Skyelar Rock, Paint Valley Farms

Skyelar Rock is a third-year student at Ohio State ATI, studying animal sciences with a focus in beef. She is from Delaware, Ohio and is spending her summer with Paint Valley Farms, who breed and raise shorthorn cattle in Millersburg, Ohio. This internship opportunity was an easy “yes” for Skyelar, she says, “because of the opportunity to work with an established and successful beef breeding company.”

During her internship with Paint Valley Farms, Skyelar is learning from their current herd manager and assisting with ongoing farm projects. She was able to help with the in vitro fertilization (IVF) of two breeding heifers, about which she shared, “This was a first for myself and a relatively new practice for the farm.” IVF allows producers to utilize their operation’s top females throughout their reproductive life.

While completing her internship, she shares, “I hope to gain the general knowledge needed to work independently on a beef operation, including breeding practices, handling, and the logistics that go into running a herd. In addition, I hope to leave with a better understanding of the role that improved genetics plays in the industry.” Her advice to those starting college at Ohio State ATI is to use all your resources and not be afraid to ask about internship opportunities.