“After graduation I spent one year working at Walt Disney World in Orlando,”
-Jared Coppess
Jared Coppess, an agricultural communication graduate in 2003, went to work for Disney World using his skills he gained from his minor in landscape horticulture. He worked for the horticulture department and was responsible for the identification and treatment of plant materials at many of the parks, including the theme park and its designated hotel areas.
After a year spent in Florida, Jared spent some time working at a landscaping company in Greenville, Ohio, and then moved to Indiana where he joined the staff of the Indiana Soybean Alliance and Indiana Corn in Indianapolis. As the state corn checkoff was just beginning, Jared’s role was to promote the program to farmers and the grain industry, as well as lobby at the local, state, and federal levels. Before leaving Indiana to return to Ohio, Jared served as the public affairs director for both the corn and soybean organizations, covering the checkoff programs and membership organizations where he developed several successful programs including an Indiana Policy Forum and the Ohio River Barge Tour.
Today, Jared is the District Administrator for the Darke Soil & Water Conservation District and farms with his dad and brother on the side. Jared says that his current role combines two of his passions- agriculture and conservation. He works with local and state leaders to address conservation needs and issues in Darke County. He enjoys interacting with farmers and students to educate them on practices they can implement to improve their soil health.
When he isn’t in the combine, Jared enjoys watching football and cheering on the Buckeyes with his family. He and wife Annette have 3 children- Graham is in the first grade, Colin is in his second year of preschool, and their youngest, Evelyn, turned one this past spring. Also part of the family is an 8 month old golden retriever named Layla.
Jared Coppess, wife Annette, and their three children: Graham, Colin, and Evelyn
When asked what advice to students he had, Jared replied- “My advice for students would be to enjoy their time at OSU. The campus, university and ag college have a lot of great things to offer. Be ready and available to take advantage of them as they come your way. Networking is essential as you move forward in your career, expand your network while in Columbus. You will be amazed how small the ag community really is once you get into your career. And finally, participate in a study abroad program. I was fortunate enough to study at Myerscough College for a summer in England. It was an amazing experience and I made some lifelong friends and memories. Seek these opportunities out while at OSU!”