Proud to intern on a dairy

by Progressive Dairyman Assistant Editor Ryan Curtis

We are excited to announce a new section of our Proud to Dairy website called “Jobs.” We are calling on all dairy producers, industry professionals and educators to help in the search for internship opportunities. Feel free to pass this information along to anyone who may be interested in participating.

In speaking with college students and recent graduates, Proud to Dairy saw a need for a national resource for dairy farm internships. We recognize that National Dairy Shrine has an excellent listing of internships, but we feel it is more allied industry focused rather than dairy farm focused. Using a new feature on our site, we hope to provide a resource where students across the country can find information about dairy farm internships in whatever state or region they may be interested in.

In order to provide the most comprehensive list possible, we need your help. We are looking for contact information for dairy producers who would be willing to provide a learning experience to college students through internships. We would also like to feature contact information for any dairy organizations and college/university programs that provide services for connecting students with dairy producers.

Below is a suggested form to help provide students who are searching for internship opportunities with as much information as possible:

About the farm
Farm name:
Contact person:
Contact e-mail and/or phone:
Location:
Herd size and make up:
Number of acres:

Requirements of intern
Age/course year of intern:
Required courses and/or experience:
Other qualifications:

Details
Housing provided?
Dates/duration of internship:
Number of slots available:
Responsibilities during internship:
Application deadline?

Please send completed forms to Emily Caldwell at emily@progressivedairy.com along with any other information that would be useful.

If you haven’t been to Proud to Dairy recently, you are missing out. The third week of November was full of Midwest dairy pride. Two dairy producers expressed their pride in dairying in Michigan. Karen Lee reported on her involvement with PDPW’s Youth Leadership Derby in Milton, Wisconsin. Emily Caldwell chronicled some wonderful examples of proud dairy producers in Minnesota. November also saw California fall out of the top four in membership as Ohio passed them in the ranks.

In December, we will find out more about the Northwest. Take a minute to post a blog and tell your story. Ask questions or leave comments for our members and get involved. One dairy producer asked about washing machines, and is still looking for some help with those questions. Have you had some problems or successes with washing machines that might benefit this member?

One last thought. Christmas is a season of giving and time with family. In my mind, the most important gift is time with family. The most important treasures I hold dear are the memories created over the years. Every important memory revolves around family: standing around a piano singing Christmas carols while my mom played; delivering food or gifts to those in need; and seeing the joy and excitement in family members’ faces as we share stories of Christmases past. Try to find ways to give your family memories that they will cherish for years to come, whether it’s through new traditions, continuing old traditions or finding ways to help others together.

Dairy producers are a special part of society. Keep giving, and be proud of who you are and where you came from. PD