Burnet FFA Member Applies Herd Health Management to Nursing School
Friday, June 26, 2026 | Author: Natalie Brennan, Texas FFA Communications Intern
Hannah Brooks of Burnet FFA is utilizing her Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) at Evans Livestock to benefit both her medical career and her family’s ranching legacy.
“Some may wonder how animals relate to human anatomy, but the learning process is very similar,” Brooks said. “My responsibilities include a wide variety of tasks related to livestock management, including daily care, flushing and embryo transfer procedures, and maintaining accurate records.”
Brooks said that she has been involved with Evans Livestock since before she was old enough to show animals. Her role started with feedings and vaccinations, and have since developed into a full scope of work.
“During kidding season, it's all hands on deck, especially after school,” Brooks said. “I assist with vaccinating, tagging, and evaluating the kids. I’ve often had to leave school events to help birth kids in my school clothes because duty calls when they cannot get a kid out. I am the best at pulling kids because I have small hands and arms to reach in and move the head, legs, or body around into a better position to come out. This helps save not only
the kid’s life but that of the nanny as well.”
Brooks said that one of her biggest accomplishments is developing her skills in not only recognizing respiratory issues in goats, but also doing it quickly. Recognizing behaviors such as being lethargic, sunken flanks or eyes, and not wanting to play with the other kids can indicate these issues.
“Sometimes, you have to slow down and really observe their behavior by listening, watching, and paying attention to signs that the animal is struggling,” Brooks said. “With the help and guidance of my grandfather, I’ve gotten better at recognizing respiratory problems sooner and treating the animals more quickly.”
Brooks aims to keep her herd healthy and prevent issues by being observant and paying attention to animal behaviors that indicate sickness.
“These lessons will support not only my future in agriculture but also my long-term career goal of attending The University of Texas to major in nursing and become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologist (CRNA),” Brooks said. “These experiences have helped me to better understand the surgical process and will support me as I work toward a career in healthcare.”
Brooks’ successful SAE project was recognized at the 2025 Texas FFA State Convention as the Star Chapter in Placement.
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