Bailey Jean Smith is a senior at Texas A&M University from Shiner, TX. She is currently pursuing dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Agricultural Communications and Journalism, as well as Agricultural Leadership and Development. During her time at Texas A&M, she has been on the officer team for both Texas Aggie Cattlewomen and the Texas A&M Chapter of Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow. Bailey has also been an active member of Texas A&M Saddle and Sirloin and the Texas A&M Wesley Foundation. Beyond campus, Bailey has served on the Junior Red Angus Association’s Board of Directors for two years, both as a Director-at-large and as the Communications Chair. Her interest in agricultural policy is rooted in her upbringing. Her family has always raised beef cattle, and Bailey started showing livestock at the age of eight through Texas 4-H and FFA. While she has always been heavily involved in the industry, her passion for advocacy began in high school, after she heard ranchers’ stories from across the country while traveling with the Junior Red Angus Association. While this passion pushed her into the agricultural communications field with the goal of becoming a journalist, she soon grew an interest in public policy.
This fall, Bailey will be interning in Washington, D.C. with the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives. She is enthusiastic about the opportunity to advocate for American farmers and ranchers while learning about the legislative process. Additionally, she hopes to broaden her skills as a writer and communicator in order to become a better voice for agricultural producers in the future.