Apryl Kirby, District Operations Manager

“Start young!!! Work with the older generations to learn the ways of farming and conservation, and get involved with FFA and Agriculture when you are in school. The world is changing fast, and if we don't get kids involved when they are young, we may not have a world good enough for the future to live in.”

Apryl Kirby is the District Operations Manager for Rockcastle County Conservation District. We sat down with her to pick her brain about her career in agriculture.

How did you become interested in agriculture/working in agriculture?

“I honestly didn't know much about agriculture besides having a small farm on my property. When this position came open, I took it just for the Administration part, but I have learned so much while working here. I am gaining knowledge that I did not have about our area and the needs of so many of our producers in this county. I love to help people, and it warms my heart to be able to help the producers and the children of our county learn more about the different practices of conservation.”

What did you study and where?

“I actually went to school for nursing in Indiana but ended up moving here to KY and being a dialysis technician. I love helping people, and being able to do that makes me happy. I now can help people in a different way, and it also helps our county, too.”

How long have you been with your organization, and what other roles have you held?

“I have only been with the conservation district since January. I have been a lab assistant and project manager at a medical lab in IN. I worked as a dialysis technician and had a daycare in my home for a few years during Covid.”

Describe your job and duties. What is your favorite part of your job? 

“I do the day-to-day emails, paperwork, bills, meetings, reports, etc... My favorite part of this job is when we get involved with the community to raise awareness about conservation, mainly with children, but I love being able to spread the word about what we do and are about. Which I am still learning these practices every day.”

What would you have done differently if you knew you would have ended up in this career? 

“I am not sure that I would have done anything differently; I love the experiences that I have had in my past. I will now look into the future of learning as much as I can and getting the word out about what our county has to offer.”