This month Missouri Ruralist welcomes Laura Bardot as the new College Farmer columnist.

Her passion for farming started at a young age. Bardot is from the south-central Missouri town of Lonedell. She grew up surrounded by cattle.

"We are a century farm and run about 150 head of cows along with 100 laying hens," Bardot says. "We raise broiler chicks in the fall and the spring."

SELLING EGG:College Farmer Laura Bardot comes from a diversified agriculture background. She helps with her family's cattle operation and poultry production. The family sells eggs and broilers direct from the farm.

The Franklin County native credits 4-H with encouraging her interest in the agriculture industry. As a young girl, she was a member of the Rockford Rebels 4-H Club, where she took part in beef and swine projects. She spent summers showing breeding heifers, market hogs and breeding gilts. After 12 years in 4-H, Bardot decided to give back to the youth organization by serving as the Missouri State 4-H Council president in 2015. There, she was able to share her passion for agriculture with other 4-H club members, elected officials and the public.

Her desire to be an advocate for the agriculture industry has not been limited to 4-H. Bardot was also active in the St. Clair FFA Chapter, where her supervised agricultural experience program, or SAE, was diversified livestock production. She went on to earn her American FFA Degree.

Bardot is currently pursuing a degree in science and agricultural journalism at the University of Missouri. In college, she has already held internships with the Animal Agriculture Alliance, Missouri 4-H Center for Youth Development and Missouri House of Representatives.

Missouri Ruralist is excited to offer Bardot's insights on farming, food and college life.