This week was a back and forth of chill and chaos. Monday kicked off the week by getting some things done around the office such as cleaning out a storage area and tying up some loose ends on the computer from previous training. In the afternoon I joined our weekly intern connection where we discussed a conservation article and heard from Michele Walfred about agricultural communication. Being an Ag Com major I found her lecture very interesting and was excited to learn potential career opportunities for me in the future. So far during this internship I’ve not only been able to practice communications through this blog, but have started more opportunities with my mentors such as writing pieces for monthly newsletters and creating infographics or using social media for other ag advocating events. I have noticed that many people have learned about me through my blog posts and are excited to see what I do this summer. I hope that I can continue to deliver this effective communication with the projects my mentors have tasked me with!
Tuesday was a little more hands on at the research center as I spent the morning moving livestock to new pastures, taking down fencing, and cleaning water troughs. Once I completed these tasks and had all the animals where they belonged I headed to the extension office for Washington County. At the office I helped Jeff with finalizing a dairy evaluation team activity that Rylee and I had drafted last week. Once we were happy with that, I began helping prepare for the 4-H day camp that is coming up at the end of June. I tested markers, sharpened pencils, tested walkie-talkies, and helped gather other supplies.
Wednesday was a fun filled day where I joined many agents and interns on the MACAA tour traveling to six different locations. I had a lot of fun this day learning about these specific operations and various agricultural industries. While all of our stops were amazing, my favorites were probably Willow Oaks Farm in Monkton and Clear Meadow Farm in White Hall. Willow Oaks was a beautiful farm with retired horses, brood mares, and foals. I learned a lot about the racing industry on this visit and loved meeting all their horses. Clear Meadow Farm was very intriguing to me as I got to learn more about the grain industry in Maryland and hear about how they manage the impressive acreage that they farm. Overall, it was a great day meeting new people from the community and getting to know my fellow interns and agents!
Thursday was another office day continuing to assist the extension office with camp and fair prep. I did a lot of laminating, copying, and organizing. Additionally, I was able to complete my training so that I can help during the week of camp. I have never participated in 4H camp so I am excited to see how it works and meet and educate the kids.
Lastly, Friday morning was busy once again rotating pastures for the sheep and cattle. Amanda and I also collected forage samples for the study and weighed them. We stayed cool the remainder of the day working in the office and wrapping up computer work for the week.
I am looking forward to meeting more people and touring the campus next week!
Tuesday was a little more hands on at the research center as I spent the morning moving livestock to new pastures, taking down fencing, and cleaning water troughs. Once I completed these tasks and had all the animals where they belonged I headed to the extension office for Washington County. At the office I helped Jeff with finalizing a dairy evaluation team activity that Rylee and I had drafted last week. Once we were happy with that, I began helping prepare for the 4-H day camp that is coming up at the end of June. I tested markers, sharpened pencils, tested walkie-talkies, and helped gather other supplies.
Wednesday was a fun filled day where I joined many agents and interns on the MACAA tour traveling to six different locations. I had a lot of fun this day learning about these specific operations and various agricultural industries. While all of our stops were amazing, my favorites were probably Willow Oaks Farm in Monkton and Clear Meadow Farm in White Hall. Willow Oaks was a beautiful farm with retired horses, brood mares, and foals. I learned a lot about the racing industry on this visit and loved meeting all their horses. Clear Meadow Farm was very intriguing to me as I got to learn more about the grain industry in Maryland and hear about how they manage the impressive acreage that they farm. Overall, it was a great day meeting new people from the community and getting to know my fellow interns and agents!
Thursday was another office day continuing to assist the extension office with camp and fair prep. I did a lot of laminating, copying, and organizing. Additionally, I was able to complete my training so that I can help during the week of camp. I have never participated in 4H camp so I am excited to see how it works and meet and educate the kids.
Lastly, Friday morning was busy once again rotating pastures for the sheep and cattle. Amanda and I also collected forage samples for the study and weighed them. We stayed cool the remainder of the day working in the office and wrapping up computer work for the week.
I am looking forward to meeting more people and touring the campus next week!
My mentor, Amanda, took this photo of me while we were at Willow Oaks farm. I enjoyed getting to meet all the horses and see the beautiful property!
This is a photo of a See & Spray John Deere sprayer that Clear Meadow Farm was demoing. This sprayer has 120 foot booms lined with cameras that can detect select plants to be spot sprayed.
Starbright farm was our last stop of the day on our MACAA tour. The lavender fields were beautiful and I learned so much about the distillation process to make hydrosols.
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