Cain brings passion for agriculture, environment to conservation district

RACHEL CAIN, the new Woodford County Conservation District operations manager, says, “... The things that are going to help conserve our natural resources and help the environment are in turn going to help our farmers.” The Rockcastle County native said she’s currently taking online courses at Murray State University and pursuing a master’s degree in sustainable agriculture. (Photo by Bob Vlach)

Growing up in Rockcastle County, Rachel Cain didn’t live on a farm. That didn’t mean agriculture wasn’t a part of her life. She came from a farming family and remembers spending countless hours as a child with her grandpa, a former high school agriculture teacher, and his cattle. Those on-farm experiences spoke to a fascination and interest in agriculture that only grew as she got older. “I had to seek those experiences. And I did,” Cain said. “I remember taking every agriculture course I could in high school.” It wasn’t until college that Cain made the decision to pursue a career in agriculture. So after earning a bachelor’s degree in animal science at Morehead State University, she took a job as a program assistant – mainly focused on 4-H – with the Rockcastle County Extension Service. Becoming the new Woodford County Conservation District (WCCD) operations manager means Cain, 23, will continue her passion for community outreach and being an advocate for agriculture and the environment. She’ll work directly with farmers and educate them about cost-share programs designed to help them be more successful. She’ll also teach kids and others in the community about conservation and farming as WCCD environmental education coordinator. “... The things that are going to help conserve our natural resources and help the environment are in turn going to help our farmers,” said Cain, who’s pursuing a master’s degree in sustainable agriculture. Cain said she’s been getting acclimated to the responsibilities of being WCCD operations manager since her first day Nov. 23. “Learning what people need and where to find it and who to send them to … there’s a learning curve that I’m working on right now,” she said. Fortunately, activity in her office – like many others – has been slowed by COVID and that’s allowing her to get to know the job and the community. After being interviewed by the WCCD Board, Cain said she knew she was going to be working with good people in a good community. “I’ve not met a single person here in Woodford County,” she said, “that wasn’t just great. Everybody’s been great.”