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Research & Special Projects Intern Matt Bates with Marketing
Interns Sophie Wotten and Katie Olynyk |
July
and August have been nothing short of a great adventure. Little did I know that
these two months would be the greatest summer yet! I flew out to Calgary the
first of July to start one of many days at the Calgary Stampede. Between the
interns and volunteers form the Canadian Beef Breeds Council (CBBC), we all had
our fill of the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth! It was very inspiring to be able to
teach many urban folk about the lifestyle we live, clear up many
misperceptions, and have a great conversation with many. This once-in-a-lifetime experience did not end here. During our ‘off shifts’, we were able to
attend the Steer Classic, many rodeos, and chuckwagon races. The Calgary
Stampede was a highlight to my summer working as an Intern.
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| The Calgary Stampede grandstand |
Following
the Calgary Stampede, the interns all travelled to Virden, Manitoba for
Showdown. Teamwork, dedication, passion, and love of the Angus breed illustrate
the group of Angus youth who pulled together to make this show such a success.
This three-day event captured youth’s talent from showmanship, team grooming
all the way to literature and graphic design. The Agrinightmare challenge allowed
youth from coast to coast to bond and meet new friends, and I have so say, the
challenge was a nightmare!
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| Sophie and her Showdown cookoff team |
After
returning home, I was able to spent three days in Peterborough, Ontario at a
4-H event, Beef Sen$e. Beef Sen$e allowed youth to expand their knowledge about
agriculture industry finances, herd health, government programs, and tour
neighbouring farms of all calibers. Delegates were designated into groups to
analyze different farms throughout the tour. On the final day, each group would
present their SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats)
analysis to fellow delegates and the judging panel. During this, we toured Whiskey Lane
Livestock who have a seedstock Angus and Hereford farm, as well as Drain’s Feedlot
that is primarily Angus or Angus influence cattle. This experience enabled me
to meet many youth from across Ontario and neighbouring provinces and allow us
to discuss many challenges that we are facing in the beef industry today.
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| Beef Sen$e |
As
I embark on the final days of my internship, it’s bittersweet. The internship
has provided so many opportunities I would never have imagined. Through
networking, travel, friendships and experiences I am very thankful for this
great program the Canadian Angus Association has provided for youth. For all
juniors considering applying for next year, your time as an intern will be
nothing short of the best job you will ever have! Travelling over 10,000 km this
summer I have certainly become a more passionate advocate! To everyone I have met over the past few
months, you have made this summer one I will never forget!
Posted by Sophie Wotten
Feedback: cdnangus@cdnangus.ca
