Industry Spotlight: Klair Dahlstrom

ZOETIS ANIMAL HEALTH

by Lisa Bryant

Klair (Hartzold) Dahlstrom didn’t follow a conventional path into JRA through the show ring. The Stanford, Illinois, native grew up on a row crop farm, but was led to a passion for the beef industry after she worked on a family friend’s Red Angus ranch, and later gained internships with other producers.

It was a Red Angus breeder who invited Klair into JRA activities from 2013 to 2015. Klair attended JRA Round-Up for three years, along with the Young Stockman Program. In 2015, Klair was awarded the JRA Best All-Around Award.

Klair moved on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in animal science and agribusiness from Oklahoma State University. She now serves as an account manager for Zoetis for the companion animal division. She is a sales representative for preventative medicine, dermatology products and biologicals. In her role, she partners with veterinarians to ensure they have product support, staff training and program awareness.

“I most enjoy working with veterinary teams to ensure their hospital success and their ability to promote the best medicine to pet owners,” Klair said.

Now married and with a newborn baby, Klair makes her home in

Carthage, Missouri. We recently visited with Klair to see how JRA helped prepare her for this career.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS FIELD?

I knew I wanted my career to keep me within the ag industry. The opportunities OSU offered me within the animal science program helped me learn through classroom and hands-on experience. Pairing that education with agricultural business courses helped me become a more rounded student and future employee. I use my business knowledge every day for our farm and to bring more value to my customers.

HOW DID YOUR COLLEGE ACTIVITIES PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR CAREER?

Being involved directly with veterinary medicine wasn’t my original career plan when I started at OSU. The experiences I gained through my extracurricular activities such as research and recruiting helped me develop skills in training, education and networking. These skills, along with strong time management, helped set a strong foundation for being self-motivated and able to use critical skills to work

HOW DID JRA HELP PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR FUTURE?

JRA helped me find a place within the industry and gave me lifelong friends. It is because of the doors JRA opened for me that I am where I am today.

WHO WERE YOUR BIGGEST CHEERLEADERS?

I would have to say Connie VanWye was my biggest cheerleader and mentor from the start. She gave me the opportunity to attend the JRA Round-Up alongside her daughter and niece.

The crew at Red Hill Farms, especially Sarah Jones, were also instrumental in my Red Angus experience, allowing me to work a summer internship on their operation. This is still one of my most cherished memories.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG RED ANGUS ENTHUSIAST?

Don’t pass up on opportunities to experience something new. The best way to find out what you are truly passionate about is through trial and error. B&B