Where Are They Now: Meranda Small


by Mary Kate Myers

         Meranda Small is a graduate of the University of Idaho with a BS in Animal Science and MS in Agricultural Education and Extension. She is currently working as the Oneida County Extension Educator.

            Before she was working as an Extension Educator, Meranda spent a year working as an intern for Agri Beef Co. while completing her graduate degree. This experience gave her a great understanding of the beef industry. Now working professionally with the University of Idaho as the Extension Educator in Oneida Country, her responsibilities have her focused on Livestock Education and 4-H Youth Development. Meranda is in her sophomore year as Extension Faculty, and has had the opportunity to work with colleagues in putting together agriculture based programming such as Livestock Day Camps for 4-H and FFA youth involved in livestock, Cowboy & Beef Schools for local producers. Meranda is also involved with writing, formatting and putting into place new programming that will benefit those involved with livestock agriculture throughout the state of Idaho. Along with all of her responsibilities Meranda has had the opportunity to write educational and informational articles for popular press and local newsletters, which giver her the chance to connect with more produces and inform the public.



This picture shows Meranda at one of this summer’s livestock day camp. She taught youth about quality production of mean animals and the management steps they can take to ensure a quality product. She had them practice giving shots to bananas as well as allowing a few of the youth to taste “bad” cupcakes to help them understand what it is like for a consumer to have several bad eating experiences and finally deciding to stop purchasing that specific product.

This past summer Meranda married her husband, who also is employed in the agriculture industry as a manager for Snake River Cattle Feeders. This spring they will be welcoming a son who “will most definitely learn to ride a horse and drive a tractor before the age of 5, I’m sure” Meranda ensures. Meranda and her husband enjoy spending time with their families, golfing, listening to live music, and weekend getaways. Meranda personally loves to bake and am working on becoming a gardener, though she states, “not a very successful one yet.”



Meranda and her husband at a hockey game last winter!

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