Who is Celeste Laurent?

Celeste Laurent is a senior at Western Kentucky University pursuing Bachelor’s Degrees in Animal Science and News Editorial Journalism. Raised on a Western Kentucky beef cattle operation, Celeste decided early in her life that she wanted to make a career in the agriculture industry.

She began chasing this dream at an early age by becoming involved in 4-H and FFA. After capturing numerous state titles in both organizations, Celeste was elected Kentucky FFA State Secretary for the 2007-2008 year.

Celeste was also actively involved in showing livestock. She and her four siblings have shown pigs since 2001.  In 2006, they established Laurent Family Farms and began breeding, farrowing, selling, and showing their own purebred and crossbred market hogs.

While attending Western Kentucky University, Celeste decided to combine her love for writing with her passion for agriculture advocacy. She began pursuing a second major in News Editorial Journalism in WKU’s prestigious School of Journalism and Broadcasting.

In the summer of 2009, Celeste was employed by the Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources as an Animal Welfare & Animal Agriculture Initiative Communications intern. In addition to writing press releases and managing public relations for events, Celeste was responsible for designing and managing a social media campaign for the Michigan Dairy Expo.

Currently, Celeste is continuing her studies at WKU as well as working as a freelance writer, speaker, photographer and web designer. Over the past year she has written for Farm to Fork Online Magazine, Cow Country News and several other freelance clients.

You can contact Celeste at celeste.laurent@yahoo.com