College of Agriculture

Courtney King

Double majoring in animal science and agricultural business, Courtney King hit the ground running in the College of Agriculture. King is tremendously involved by working at the University Farm and participating in extracurricular activities to gain the skill set within her majors.

Courtney KingGrowing up, King’s family revolved around the agriculture industryHer dad is a fourth-generation dairy farmer, and her mom is a third-generation sheep rancherKing was also involved in 4-H and FFA. King’s parents are a tremendous support system and always encouraging her to be hard working and dedicated to her academics, work and extracurricular activities. 

King knew she wanted to find a university that offered hands-on experiences as well as finding a sense of community and family. Chico State was the home for her.  

I am a hands-on learner, so having the opportunities at Chico State has been an amazing experience, especially with working with all of the faculty and staff, King said.  

King thoroughly enjoyed her time at Chico State through her experiences at the University Farm. She started working at the swine unit her freshmen year and is now the current swine herdsmen. During that time, she has enjoyed watching the swine herd grow while she gained experience and expanded her knowledge about the swine industry. The other students working at the swine unit are like family to King, and the swine unit’s faculty lead Clay Carlson and livestock technician Brendan Close are the two individuals that King most looks up to within the College of Agriculture.  

As the student herdsmen at the swine unit she has made tremendous improvements. Not only has the quality of our genetics improved but so have our production numbers. Under her watch we have implemented a new breeding protocol that has resulted in an increase in both litter size and conception rate,” Brendan Close said.  

The Live Animal and Carcass Evaluation (ANSC 250) with Crystal Waters has been one of King’s favorite classes within the College of Agriculture. King is also on the meats judging team.   

“Being on the meats judging team changed my career focus. Traveling to different operations and networking with industry professionals created my passion for meat science, King said. 

After she graduates, she would like to combine both of her majors and her interest in the meats industry to find an occupation that focuses on finance in the meat industry.  

King’s goal is to be as well-rounded as she can in her field of interest, which includes participating in a wide variety of extracurricular activities in college. In fact, that’s her advice to incoming freshmen.  

“Join as many clubs as you can inside and outside the College of Agriculture,” King said. “It is so great to have friends from all different majors and backgrounds. This has really helped me further my connections.” 

King is the president of the Sigma Alpha Professional Sorority as well as being involved in the Young Cattlemen’s Association and the Butte County Young Farmers and Ranchers. In her free time, she enjoys hiking at Bidwell Park and watching the sunset.  

“The last four years have been completely life changing,” King saidThere have been so many faculty members that have helped me along my college career. I am grateful for all of the opportunities the College of Agriculture has presented me.”