Now we are at week 7. Kind of teary eyed. I am already starting to look towards the next steps but it has been rather slow. These days, I have been wondering what I will do this fall since I won't be at school.
Monday
Telemonday. Today I actually found out that I could get reimbursed for the trip to MACAA. I think after doing it a few times, this process is starting to get a lot easier.
Also, look at this. I am really glad that I got to make something tangible. I still have to make a longer one but I am really proud of this. Please watch it so more watch time can be added.
Telework today since Haley and Sarah are still at NACA. It's been pretty warm too. So much so that hr sent out a heat advisory. It's tough today. Especially at the farm.
I stopped by the office. Not much happened today but I did end up entering a lot of blueberry taste data. Not much else though.
Thursday
Today Haley came back to the Wico office. We decided to set up another taste panel to get more data using the samples we already have.
I also ended up helping with the bug nets at LESREC. Haley and I took out these bugs called corn earworms. They actually grow up to be moths.
We ended up bagging the moths. Here is what they look like:
They look a little uncomfy. But these nets are important because they help extension identify the bug populations. This helps farmers determine how much bug spray to use on crops.
The kale fields seem to be doing very well!
Some bugs we collected for Emily. These are called corn earworms in moth form.
Friday
It's a big day today. Here I helped administer a taste panel. We tested about 5 blackberries and 6 blueberries. We ended up getting a lot of results from the Dorchester Office.
Here are some of the tested varieties.- Blackberry Varieties: Caddo, Galaxy, Natchez, Osage, Ouachita
- Blueberries: Bianca Blue, Blue Crop, Duke, Last Call, Jupiter Blue, Valor
As you can see below, taste panels require a lot of cups and plates.
I think I am starting to learn about the interconnected nature of our agricultural systems. Agriculture has a long history and it can be connected to dark events like colonialism. Systems that still operate today. I think last week's session on that sort of history, especially when considering the tribal lands that the US rests on, is really important. I hope to take up that attitude especially in my next line of work.
I think that because I have been exposed to so many people throughout my time here, I have developed more cultural competencies as they call it. Patience and empathy are especially important considering the current political times. I would say actually getting outside and connecting with other offices and farmers is crucial to weathering any storm.
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