Patryce (Eldredge) LeFevre is no stranger to the dairy industry. She grew up on a dairy farm in southeastern Idaho on the Idaho-Utah border. As the oldest child of four, LeFevre watched and helped her parents build their operation from just a few cows to about 700 milking cows. LeFevre still owns a small number of her own cattle in the herd. Though she now lives with her husband in Logan, Utah, where they attend school, she continues to help out on the farm.

Growing up, she was active in 4-H and FFA, where she raised bucket calves and dairy cows to show at the local county fair. In FFA, she participated in public speaking competitions and gained interest in talking about agriculture. As an adult, she returned to work with the 4-H program in different capacities and spent the last two summers leading a community dairy club for the 4-H youth, with plans to host the club again this summer. 

LeFevre first experienced the world of journalism and sharing stories when she participated in a short high school internship with her local newspaper. She developed a love for sharing her agricultural background and helping others to learn about agriculture, leading her to pursue a career in communicating agriculture to both producers and consumers. While her experience is primarily within the dairy industry, she believes there is so much more for her to learn across all agricultural fields.

“At first I had no intentions of a future in journalism. I moved on with my academic pursuits in another field but found myself enjoying sharing my agricultural background with others,” LeFevre says. “I have learned that there is always a story to be told and something to be learned. I knew I was passionate about agriculture, and I decided that maybe I could help others experience agriculture and I’d probably learn something new, too.” 

LeFevre is entering her last semester at Utah State University. She will graduate with a degree in agricultural communications and a minor in non-formal community-based education. She hopes to use her degree and experience to help others connect with agriculture. She believes that the future of agriculture includes communication, understanding and education between producers and consumers. 

“I am excited to be working with Progressive Dairy this summer,” LeFevre says. “I’m ready to improve my communication skills, experience the world of journalism and connect with others through agricultural storytelling.”

“I am delighted to welcome Patryce to our editorial team this summer,” says Progressive Dairy Managing Editor Karen Lee. “Her ability to share stories and connect with others will shine through in the articles she produces.”