Rylee Brown

 My name is Rylee Brown, and I recently completed my junior year at West Virginia University, where I am majoring in Agricultural Education and Extension. I’m from Kearneysville, West Virginia, where I grew up on my family’s beef and crop farm. My passion for agriculture was shaped early on through active involvement in 4-H and FFA, where I raised a variety of livestock projects and developed a strong foundation in animal care and leadership.

My internship placement is at the Western Maryland Research and Education Center and the Washington County Extension Office. My mentors are Amanda Grev, Pasture and Forage Extension Specialist; Brittany Fletcher, Ruminant Livestock Extension Specialist; and Jeff Semler, Washington County Agriculture & Food Systems Extension Agent. This summer, I will have the opportunity to assist with their ongoing multi-species grazing project, in which sheep and cattle are grazed on fields with different annual and perennial grasses. My duties with this project include animal and grazing management, animal handling, and forage sampling. Through this research, I look forward to learning more about best management practices for grazing animals and the role of various grass types in forage systems.

Additional opportunities during this internship include farm visits and pasture walks, allowing me to engage with producers both inside and outside of Washington County. These experiences provide a unique chance to observe a wide range of farming practices and challenges. During these visits, I will learn from producers through one-on-one interactions and group discussions, and help them improve and modify their practices. Another key responsibility is assisting agents with the promotion of educational resources and events through social media.

Throughout this internship, I am confident that I will gain valuable knowledge and insights from each agent and specialist. Working with both types of professionals will give me a deeper understanding of the responsibilities and rewards associated with their roles. I am especially excited to explore the diverse agriculture of Washington County and Maryland. My goals for this internship are to expand my horizons, build meaningful connections in the field of Agricultural Education and Extension, and gain practical experience. I hope to develop real-life, hands-on skills that will enhance my abilities as an agriculturist and benefit my family’s farm.

I’m excited about the opportunity to continue learning and growing through the Maryland Extension Forage and Livestock Internship, and I look forward to contributing my knowledge, work ethic, and enthusiasm to support Maryland’s agricultural community.