Q&A with Rachel McGreal

As the daughter of a fourth-generation grain farmer, Rachel McGreal saw firsthand how misinformed and disconnected some consumers were about agriculture production, especially when it came to genetically modified foods. McGreal didn’t know how to combat this until she took part in the FFA Agricultural Communications Career Development Event in high school. 

“Taking this on helped me realize that pursuing a degree in agricultural communications would give me the knowledge and tools to correct common misconceptions about agriculture,” McGreal says.

McGreal studied agricultural communications with a concentration in journalism and a minor in food and environmental sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

SF: What class at the University of Illinois left a lasting impression on you?

RM: In an international agricultural communications course I took, we would “visit” a different country every week. We learned about their agriculture and agricultural communications industry and then met with an ag journalist in that country. This class gave me a global awareness that I didn’t have before and made my world a whole lot bigger. It gave me perspective into how different, yet similar, agriculture and agricultural communications is in other countries. 

SF: What clubs or activities were you involved in while at college?

RM: I have been involved in Illini Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow all four years and have served as secretary, vice president, and president. I also had the privilege to serve on the National Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow officer team for two years, one as vice president and one as president. I was also a member of the Illini Equine Rescue Society for two years and became a member of Delight Ministries on campus. Along with my internship at Farm Credit Illinois, I have taken on several freelance photography and videography jobs for the university and some ag companies.

SF: Who has served as a mentor for you?

RM: I can’t pick just one. Dr. Owen Roberts and Heather Miller have both been mentors to me in my academic ventures at the U of I. Dr. Roberts is an instructor and the director of the agricultural communications program, and Heather Miller is a former agricultural communications instructor. They have helped me become a stronger leader in the classroom and in my leadership roles through the years in Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow.

Liz Harder has also been a wonderful mentor. She was my supervisor while I interned with the Marketplace Engagement Department at Farm Credit Illinois. She equipped me with real-world experience I will use every day in my future career and is always willing to share valuable and honest career advice.

SF: If you could give an incoming freshman one piece of advice, what would it be?

RM: Get involved in as many things as you can outside of the classroom. The classes I have taken have given me an essential foundation of skills, but my biggest growth has taken place through professional organizations and internships. Career-related, real-world endeavors give you experiences you just can’t get in a classroom. They open you up to a network of industry expertise and set you up for success in your future career.