By Blake Jackson
Weston Wolf did not expect college life to make him long for cattle, but the transition quickly made that clear. Raised on a family farm in Alexandria, Kentucky, at the southern edge of Campbell County, Weston grew up in a rural setting where his family raised registered Polled Hereford cattle. He was actively involved in 4-H Youth Development and FFA, experiences that shaped his future goals.
“From a young age, I knew that I wanted to be in the ag space, in an ag career,” Weston said.
Weston family relied heavily on University of Kentucky Extension resources, which helped steer him toward UK. In 2022, Weston enrolled in the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Adjusting to dorm life in Lexington was a stark contrast to home.
“That’s when he found himself missing cattle.”
After his first month on campus, Weston began working at the Animal Research Center beef unit at UK’s C. Oran Little Research Center in Versailles.
“When I got the pleasure of coming out here for the first time, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, finally,’” Weston said. “Silence and just cattle grazing which is my comfort place, definitely very relaxing.”
Now a senior majoring in agricultural economics with minors in animal sciences and business, Weston starts many days at 6:30 a.m., feeding cattle, performing wellness checks and assisting with research.
“Even when it’s cold and dark, it’s relaxing to me - being out here with the cows and just helping make sure everything’s happy,” Weston said.
With guidance from his older brother Rusty, Weston adapted to the larger operation. “If you ever plan to run your own operation, this is the place to work,” Weston said.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jacqueline-nix
Categories: Kentucky, Education, Livestock, Dairy Cattle