McKenzie Squires on leadership and career impact

23 March 2026

2 minute read

By: Zoetis

Key takeaways

• McKenzie Squires, Zoetis strategic account manager, learned public speaking and leadership skills through FFA that provide her the ability to communicate and lead at every level of the business.
• Zoetis’ long-standing support of FFA helps strengthen the swine industry’s future workforce.
• FFA programs are a vital entry point for the industry’s talent pipeline, preparing the next generation to lead and innovate.

For producers, the future of the industry depends on more than swine genetics, nutrition and technology; it depends on people. FFA provides skills and experience that help build and strengthen the talent pipeline that fuels the industry long after the blue jackets are hung up.

FFA skills translate to professional success

McKenzie Squires, a Zoetis strategic account manager, is a real world example of how FFA prepares students for success in the livestock industry. Squires’ FFA journey began early, as she grew up actively exhibiting livestock, livestock judging and holding various leadership roles. Her FFA experience started in eighth grade, when she was a participant in livestock judging competitions. She served as a chapter officer before being elected Oklahoma State FFA Secretary, representing the Oklahoma FFA organization at a statewide and national level while continuing her education at Oklahoma State University.

For Squires, the FFA experience shaped more than memories. Through FFA events such as livestock judging, public speaking and leadership opportunities, she learned how to organize her thoughts, communicate clearly and confidently to defend a position. These are all skills she relies on for her role at Zoetis.

“Whether I’m working with farm-level caregivers or presenting in the boardroom, the ability to communicate effectively is critical,” Squires said. “That foundation was built through FFA.”

For her customers, the connection Squires has with FFA matters. Many leaders in the swine industry can trace their roots back to 4-H and FFA programs. Squires explains there’s often a misconception that youth livestock programs and commercial production exist in separate worlds. The reality is the industry talent pool often begins in these youth programs.

Building the future workforce through FFA support

Working for a company that supports FFA reinforces that connection. At Zoetis, mentorship, professional development and community involvement are part of the culture. Squires notes she and several of her co-workers have stayed involved in FFA through judging contests, supporting local chapter events and helping students explore careers in animal health and production.

For swine producers, FFA is more than tradition; it is about workforce development. By investing in programs that teach leadership, accountability and communication, the industry helps ensure the next generation is ready to lead, innovate and grow the swine industry at every level.

Zoetis’ commitment to FFA

Zoetis supports FFA through national partnerships, career development events and programs that return a portion of the proceeds from its veterinary products back to local FFA chapters. The company invests directly in developing future leaders for agriculture and animal health through the veterinary science career development events that focus on animal health careers.