Just Another Day at the Office...

Well, we didn't get to go sheep pruning.  If you are unaware, when I say sheep pruning I actually mean sheep shearing.  It was an inside joke, which I feel like will be commonplace during this internship.Anyway, I had plenty of stuff to work on since sheep pruning didn't work out.

Dr. Whittier shows us different needle sizes

Like I mentioned during my last post, I continued with the Livestock and Forages in-service.  Early on Wednesday morning, those of us looking to become BQA certified did our chute-side training with Dr. Dee Whittier.  He showed us proper techniques for moving cattle in a pen and into a chute.  These techniques are to not only reduce stress in the animal, but for safety of the handler.  Following getting a steer into the headlock we were shown proper technique for giving subcutaneous shots (under the skin), intramuscular shots (in the muscle), and growth implants (in the ear).  We were able to practice the subcutaneous and intramuscular shots.  Even though I have given shots before, it's great to get a refresher and some practice.  Especially since because of BQA standards, shots should be given in the neck (in order to provide quality product and still adequately treat the animal) and that can be more difficult than the old-school approach to giving the shot in the rump.  Along with these demonstrations Dr. Whittier explained several things including the variety of needle sizes and when to choose which size.  Whenever possible, it is better to use a smaller needle size to reduce losing the injection and prevent infection.  I really enjoyed going through the BQA Train-the-Trainer process and look forward to using and teaching these techniques in the future!

Jeannie talks with a producer about his rye crop

Following the wrap-up of the in-service Jeannie and I headed back to the land of Giles and worked in the office.  I continued working on some of my projects. We wrapped up the day with a farm visit with Jeannie.  There is a producer that wanted his rye forage tested, and for her to look at his pasture.  We collected samples from the bales and also took soil samples for him as well.  He was really happy for us to visit and invited us to visit his cattle farm.

On Thursday, I mostly focused on the marketing of the Pumpkin Planting Workshop including the flyers, news article, and updating the Facebook page with an event. I also continued working on the bulletin board for outside the office, with June is Dairy Month theme.  Thursday was still an adjustment day, since I haven't spent much of my time so far working at a desk.  Since cooperative extension has a focus on community viability, Giles extension is participating with Pearisburg Festival in the Park next weekend.  I went with Cora to planning meeting for it at the end of the day.  I will be working the festival next Friday and Saturday, so it was good to understand what is going on behind the scenes.  

Friday, I became more adjusted to the office environment.  I finished up a few tasks for Cora, such as moving stuff for 4-H camp next week, picking up shirts (also for camp) in Christiansburg, and another news article.  I was really excited to see the bulletin board come together!  Surrounding the famous American Gothic photo (with one of the painter's quotes) are dairy farming facts relating to human nutrition, animal welfare, environmental impact, and food safety.  I hope that passer-byes enjoy and learn from the board.  Getting things checked off my to-do list for the office was a great way to end my first full week of work!

"All the good ideas I ever had, came to me while I was milking a cow." -Grant Wood

More and more I am getting to experience the variety of responsibilities of an extension agent.  From farm visits to news releases, there is so much to observe and learn.  It can be difficult to balance so many responsibilities, especially ones than can vary so much from each other. This is emphasizing the importance of organization, time-management, and team work.  By having all of these in the office, so much more stuff gets done.  I hope to keep learning from Jeannie and Cora about these valuable skills.

Thanks again for visiting and be ready for my adventures next week!