Where Are They Now: Anna Brown

01/21/2025
By: Kathy Webster and Anna Brown

Keeping in touch with our past interns and apprentices is always such a pleasure. I enjoy hearing where they’ve landed and what impacted them while at TomKat Ranch. I’ve kept in touch with, Anna Brown (soon to be Dr. Anna Brown!), a former intern/apprentice, and, over the years, witnessed her continue her education in veterinary medicine. Catching up with her is always heartwarming and inspiring. 

How did you find out about TomKat Ranch?

I was visiting my friend Rachel Sullivan, who was apprenticing at TomKat Ranch, and trying to figure out my next steps (I had just finished an internship at Deck Family Farm). I remember it being a very wet winter and we met up with Hayley Strohm, the cattle coordinator at the time. Hayley took us out to one of the pastures to see the cattle. We were in a steep field that was extremely muddy and slippery. I was struck by how beautiful the ranch was so I decided to apply for the internship.

Having recently graduated, I was in a research mindset and looking for an environment that would challenge me intellectually. I was intrigued by and interested in their research and educational initiatives. Additionally, I was fascinated by the work being done with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and Land Trust.

How did you get involved in agriculture/ranching in the first place? 

During my undergraduate studies, I developed a keen interest in climate science, with a focus on soil and crop science. I completed several internships with small farms, which further fueled my passion. Under the guidance of my college mentor, I decided to study abroad in Nepal—this was an ideal choice since I also have a minor in South Asian studies. Originally from Colorado, I missed the mountains, and my mentor believed that researching the Indigenous peoples of Nepal and the impact of climate change on their food systems in the Annapurna mountains would be invaluable.

While in Nepal, I experienced a revelation: I had overlooked a crucial aspect of agriculture—the animal component. I realized that a comprehensive understanding of agriculture must include the significance of animals in Indigenous knowledge systems. This led me to appreciate the importance of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) in relation to animals. Ultimately, this insight inspired me to write my thesis on the subject.

When did you work at TomKat Ranch, for how long, and what was your position? 

I started in the summer of 2017 and stayed through January of 2019 (intern and then interim apprentice and then apprentice).

What was your favorite memory at TomKat Ranch? 

My birthday in 2018 when I got to go out with the livestock and brand and vaccinate and process the calves. It was an early May day and damp out and it was the best experience ever!! It’s hard to pick just one moment. Anytime (the local veterinarians) Dr. Glen or Dr. Michelle came out, I was so into helping them! 

Who was the most influential person during your time at TomKat Ranch? 

That is almost impossible as I worked with everyone. Kathy, and Suzane, and of course Evan, as we worked together, Mark, and Annie taught me a lot about myself. I was in my most formidable years. I think everyone really helped shape who I am now. Everything from food systems to animal care—a very holistic experience.

Where are you and what are you doing now? 

I am in CO and finishing up my vet studies to be a vet in 6 months, and will work as a mixed animal practitioner in the Eastern Plains.

How did your TomKat Ranch experience shape where you are/what you are doing now? 

My exposure to livestock and my understanding of the relationship between animal husbandry, stewardship, land care, and food systems gave me the confidence to pursue farming on my own in Washington. This experience taught me a great deal about animal health and welfare. Consequently, it made perfect sense for me to pursue veterinary school as the next step in my journey.