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Success Story

Celebrating Women’s History Month

Kathryn Menke – Working to inspire others through NRCS
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Originally from Corpus Christi, Texas, Kathryn Menke grew up gaining a passion for the outdoors and a love for the land while visiting family ranches with her parents.

By D'Andrea Escobar

NRCS Texas District Conservationist

Originally from Corpus Christi, Texas, Kathryn Menke grew up gaining a passion for the outdoors and a love for the land while visiting family ranches with her parents.

In high school, Kathryn’s interest in agriculture grew as her friends participated in Future Farmers of America (FFA), and following high school, Kathryn attended Texas A&I University (now called Texas A&M University-Kingsville) with goal of becoming an “Ag” teacher. After taking her first animal science class her plans quickly changed and upon graduating with a Bachelor’s in Animal Science, she became the Assistant County Extension Agent in Webb County, Texas.

Years later, she moved to Pearsall to become the county extension agent for Frio County. As the County Extension Agent, Kathryn worked closely with local farms, ranchers, and landowners. She also worked with employees of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) at the numerous field days and workshops she organized and hosted. Through the success of these events and her obvious passion for agriculture, she was encouraged by NRCS employees to apply to the agency, and in 2002, Kathryn was hired as the District Conservationist for La Salle County in Cotulla, Texas.

There are many aspects of working for NRCS Kathryn said she admires. She loves helping producers on a more personal level, building working relationships while helping them achieve their goals and objectives for the land. To her, it is very rewarding to see the ranchers reach their goals and get the most out of the land, while conserving natural resources. Kathryn works closely with not only producers but coworkers, as well, to ensure conservation is being put on the ground.

She said she admires and appreciates the constant comradery between NRCS employees through every aspect of the job.

Outside of work, Kathryn enjoys spending time with her husband, Roy Joaquin Menke, and their daughter, Abby Love Menke, in the great outdoors. She likes to bird hunt and shoot with her husband and has recently picked up a few new hobbies that include fly fishing, kayaking, and bow hunting.

Her role as a conservationist extends beyond work hours to their family ranch, where her family continuously implements various conservation practices. Kathryn has been able to not only help others become a steward of the land but also share this with her family and friends.

(Editor’s note: Are YOU interested in a rewarding, full-time career with NRCS Texas? Whether you are still in high school, just out of college, or looking for a job change that takes you out of the office and reconnected with the land, we may have something for you. Texas NRCS is currently hiring recent college graduates and direct hires now! Find all our latest career opportunities and job listing on USAJobs.gov. Also check out the Texas NRCS YouTube channel to hear from NRCS employees about careers with our agency.)

Manke photo outdoors