I stood in Dr. Julia McCann’s office in Litton-Reaves Hall during the fall semester of my sophomore year at Virginia Tech. In order to gain membership to the Block & Bridle (B&B) club, I was required to obtain faculty signatures on the wooden letters that our pledge class carved and decorated. As Dr. McCann signed her name, she inquired about my area of study. I shared, “I’m studying public relations with a minor in animal and poultry science (ASPC).” She looked up at me and asked, “Are you interested in ag communications?” I replied, “No, I hadn’t considered that…” Truthfully, at the time, I wasn’t familiar with the field of agricultural communications. That brief conversation sparked an interest, which led me to the pursuit of a career in ag communications.
My name is Jenna Sudol and I am the marketing and digital media specialist at Farm Credit of the Virginias. In my role, I support the cooperative’s digital strategy through web, video, social media, email marketing, campaigns and more, but most importantly, I have the opportunity to work with farmers and share their stories. Unlike many of my colleagues at Farm Credit, I didn’t grow up in the agriculture industry. And unlike many of my counterparts in the ag communications field, it wasn’t the area of study printed on my diploma. My career path was far from linear; however, my affinity for the agriculture industry, supported by the right network, mentors and opportunities, brought my career goals to fruition.
I graduated from Patrick Henry High School in 2013 and attended Virginia Tech that fall. To explore my interests in writing and media, I pursued public relations. Initially, I added an APSC minor solely because I was earning credits through my riding lessons which were required for equestrian team members; however, through the APSC curriculum, I discovered an affinity for agriculture and recognized the need for stronger communicators to bridge the growing disconnect between producers and consumers.
Sitting in Dr. Cindy Wood’s intro to APSC class, we learned the challenges of animal agriculture, including public perception and misconception. I wondered, “How could consumers be at odds with the hardworking farmers that provide their food?” and “Why is the modern day consumer so misinformed?” Those quandaries, paired with the aforementioned conversation with Dr. McCann, set me on the pursuit of a career in ag communications. I wanted to inform consumers, advocate for farmers and help share the story of agriculture.
To support my newfound career path, I was fortunate enough to find mentors at the university. Lori Greiner offered me my first internship with the communication department at Virginia Cooperative Extension. In addition to work experience, she offered advice and shared her trials and tribulations in her personal pursuit of a career in ag communications, which guided me on my own.
Later, I found another mentor in Joe Guthrie. He hired me as a teaching assistant to provide support for the communication and marketing courses in the Agricultural Technology program at tech. His fervor and desire to support the agriculture industry, both through educating the next generation and his political engagement, was contagious and motivated me to follow suit.
Today, when I get the opportunity to speak to college students, my greatest piece of advice is to get involved with organizations on campus. One of the best decisions I made in college was joining B&B and Sigma Alpha (agricultural sorority). In addition to making lifelong friends, I grew my network in the ag community. That network has lasted and supported my professional career.
During my senior year, I decided to continue my education and accepted a graduate teaching assistantship at Radford University. Similar to my experience in undergrad, I related my course work to the field of agriculture. In my communication theory course, I applied the diffusion of innovation theory to the adoption of ag technologies, such as drone use and robotic dairies, which were emerging technologies at the time. In my interactive media course, I produced a promotional video for the Agricultural Technology program, featuring the one and only, Joe Guthrie.
During the spring semester of grad school, I received my first job offer to join the marketing team at Farm Credit of the Virginias, specializing in digital media, based in Roanoke, Va. I gladly accepted the offer and began working part-time as I completed my graduate studies. I earned my master’s degree in strategic communication in the spring of 2019 and was eager to begin working full-time for Farm Credit soon thereafter.
During my tenure at Farm Credit, I have traveled our footprint, interviewing farmers and sharing their stories through print and digital channels. I have participated in congressional farm tours across the state to help connect our legislators and producers, and visited Washington, D.C. to talk to our representatives and advocate for our farmers back home. In February 2025, I will celebrate my 6 year anniversary with Farm Credit of the Virginias.
I am proud of my very small role in sharing the story of agriculture and supporting farmers. I look forwarding to broadening my understanding of the industry and through exposure and experience, strengthening my ability to support it through my participation in the VALOR program. Here’s to spending the next two years learning and growing as a leader and becoming a stronger champion for the agriculture industry and rural communities within the Commonwealth!
valeadersor.com 