Livestock Management Experience Helps Burnet FFA Member Prepare for Career in Medicine
Monday, February 23, 2026 | Author: Texas FFA News
Hannah Brooks is using hands-on experience at Evans Livestock to build the skills and knowledge that will support her future career in medicine.
As an employee for Evans Livestock, a large-scale show goat operation, the Burnet FFA member works more than 40 hours each month assisting with daily livestock care and herd management.
“My [Supervised Agricultural Experience] SAE has taught me the importance of responsibility and paying attention to the smallest details,” Brooks said. “Those skills are critical when caring for livestock, and they will also help me in my future career in medicine.”
The operation, managed by multiple generations of family members, specializes in breeding and raising show goats. Working under the guidance of her grandfather, uncle and parents, she has developed skills in feeding, vaccinating, facility maintenance and recordkeeping.
“In this industry, when animals need help, everything else stops,” Brooks said. “There have been times I’ve left school events and come straight to the barn to help deliver kids.”
Beyond daily care, Evans Livestock also operates an advanced reproductive program that includes embryo flushing and embryo transfer procedures. These experiences have provided insight into the similarities between veterinary medicine and human healthcare.
“Some people don’t realize how much animal anatomy and human anatomy overlap in the learning process,” Brooks said. “Working with the embryo transfer program has helped me understand how anesthesia and surgical procedures work.”
The experience has also reinforced her long-term goals. After high school, she plans to attend The University of Texas to major in nursing and eventually become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).
While she plans to pursue a career in medicine, agriculture will remain a lifelong connection.
“My goal is to build a career in healthcare while continuing to help manage our family’s ranch,” Brooks said. “The lessons I’ve learned through this SAE will stay with me for the rest of my life.”
Brooks’ successful SAE project was recognized at the 2025 Texas FFA State Convention as a Star in Agricultural Placement.
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