Matthew is a very recent graduate of CSU – graduating in December 2025 with a major in Animal Sciences and a minor in Agricultural Business. During his time at CSU, he was also a member of the CSU Ag Ambassadors. Looking ahead, Matthew would like to work with seedstock cow-calf operations to apply production principles gained through coursework and internship experiences, in addition to applying the detailed experiences gained through his involvement on the Seedstock Merchandising Team. His favorite part of the Seedstock Team is becoming close friends with teammates and working together to solve issues and achieve goals. When Matthew isn’t working in the barn, he enjoys hunting and fishing. When asked why other students should participate in the Seedstock Merchandising Program at CSU, Matthew said, “Seedstock has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my college career, and I believe that this experience is invaluable to anyone who has a desire to work in the livestock industry. This team teaches you how to work in a team setting and overcome adversity while working towards a common goal with a relatively short time frame.” — Matthew Hawkins – Brighton, CO Melanie is a Junior at CSU majoring in Animal Sciences and minoring in Intermediate Law Studies. She’s also very involved on campus – CSU Ag Ambassadors, Ag Leadership Resident Learning Community, Sigma Alpha Professional Sorority, Lideres in Agriculture, and Herd Health Club. Melanie hopes to attend vet school focusing on food animals or law school with an emphasis in ag policy. Her favorite thing about the Seedstock Team has been the people. In her free time, Melanie likes spending time with family, cooking alongside her mom, hanging out with her Corgi Paco, and painting. When asked why other students should participate in the Seedstock Merchandising program at CSU, she said, “It not only sets you up for success and responsibility, but you will get a family through doing this.” — Melanie Astorga Faudoa – Greeley, CO Hailey is a Sophomore at CSU double majoring in Animal Sciences and Equine Science planning to graduate Spring 2028. At CSU, she’s also a member of the Stress Physiology Lab and CSU Ag Ambassadors. After graduation, Hailey would like to work in the area of advanced reproduction technologies in cattle and small ruminants. Her favorite thing about the Seedstock Team has been making breeding recommendations and feeding show heifers as a team on the weekends. When she’s not in the show barn or the sheep barn, Hailey likes wake surfing, snowboarding, and going to the racetrack. When asked why other students should participate in the Seedstock Team, Hailey said, “There is more to the Seedstock Program than what you may think. On the surface, members gain valuable real-world experience in all aspects of cattle management and handling. From working pen cattle in the barn week in and week out or getting sale bulls ready to sell in the spring, there is no doubt that members will come out as better stewards. There is an aspect of this team though that is almost something that can only be experienced. When a group of students with so much passion, determination, and grit come together with a shared goal to be better than the day before, really neat things start to happen. Each year the quality of cattle are getting better, the bull sale’s success is increasing, and people are starting to whisper. It is an honor this year to be apart of such an amazing team and to work with cattle that have such a big history and an even bigger future.” — Hailey Wood – Sacramento, CA Grace is a Sophomore at CSU studying Animal Sciences with a minor in Agricultural Business and plans to graduate Spring 2028. Outside of the Seedstock Team, Grace is a member of the CSU Ag Ambassadors and the Stockgrowers Association. After graduation she hopes to pursue a career in animal breeding and genetics within the seedstock beef cattle industry. Raised on her family’s ranch in Oregon, Grace has developed and shaped a passion for improving genetics and helping producers build more productive, efficient herds. She aims to be part of the next generation driving positive change and long-term progress in the beef industry. To date, Grace’s favorite part of the Seedstock Team has been the memories and relationships made with her team—spending long hours in the barn together washing heifers, having both light-hearted and deep conversations riding to bull sales or more colorful conversations in the picture pen. She has genuinely made friends that will last a lifetime and the Seedstock Team experience has completely changed the trajectory of her college career. When asked why future students should participate in the Seedstock Program at CSU, Grace said, “Joining the Seedstock Program gives you hands-on experience working with cattle every day, from evaluating genetics to helping with management and preparation for our annual bull sale. It’s challenging, it’s fun, and it teaches you skills and lessons that will stick with you long after graduation that you could never gain in a classroom. If you’re looking to grow as a producer, a teammate, and a future leader in the beef industry, this program is an amazing opportunity.” — Grace Stott – Redmond, OR
CSU Bull & Female Sale | 2.21.26
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