Sara Overton, Agricultural Commodity Compliance Specialist Rogers, AR

Sara Overton has always loved being outside, especially with animals.

“We are dependent on them, and they are dependent on us,” she said.

Overton studied environmental science at the University of Central Arkansas. After graduating from UCA, she worked for the Washington County Conservation District. In that role, she worked directly with farmers on soil management practices, nutrient management and poultry litter disposal.

“I miss working with farmers,” she said. “Poultry farmers are very inspirational people. They’re passionate about what they do.”
In 2014, she earned her Master’s in environmental management from Duke University. She has journeyed from east to west coast, but now, Sara is back home. She works as a Commodity Compliance Specialist in Rogers. In her job, Sara is licensed to grade chicken, turkey, rabbit and shell eggs. She visits plants like Butterball and Tyson to ensure quality.

Sara’s job is different every single day. It’s what she loves most about her job. Her state-issued vehicle is her office, and the hard hat and safety gear suit her.

Could you see yourself working in the exciting world of agriculture? Sara is passionate about her job, and she emphasized the value it brings to Arkansas.

“Agriculture is something we’ve been doing for tens of thousands of years. It’s part of who we are,” she said. “When you realize everyone has to eat, you realize you’ll always have a job in agriculture,”

To learn more about career opportunities in agriculture communications, click here.

To find college majors in agriculture and salary information, visit MyMajors.com.