Tyllor Ledford

B.S. Agricultural and Applied Economics, Fall 2019
M.S. Agricultural and Applied Economics, Summer 2021

Hometown: Durango, CO

Tyllor graduated from Texas Tech University in 2021 with both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Agricultural and Applied Economics, focusing her research on food security and conflict in Sub-Saharan Africa. Recently promoted to Assistant Regional Director for South and Southeast Asia for U.S. Wheat Associates, Tyllor provides market commentary and develops resources for stakeholders. Currently residing in Portland, Oregon, she enjoys trail running, serving in her church, and spending time with her dog.

Q&A With Tyllor

Why did you choose the Agricultural and Applied Economics department to pursue your degree?

I started off in Animal Science with aspirations of going into healthcare/vet school, but after taking Chemistry I quickly realized it wasn’t the right path for me. I decided to switch to Agricultural Economics because of its business focus, which I felt would serve as a strong foundation for a variety of careers. I ended up loving the classes, the department, and the professors — so when the opportunity arose to pursue a master’s degree, at the recommendation of faculty and staff in the AAEC office, I decided to stay. Plus, I had also been working as a student assistant for the department, so I already felt at home there. The smaller class sizes and the way the professors genuinely invested in their students made it an easy decision.

Share a defining moment from your time in our department

My defining moment came when I studied abroad at the Texas Tech University Center in Seville, Spain, through the department, taking courses in agricultural marketing and trade. It was my first time traveling outside the U.S., and the experience was truly formative. It exposed me to international agribusiness and trade and sparked a love for traveling and connecting with people from different cultures that I hadn’t expected. That trip would eventually lead me to pursue a second study abroad program and, ultimately, a career in international trade.

Share challenges you faced early in your career

Early in my career, I definitely faced challenges with imposter syndrome, and honestly, I still do at times! As a young new hire in an organization filled with 20-year veterans, it can be intimidating to question what you actually bring to the table. But with time comes confidence. Confidence in my abilities and knowledge, and in myself. I've also learned to recognize and lean into my unique strengths.

What skills did you learn in our department that became the most valuable in your career?

I’m in a unique position of actually applying a lot of what I learned in college on a daily basis. The department gave me a strong foundation in economics and trade, which has real-world applications as I analyze commodity markets and deal with complex real-world trade issues. I also learned marketing principles and tools that I use frequently. But most of all, a strong proficiency in Excel has been the single best skill I took from the department. I work with complex spreadsheets daily and having that background allows me to navigate them with ease and even help improve tools and processes within my organization.

What impact does your work have, and who benefits from it?

U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) is the export market development organization for the U.S. wheat industry. USW promotes the reliability, quality, and value of all six classes of U.S. wheat to buyers, millers, bakers, food processors, and government officials in more than 100 countries around the world. Its mission is to ‘develop, maintain, and expand international markets to enhance wheat’s profitability for U.S. wheat producers and its value for their customers.’ Every day, we work to open new markets for U.S. wheat producers, support trade, and help provide high-quality food for people around the world.

What would you suggest to students in the department?

Get involved outside the classroom, go on a study abroad, do an internship, and push yourself outside your comfort zone! Take a genuine interest in your professors and classmates and build your network. These relationships can be incredibly helpful down the road, whether you're searching for a job, have a question, or just need some mentorship and advice!

What does it mean to be the part of this department? What do you hope to give back, and what legacy do you want to build?

I hope to help educate students about unique and unexpected career paths and show how they can merge their different passions into a rewarding and fulfilling career. My current career is one I never even dreamed would be possible, so I want to encourage students to get out of their comfort zone, seek new experiences, and take advantage of everything the department and Texas Tech have to offer — because you never know what doors will open once you take that first step!