How a fifth-generation rancher and FFA leader found her calling in agricultural communications at Oregon State
Tayleur Baker
By Jessica Florescu, CLA Student Writer - February 18, 2026
Before arriving in Corvallis, Tayleur Baker grew up on her family’s ranch near Burns, Oregon, where she worked as a fifth-generation cattle rancher and an active member of the region’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4-H organizations. Both youth leadership programs helped her develop tangible career skills and a deeper connection to agriculture, which informed her decision to attend Oregon State, focusing on agricultural communications.
Baker was nine years old when she first became involved in 4-H, leading to a years-long passion of showing livestock. After many years of competing through elementary, middle, and high schools, Baker began to prepare and mentor younger participants for showing animals, such as livestock and swine.
“One of my favorite memories was a competition during my sophomore year of high school,” Baker explained. “I was defending a two-time grand champion title in the final drive for my event and the judge ended up giving the win to a girl I’d mentored. It was really special to see.”
Over the course of her time involved in FFA, Baker participated in a variety of competitive events and attended the National Convention twice, which included receiving the 2024 American Degree, the highest award achievable in the National FFA Organization achieved only through exceptional dedication to her chapter. A favorite FFA competition event of Baker’s was Extemporaneous Speaking, which involves creating a four to six minute speech after only 30 minutes of preparation, as well as events surrounding discussing agricultural issues.
Right before her senior year of high school, Baker had the opportunity to attend the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Youth Tour in Washington D.C., where she was able to interact with politicians and advocacy groups.
“After meeting with senators and representatives,” she explained, “I began to notice the disparities in agriculture education. I decided that I wanted to advocate for agriculture to bridge the gap between producers and consumers.”
These events, and her wider involvement with FFA and 4-H, inspired Baker to enroll at OSU as an agricultural science major with a minor in communication, with financial support from the coveted GE-Ronald Reagan Foundation Scholarship. Reflecting more on her experience with the NRECA, along with her continued positive experiences in the School of Communication, as well as the Honors College, Baker decided to flip her major and minor.
“Advanced Interpersonal Communication [COMM 318] with Dr. Colin Hesse was very influential in solidifying my choice in changing to a communications studies major,” said Baker. “In addition to agricultural communication and leadership courses with Dr. Whitney Stone and Dr. Haley Traini.”
Outside of the classroom, Baker has interned with the 4-H Youth Development program through the OSU Extension for all three of her years at OSU. During her first year, Baker was assigned to help with Extension communications from the office in Harney County, then, during her second and third years, she was focused on statewide communication, which included writing press releases, as well as producing videos and taking photos.
After graduating from OSU next year , Baker plans on entering the agriculture communications field. . Aside from academics, her favorite hobbies include baking, dancing, spending time with friends, and leading a Bible study group.
Baker expressed, "Equipped by OSU, fueled by ambition, and led by my faith, I look forward to serving communities and loving others in the future.”