Dairy Spotlight: Kendra Van Order
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EmailSpotlight on Kendra Van Order, 4-H dairy science MSU Extension educator.
As part of the MSU Animal Science Department’s 2024 Winter Spartan Dairy Newsletter, we spotlight Michigan State University Extension’s new Michigan 4-H Dairy Science Educator, Kendra Van Order.
New beginnings start by leaving your comfort zone. I grew up in Hamilton, Michigan, but not on a farm. I was introduced to the agriculture and livestock industries by my uncle and his family when I was eight years old. With their help and support, I was able to raise and exhibit both beef cattle and sheep on local, state and national levels. I also competed on the Allegan County 4-H and Hopkins FFA Livestock Judging Teams for three years. During my time exhibiting, my family and I were able to raise multiple national champion bulls, I was a multi-time state winner in beef showmanship, and I placed in the top 10 of multiple national showmanship contests.
After I aged out of my time as a junior exhibitor, I enrolled as a 4-H volunteer and started, managed and coached my county’s livestock judging team. During that time, those teams were multi-time state champions and never placed below sixth place at any national contest. I also help families find their livestock projects and travel to shows to coach showmanship and help the exhibitors clip and fit their projects. From these experiences, I learned the value of hard work, communication, selflessness and the importance of trying new things.
I graduated with my degree in animal science from Michigan State University in 2016, where I had a livestock industries concentration. I worked in the commercial swine industry upon graduation and then spent some time in agricultural sales that focused on the dairy industry. From there, I worked as a veterinary technician.
Throughout my life, I always knew that I would end up with a career that focused on youth development within the agriculture industry. I became a 4-H program coordinator with Michigan State University Extension in Kent County in April 2021. During that time, I established new programs for traditional programming, formed new community partnerships, and helped with statewide animal science programming. I have always had an interest in dairy cattle so when the statewide Michigan 4-H dairy educator position opened, I knew that I needed to apply for it. I am excited to have taken on that role, starting in January. I’m looking forward to meeting and working with the Michigan dairy community to provide and support the best possible 4-H dairy programs for the youth and volunteers throughout the state!
