It's hard to believe that this semester is already halfway over. It's totally flown by, and when I sit back and look at all the things I've done so far it's really encouraging. I'm most exicted to complete my special project in which I'll get the opportunity to create lessons on grain bin safety (one of the topics we push here in the  RHFS department) that will be used in high schools across the area. I'll have to make not just the plans, but figure out activities, handouts, etc as well as create in depth instructor guides to help the teachers better implement the lesson in their classrooms. It's almost like I'll be getting a behind the scenes look at teaching and where some of the resources I'll be using in my future classroom will come from.

Overall, I'm so happy to have this opportunity and to see what hte rest of the semester holds!

Illinois Ag Leadership Interns: Illinois Ag Leadership Interns: Illinois Ag Leader...

I also added many new signs/ logos to my sign box as well as a new door. Here is examples of my new box, i repainted, redecorated, and added the new door window. On my company truck that AgriGold issued me.

Illinois Ag Leadership Interns: Illinois Ag Leadership Interns: Summer Interns Get...

I created 460 field signs. I was required to only put up 400.  I also put up 4 different plots here are an example pf a plot.

Illinois Ag Leadership Interns: Summer Interns Get to Work

I spent the summer doing many different things. from redoing my sign box, to making field signs, and grower researcher prospecting.

WBQA

I've spent the majority of my time with Wisconsin Beef Quality Assurance editing and putting together days and days of video footage that has been taken over the years from various farm visits.  I've been working on everything from current event tips and topics such as early and fence-line weaning, proper cattle handling techniques, and even virtual farm tours.

Below is an example of one I put together on the ease and importance of record keeping, and how one organic beef producer does it.

Farm Technology Days 2012

          One of the highlights of my internship with Wisconsin Beef Quality Assurance was participating in Farm Technology Days.  Farm Tech Days is a three-day outdoor event that showcases the latest improvements in production agriculture.  Each year, it is held in a different county in Wisconsin on a different host family farm.  Visitors get the opportunity to see and talk with more than 600 commercial and educational exhibitors in Tent City.  Exhibitors are there from all over the Midwest showcasing machinery, equipments, facilities, products, and service needs.  This year, Farm Tech Days was held in New Berlin, Wisconsin.  My fellow intern and I were in charge of the Holstein Feeder Display in the beef tent showcasing various different breeds of beef cattle.  It was great meeting people from all over the midwest and being able to answer their questions regarding the display.  It was also the first year the Holstein breed has been represented in the beef tent, which is huge for Wisconsin dairy producers who are starting to utilize their Holstein steers as feeders.

[This was our display in the beef tent prior to the grounds opening]

[Not only was their information about each breed in the beef tent, but there was also animals there representing!]

[Team USA!]

I have one more week here at the extension office! As I look back on all the miles and hours I have spent at the county fairs, camps, and meetings the one thing I can say I have improved upon is patience and photography skills. This summer I was the official picture taker at any event we had. I can know look back and see how much I have improved! This week I had the unique opportunity to be a dead body for our csi/forensics workshop. I never thought I could have so much fun. I helped the kids learn about different blood spatter types, blood types, fingerprinting, and helped them get into their detective mode. While the camp was fun, I have to buckle down and put the finishing touches on my project for next Tuesday the 14th. The program is now at capacity with t-shirts ordered. All I have left to do is order the food and arrive on the 14th with a shining face. I am excited to see how much the 4-H members will learn about local government!!



While I was looking through pictures and doing press releases, I made a video of all the moments captured during my time here at the extension office.