Debra Truax, District Administrator
“Try different areas of agriculture; there are so many to choose from. If you are given the opportunity to get an internship or apprenticeship, take it and see if that is the right path for you. Get involved with any agriculture organization such as 4-H, FFA, or any college-level agriculture club/organization; this will help you learn the agriculture industry and start building connections that can help you along the way.”
Debra Truax is the District Administrator at Shelby County Conservation District. She took a few moments to discuss her career with us this month and went over her interest in agriculture, her education, and her daily duties!
How did you become interested in agriculture/working in agriculture?
“I grew up on a farm and was very active in 4-H and FFA. I have been a part of agriculture my whole life, and I wanted to continue working in the agriculture industry.”
What did you study and where?
“I have a Bachelor's in Agriculture focusing on Agriculture Leadership and Public Communication from Murray State University.”
How long have you been with your organization, and what other roles have you held?
“I have been with the Shelby County Conservation District for 3 years. I have lived and worked on a farm my whole life, ranging from dairy cattle, tobacco, beef cattle, hay production, soybeans, and horses. I worked for the Forest Service for 5 years, working at the Nature Center, Planetarium, and 2 campgrounds, being a horse campground, taking care of over 100 miles of horse trails, and maintaining the campground and campground outpost. I worked on a local tobacco farm during High School for 2 years, helping in the tobacco fields from setting in the fields to harvesting the leaves.”
Describe your job and duties. What is your favorite part of your job?
“I manage the district from maintaining the bank account and reconciling each month, payroll, preparing for the monthly board meeting, keeping track of the local cost share program from applications to 1099s, and greeting the customers. My favorite part of the job is talking to the landowners to figure out what they want to do, then going out on the field visit to see what the landowner has in mind, and then seeing the work go into action by actually being installed on the property and being used. The best part is having the landowner come back and telling you thank you for helping them get their goals implemented on their property to better their land.”
What would you have done differently if you knew you would have ended up in this career?
“While in college, I would have taken some agronomy classes and weed ID classes. Some landowners ask what kind of weed is in their fields.”
