Brekke grew up in rural Wyoming on an elk refuge surrounded by rangeland and cattle. She fell in love with agriculture while working at a local vet clinic and realized that quality forage or feed is vital for healthy livestock. Brekke went to school to become a vet but luckily was asked to get a master's degree in plant breeding for specialty oilseeds. This venture made her then think, a good medium is needed to grow forage in to obtain healthy animals. Her interest in soils was sparked which led to a Ph.D in Agronomy. Brekke also has an M.S. in Plant Science Plant Genetics and B.S. in Animal Systems-Biotechnology. "Farmers and ranchers are exceptional land managers and I am inspired to find ways to make their livelihood sustainable!"