Taryn Chima

The Chima family grows a variety of crops for commercial sale such as walnuts, prunes, almonds, peaches, and pistachios. With a background in crops and farming, Chima’s family expected her to follow the same path in college. However, it was not until she enrolled at Chico State to major in animal science that her love of agriculture truly developed.  

While taking a class with Celina Phillips, professor in the College of Agriculture, it was recommended to Chima that she enroll in ananimal science experience course offered at the University Farm’sSheep Unit. She has since earned the position of lead herdsman and lives at the unit.

Chima found a home at the unit and a family in her coworkers. Without any previous experience around sheep, spending time at the unit was an excellent way to expand her knowledge. Problem solving, responsibility, and accurate data-keeping are just a few of the skills she has gained since working there.  

This past July, Chima traveled to the California State Fair in Sacramento where she showed lambs for the first time. Along with a group of Chico State students, Chima fit a group of lambs and prepared them for the show. Chima earned second place with her Blackface ewe.   

In addition to her involvement at the Sheep Unit, Chima has kept busy inside and outside of school. She is currently involved in the Pre-Veterinary Network, the Chico State Sheep Association, and the California Wool Growers Association. She also had the opportunity to intern at the Butte County Humane Society which provided practical, hands-on industry experience.  

With the help of her peers, coworkers, and College of Agriculture faculty, Chima has come out of her shell and developed as a person. She appreciates the mentorship she has received from Celina Phillips, Hunter Ortiz, and Manny Lopez. They have taught her to be confident in her own abilities and to stay calm in stressful situations.

 If Chima could give one piece of advice to an incoming freshman, she would say: “You only get four years, so try to make the most of them. Introduce yourself to new people and strike up a conversation because you never know where they'll lead!”  

Chima’s involvement within animal agriculture has grown over the years and has greatly influenced her future career goals. After graduating from Chico State she plans to apply to veterinary school or attend graduate school to study animal reproduction.