For Megan Hobbs, success has always been about creating opportunities and making an impact, from leading a global research team focused on aquaculture nutrition and health to mentoring young people.

Passionate about agriculture, Megan Hobbs believes success comes from continually investing in innovation, ongoing learning and strong, meaningful relationships.

Originally from Scottsburg, Indiana, Megan Hobbs studied animal science at Oklahoma State University. During her time at OSU, she competed on the 2002 National Champion Meat Judging team, which opened doors in the meat industry and shaped her future career, she said.

As a senior, she received the 2004 OSU Animal and Food Sciences Senior Leadership Award, recognizing her work ethic and commitment to the department during her time as a student.

“It was an honor,” Megan Hobbs said. “Not many people receive that, and as an out-of-state student, it meant even more because it showed the people around me believed in my personal drive.”

Gretchen Mafi, meat science professor in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences, said Megan Hobbs’ determination and curiosity are very easy to recognize.

“She constantly pushes to learn more and takes every opportunity seriously,” Mafi said.

Immediately after completing her master’s degree from OSU, Megan Hobbs began her career at Tyson Foods, where she worked alongside mentors who helped shape her passion for innovation, serving customers and strategic business.

Many encouraged her to focus on long-term innovation in the red meat industry and think beyond immediate results, Megan Hobbs said.

Megan Hobbs transitioned to Cargill Meat Solutions, where she started an 18-year career as a food scientist. She spent 15 years in the Cargill Protein North America business as a scientist, managing portions of the business and leading the research and development innovation team, she said.

“You realize that no two days are ever the same,” Megan Hobbs said. “The industry is always evolving, so you have to rely on both your business mindset, people mindset and your scientific technical skills.”

Today, Megan Hobbs serves as the senior director of research and development, aquaculture nutrition and health leader within Cargill’s Animal Nutrition and Health business, where she works across multiple disciplines spanning research, strategy and team leadership in countries such as Norway, Chile and Ecuador.

Megan Hobbs’ work often begins early in the morning with calls to colleagues overseas and continues throughout the day with teams across several countries, Megan Hobbs said.

“I start the day typically talking with our Norway team and sometimes end the day talking with our team in Chile,” Megan Hobbs said.

Working with international teams has given her a broader perspective on aquaculture and innovation, Megan Hobbs said. While cultures and priorities may vary across countries, the importance of trust and consistency remains constant, she added.

“The brand does not change. The scientific needs do not change, and the customers’ expectations do not change,” Megan Hobbs said. “What varies is the talent, the knowledge and the different perspectives.”

Despite a demanding career, Megan Hobbs has remained closely connected to agricultural production through Hobbs Show Lambs, a show lamb operation she and her husband, Joe Hobbs, run together.

While Joe Hobbs manages the day-to-day responsibilities of the flock, Megan Hobbs contributes to the operation’s marketing and business strategy, staying actively involved even while traveling for her career, Megan Hobbs said.

Staying involved in livestock production helps balance Megan Hobbs’ professional work and keeps her grounded in the agricultural industry, Joe Hobbs said.

Megan Hobbs brings the same dedication to the lamb operation that she brings to a professional career, Joe Hobbs said.

Her focus and ability to move projects forward have helped guide both the livestock program and corporate leadership, he added.

“There is always a goal to accomplish,” Joe Hobbs said. “Megan is very good at figuring out the path forward and keeping people focused on what needs to be done.”

For the Hobbs family, the lamb business is about more than livestock.   Many families who purchase lambs from the operation have become close friends over the years, Joe Hobbs said.

“At this point, it really is about the people,” Joe Hobbs said. “A lot of them are friends that we have known for a long time.”

Megan Hobbs also spends time mentoring young people interested in agriculture. College students and young professionals frequently reach out to her for advice about internships, college and career decisions, Joe Hobbs said.

The couple has also invested in young people through the Hobbs Show Lambs internship program, hosting 16 to 20 interns over the years, Megan Hobbs said.  Most recently, Aiden Montgomery from Orcutt, California, was selected as the 2026 summer intern, Megan Hobbs said.

“Being selected as a Hobbs Show Lambs intern is an exciting opportunity, and I’m grateful for the chance to learn from such a respected program,” Montgomery said. “I look forward to spending more time on the Hobbs farm and gaining more valuable experience in the show lamb industry.”

Megan Hobbs’ leadership and influence in agriculture have also been recognized through several honors, including the OSU Advanced Degree Graduate of Distinction, awarded in 2025, and the Minnie Lou Bradley Trailblazer award in 2026. These awards recognize the impact of Hobbs Show Lambs and Megan Hobbs’ professional career with Cargill.

Giving back to the next generation has also remained a priority for the Hobbs family through the Joe and Megan Hobbs Endowed Scholarship Fund, which supports students pursuing opportunities in the agricultural and livestock industries, Megan Hobbs said.

“Giving back is not just about what I do — it is about what we are doing to shape the youth of tomorrow,” Megan Hobbs said. “If we do not step up for the next generation, who will?”

Bailey Anderson, a longtime friend of Megan and Joe Hobbs, first met them through the Hobbs Show Lamb operation nearly a decade ago and eventually developed a close relationship with the family.

Over time, Megan Hobbs became a mentor who encouraged Anderson to pursue opportunities and challenge her comfort zones, Anderson said.

“Megan constantly challenges me to step outside my comfort zone and pursue new opportunities that help me grow and succeed,” Anderson said.

Megan Hobbs’ leadership is rooted in determination and humility, Joe Hobbs said.

“Whatever Megan focuses on, she will see it through,” Joe Hobbs said. “Megan is not going to quit.”

Looking back on her career, Megan Hobbs said she is most grateful for the people who have invested in helping her grow and succeed.

“I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to see the world and for the people who poured into me along the way,” Megan Hobbs said.

 Story by Madelyn Mitchell | Cowboy Journal