DVM student earns agriculture-focused professional development opportunity

Third-year DVM candidate Kaleigh Backstrom’s early involvement in 4-H and interest in production agriculture have helped position her for a unique professional development opportunity.

Backstrom was one of 16 students selected for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) Foundation’s 2026 Next Generation program. Students from across the country are participating in the 2026 NASDA Annual Meeting in Portland, Maine, which opened over the weekend and ends on Wednesday.

The program connects university students with leaders in agricultural policy and industry, creating networking opportunities and dialogue around state and federal policy.

Since its inception in 2015, more than 250 students from across the nation have participated in the Next Generation Program. 

Students