond’s idea of what she wanted her future to look like changed once or twice during her time at the University of Idaho. What didn’t change was her passion for agriculture. She earns her degree in crop management in December 2023 and will begin a career with Consolidated Grain and Barge Co. in Mississippi.

Returning to Her Roots

Growing up in Colorado, Washington and eventually Idaho, Redmond’s parents made sure that she and her younger brother were familiar with agriculture and knew where their food came from. Her dad grew up on a third-generation ranch in Colorado and is now vice president of row crops for Root Agricultural Advisory in Boise. Redmond and her brother would often accompany their dad on visits to farms across the Treasure Valley, Washington and Oregon.

“I’ve had a very large influence of agriculture my entire life,” Redmond said. “Having that passion instilled in me from the very beginning was crucial.”

Redmond developed an interest in conservation and decided to attend U of I for the conservation biology degree. During her sophomore year, she realized that the jobs available in natural resources conservation were not what she wanted to do for a career, so she began looking at the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. She had an interest in viticulture and enology, so she met with Bob Tripepi, professor emeritus in the Department of Plant Sciences.

“Bob suggested crop management since we don’t have a viticulture degree. Crop management is specific enough that I could walk away with the necessary skills needed to run a business,” she said. “Bob is the best person in the entire world. I owe it all to him, I really do. He was with me every step of the way and so helpful.”

Tripepi also helped Redmond secure a job with the U of I Seed Potato Germplasm Program after she mentioned needing a part-time job. She has worked for the program for the past 3.5 years, mostly at the hydroponics greenhouse where she was responsible for planting, watering, monitoring and harvesting potato plantlets.

A New Adventure

Working for the Seed Potato Germplasm Program prompted Redmond to begin looking for jobs in the potato industry. But a trip to the Women in Agribusiness Conference in Nashville during her final semester at U of I sent her in a new direction. Redmond met a representative from the Consolidated Grain and Barge Co. and learned about their grain leadership trainee program.

After several interviews and one visit to Mississippi, Redmond accepted an offer to join the program. Starting in February 2024 she will spend 12-18 months learning about the company and its various departments to see which is the best fit for her.

“I’m leaning towards the options where I get to work one-on-one with farmers,” she said. “I appreciate what they do — we wouldn’t be here without them.”

Redmond was selected to attend the Women in Agribusiness Conference as a student scholar after an application process. She was sponsored by Wilbur Ellis and received funds from the CALS Excellence Fund to assist with travel expenses.

“CALS has allowed me to make a lot of connections and build relationships,” she said. “I credit a lot of my confidence and success to my professors and peers. I know that I can go to anyone in CALS and ask a question and they would help.”

Although her path at U of I took a few detours, Redmond has found the right course for her.

“I’ve felt myself click into the person that I was always meant to be,” she said. “I think my biggest success has been finding out who I’m meant to be, as well as getting a job and having the guts to apply for a job halfway across the country. I’m very excited to graduate with my degree from here and tell people I’m a Vandal.”