A Summer for the Books!

As I sit here writing this, I can’t believe that it is my last day working at Angus Central as a summer intern!

 

My internship with the Canadian Angus Association is something that I never imagined having, but now I can’t imagine where I would be today without it. The amount of projects I have worked on, people I have met, and places I have travelled to have truly helped me grow as a young beef advocate and a person as a whole.

I spent much of my internship working on graphic design and advertising projects, which I enjoyed so much as I want to spend the rest of my life working in the advertising industry. I have been able to take part in events such as Carcass 101, the Cattle Trail at Calgary Stampede, and Canadian Junior Angus Showdown, which allowed me to meet Angus breeders and other notable people in the beef and agriculture industry.

Coming from a Maine-Anjou background, I found it eye opening and beneficial to experience the workings of an association other than my own. To be a true advocate for the beef industry, I believe that you should have thorough knowledge of every sector, ranging from seedstock to commercial production, and having an understanding of breeds other than those you raise broadens your knowledge as a beef producer.

My experience as an intern will be able to help me greatly in my future endeavors in the advertising and marketing world, which I will be entering after college graduation next spring.

I would recommend this internship to any youth that have a passion for the beef industry, want to promote the Angus breed, and work with great people.

It feels bittersweet to be leaving after this summer, but the door is open for so many more possibilities and opportunities in the future, and I can thank the CAA for that. I feel incredibly lucky that I got to have the opportunity to spend my summer with the CAA at Angus Central and work with such a great staff. It will be an experience I will never forget.

Thank you to the Canadian Angus Association for providing me with this incredible opportunity, and everyone I have met and worked with along the way!


Posted by Keltey Whelan
Feedback: kwhelan@cdnangus.ca

A Summer Experience of a Lifetime

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.

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!

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. 

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

Katie Reflects on her Internship

Well this is my last blog as a summer intern, and I think I might cry! It has been an unbelievable experience that I am so thankful to have been a part of. I finished off the summer strong with Showdown in Virden, and it was amazing. I thank all the participants and am very excited about Showdown next year. As my internship comes to a close I wanted to share a few things I learned over this summer.

1. There is no such thing as a bad question. Everyone has questions so be open to them, and answer them honestly, because they may not know the answer. 
   
2. A Yaris is one of the best cars to have for internship! Over the summer I travelled over 6,000 km with my little blue rocket, and it sure showed me that bigger isn’t always better! My little car got me to all the places I needed to go, and with pretty good gas mileage too.
   
3. Living out of a suitcase is not that bad. The month of July I was home for 3 days the whole month, which meant a lot of living out of a suitcase. It is not as bad as some say it is, but I was definitely happy to sleep in my own bed again.
   
4. Never underestimate a home cooked meal. You do not realize how good a home cooked meal is until you’ve eaten nothing but take-out for a whole month!
   
   AND LASTLY...
   
   
5. Do not be afraid to put yourself out there. I was afraid to apply for the internship but figured, the worst thing they could say is no. And looking back I am so happy I did. This has been one of the best summers of my life.

It has been an amazing summer, and I would encourage all youth who fit the criteria to apply. It is an amazing opportunity that you will never forget. I had a great time and thank you to all the wonderful people I met, and to all the people who helped make this summer the best summer of my life!

I hope all is well with everyone, and best of luck to everyone in upcoming shows, and with whatever life may throw at you, from what I have learned this summer Angus people truly are the best people.

Posted by Katie Olynyk
Feedback: kolynyk@cdnangus.ca