Audri Byers

Meet Audrianna Byers - Cultivating a future in agricultural law

Expected graduation year: Spring 2027

Hometown: Wichita, Kansas

Why did you decide to attend Kansas State University and the College of Agriculture?

My parents are both K-State alumni, but I thought I would be different and go to another university. However, they encouraged me to visit, and it felt like home. I could see myself here for the next four years. Growing up, we moved around a lot, but wherever we were, we would always have a K-State game on. I think from day one, K-State was going to be home for me.

I knew I wanted to go to law school, but my dad, who works in the grain industry, pushed me to tour the College of Agriculture. During my visit, I spoke with some of the advisors and learned that agricultural economics has a dedicated pre-law track. I have always been passionate about the environment, and after learning about the program, it felt like all the pieces were clicking into place. The moment I stepped foot in my first ag econ class, I knew that that was the place for me.

What kind of hands-on learning has enhanced your education at K-State?

As an ag major, I’ve taken many electives that involve hands-on learning. Last year, I took an agronomy elective, and those labs were extremely hands-on. I believe it will help me better understand the people I’ll be representing later in my career. Whether it is in class, in organizations or in the Manhattan community, there is something that you can learn.

I think understanding what farmers, ranchers and other agriculturalists do to make a living has been helpful, since I don’t come from a farming background. I appreciate the people who fuel America. My job in Topeka exposes me to current agricultural policies, including how upcoming bills will affect farmers and real people. I don’t think I would have had as much appreciation for it if I hadn’t taken certain ag classes.

What kind of professional development has K-State provided for you in your academic journey?

The opportunities at K-State have definitely set me up for success, not just in the classroom but also in the industry. Currently, I’m a Flinchbaugh fellow, a professional fellowship named after Barry Flinchbaugh, a former K-State professor. It centers around agricultural law and policy. Once you are accepted, you are connected to a number of industry resources. Through those connections in the ag policy realm, I secured a part-time position at the Kansas Capitol with the Kansas Grain and Feed Association, where I deepened my understanding of the industry.

I sit in on the various committee meetings where we discuss pinpoint issues like rebudgeting the state’s water plan, how that affects our constituents and how to lower property taxes. There is an ethanol tax credit that hit the docket. The ethanol tax credit benefits farmers who produce corn and sorghum, so the higher demand for e15 ethanol means we’re supporting sorghum and corn farmers in Kansas. We’ve been keeping an eye out for the key issues that the people we represent care about. I also talk with other lobbyists, senators and representatives in the Capitol. It’s been a very positive experience.

This summer, as a stipulation of the fellowship, I will be in Washington, D.C., working in ag policy. It’s great to have K-State in my corner, supporting me through an incredible opportunity.

What clubs or organizations are you involved in on campus?

I am in the Student Government Association. My first year, I was a senator for the College of Agriculture. Then I became a caucus leader. In SGA Senate, we represent the College of Ag and write legislation, allocate funds, recognize different organizations on campus, debate, vote and pass bills. We’re part of committees that distribute funds from the university. This year, I’m the basic needs director in the president’s cabinet, which means I advise and work under the executive branch.

I am a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. I wanted to find a community of people. Sometimes it is intimidating to get out of your shell and talk to new people in college. I always encourage other women to try the recruitment process, even if they’re unsure, because you may find a sorority that’s right for you. If you don’t, there are other ways to get involved on campus. I wanted a group of girls who would push me to be the best version of myself, and I felt Alpha Chi Omega was a good fit. My sorority has been very supportive and flexible with my busy schedule, allowing me to explore everything K-State has to offer. Greek life has been a positive experience for me.

I also started a club called Women in Agriculture for girls who wanted a community within the College of Agriculture and were not involved in Greek life or professional sororities like Sigma Alpha. The College of Business has Women in Business, and I wanted to replicate that for the women in the College of Agriculture. Women in Agriculture was built to support one another, provide mentorship, networking and open doors to professional career paths.

Where do you see your degree taking you after graduation?

Once I graduate from K-State, I intend to go to law school. I’m really passionate about agricultural law or environmental law. I understand how agriculture plays a tremendous role in the greater economy, through trade and policy. After law school, I would love to work with small-town farmers or at a large company focused on agricultural work.