2012 graduate, Virginia Tech
Dairy Genetics Intern with Genex
Based in Shawano, Wisconsin

Background
Q. What is your dairy background?
I grew up on the Rutter’s Dairy Farm in Pensylvania. It consisted of 100 head of registered Holsteins and Guernseys until the herd sold out in 2004.

All the Guernseys but the show herd were sold to Hoard's Dairyman, and the Holsteins were sold privately to herds in the area. The Guernsey heifers are still raised on the farm, and the cows are milked at another location. For the heifers, I am responsible for the mating decisions.

Q. In what area did you obtain a degree?
I graduated with a bachelor's of science in dairy science and a focus in statistics.

Outside of school I’m active in the American Guernsey Association and volunteering to help the local 4-H clubs.

Internship information
Q. What will your responsibilities be?
My responsibilities include looking for daughters of young sires, deciding which ones will get pictured and helping with the picture sessions.  

Furthermore, I am helping out on various other projects the department is working on throughout the summer.  

Q. What do you hope to have learned by the end of your internship?
I hope to gain a better understanding how just how exactly the A.I. industry works.  

Q. What intrigues you most about the company or organization where you're interning?
I really like how Genex pushes Life Time Net Merit (LNM$) for their bulls. This index is a calculation of numerous traits that most producers select for, so it makes sense for it to be a deciding factor in herds.  

Q. What can you do to make a meaningful impact during your internship?
I plan to make an impact by asking lots of questions, getting hands-on experience from working in the field and by getting as involved as possible.    

Q. What do you think will be the most challenging aspect of your internship duties?
Working against the clock to complete work will be the hardest challenge.  

Future plans
Q. What do you plan to do following your internship?
Upon the completion of my internship, I hope to find a full time job in the A.I. Industry.  

Q. Why do you want to remain a part of the dairy industry?
Being raised on a farm is a special opportunity, and I cannot see my future without cows or the dairy industry in it.  PD

Do you know of a 2012 dairy or agricultural intern who would like to be featured? This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to email Editor Emily Caldwell.

Click here to learn about Progressive Dairyman's internship program.