A lifelong rural resident, agriculture advocate and all-around people person, Allison Beichner (Beet-ner) was once told that she should write a book about her life and the experiences she has had while growing up in 4-H and a rural community.
In her youth, Allison made her home in Northeastern Ohio until the purchase of a part-time farm relocated the family to Mercer County, Pennsylvania. As a Mercer County 4-H Alumni, her career path led her to pursue a degree in Animal Sciences with a focus on Agribusiness Management and a minor in Poultry Science from Pennsylvania State University.
While attending college, a college advisor told Allison, “Don’t let school get in the way of your education.” She has held that adage top of mind as she moved through both her educational and professional career. She has devoted her time to numerous agricultural and community organizations growing a vast network of contacts and building a strong communications and public speaking skill set in addition to a unique approach to problem solving.
She has had the opportunity to serve the greater population of both the state, region and country as she worked in the poultry industry for Hy-line North America focusing on egg laying hen genetics as well as egg production to produce the flu vaccine.
Currently, Allison is YBS Relationship Manager with Horizon Farm Credit serving young, beginning and small farmers in 40 counties of Western Pennsylvania with a diversified demographic of part-time and full-time farmers. Working in this subsect of agriculture has provided her with the opportunity to help develop and grow financial and business management skills amongst the region’s farmers. During her time with Farm Credit, she has developed a true passion for serving this unique segment and enjoys leveraging her network to further the education of others.
Allison and her husband have spent time as residents in various areas across the state and currently reside on his family’s farm in Shippenville, Clarion County. During her down time, Allison enjoys spending time on the farm with her husband, son, their animals and cooking homegrown meals for family and friends.
