When you
embark on a new experience, whether that is a new job, event or even buying a new
pair of shoes, there are always feelings of anxiety and caution. Beginning my
internship with the Canadian Angus Association was no different. There is a
quote which always offers me encouragement by A. G. Phillips: “It is not
what we know that scares us, it is what we do not,” and now there is no doubt
in my mind that this was an opportunity I could not have denied myself.
My
advocating began very quickly as we finished training on Friday, April 26th
and my first event was on the following Monday! Given that I did not have much
time to reflect before going out and promoting, my natural instincts really
took over. Being a Junior exhibiting at so many shows as a 4-H member and a
Canadian Junior Angus member in the past, I really enjoy being at all the shows
and talking to children about their calves and show year. I feel we can all
agree there is nothing that compares to the utter joy in nine-year–olds’ eyes as they get handed that first
ribbon as their doting grandparents are snapping pictures. The Angus breed must
be proud of these life skills they provide for their Juniors, such as me,
through programming and support thanks to vast volunteers and perseverance of
numerous committees.
This week has
been unbelievably busy as achievement day season begins and the school year is
wrapping up. I began my week out at Ponoka District Achievement Day judging
grooming. This was a great event with around 50 members who were all keen to exhibit
their projects. Achievement day was always a lot like Christmas for me, leaving
events not as work but more like a gift.
Moving on from
my day spent with 4-H members, I stepped into the classroom. This has always
been one of my favourite places to be. I had the opportunity to visit Donalda
and Forestburg schools in the last couple days, reaching over 100 students
ranging from ages 8 to 12, educating them on their impact on the agriculture
industry as consumers as well as the benefits of eating beef. These
pasture-to-plate presentations really encouraged the children to reflect on
where their food comes from and all the steps of production it takes before
that hamburger lands on their bun. It was so enlightening to see children
talking and asking questions about Canadian Angus, Angus beef and agriculture
in general.
In addition
to being out in the field and visiting classrooms, I have been in the Calgary
office right in the middle of all the action that is the Angus breed. Through
my time in the office I have been busy keeping an eye on social media and scouting
out future ideas for promotion. Based on the archives I have had the chance to
explore and develop, I want to congratulate the Canadian Angus members on their
exceptional campaigns through this last year in the various Angus publications
as well as the overwhelming support of those in agriculture (producers
included) of the breed and the benefits of the industry as a whole.
On behalf
of Matt, Karla and myself, I would like to offer thanks to the outstanding
support staff in the Angus offices in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario as well
as the constructive field work the two interns (Stacey Domolewski and Erin Toner)
provided last year for leaving such a great legacy for the Angus breed and the
intern program along with the encouragement of the Canadian Angus Association
members.
I’ve only been
on the job three weeks, but I sure feel like I have accomplished a great deal!
Be sure to keep your eyes open for Karla, Matt and me, as still ahead are Summer
Synergy (Olds, AB), Calgary Stampede Cattle Trail (Calgary, AB), Canadian
Junior Angus Showdown (Armstrong, BC) and various events that may be in your
area! As well feel free to contact us if we could be assistance or advantage at
any events in your area!
Posted by Katie Dietrich
Feedback: kdietrich@cdnangus.ca
