In the Field Friday: Andrew Baker

Andrew Baker: Walker Farms Inc.

This week’s In the Field Friday features second-year student Andrew Baker. Originally from Maineville, OH in Warren County, Baker is completing his internship with Walker Farms Inc. Like many Agricultural Systems Management majors, he chose to work with a commodity farm. While he does operate machinery and learn about agricultural logistics, there are a couple unique aspects to Andrew’s job that not many ASM interns get to experience.

One of Andrew’s passions both in and outside of work is drone piloting. His love for agriculture and photography pushed him to incorporate the hobby into his career this year. Andrew recently completed the Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, which qualifies him to be able to operate on the farm. He is currently working towards the next certification for drone application of chemicals, which he stated was for “…pretty much crop dusting, but with drones.”

Another unique aspect to Andrew’s internship, and a large part of his personal brand, is his YouTube channel called OhioAgVideos. Part blog, part videography page, Andrew displays his drone photography skills through independent projects and collaborations. He also manages a Discord, Instagram, and TikTok page linked to the OhioAgVideos campaign. His experience with drone photography and videography is what ultimately inspired him to transfer his skills into the workplace.

When asked what advice he had for incoming students, Andrew said: “If given an opportunity to do something that could be big for your future, don’t wait, go for it!”

Student Spotlight: Becca Staley

Becca Staley: Things I Wish I Knew Before College

Transitioning from high school to college can be pretty nerve wracking. It feels like there are so many unknowns, and your head is spinning in so many different directions. You’re stuck between wanting to enjoy your last days of senior year, being burnt out and ready to move on, but also at the same time being excited and nervous to go to college. Or maybe you’re still holding on to the life you’ve always known, and not ready to leave it behind. Since experiencing that period of my life over the last year, I thought sharing a few tips on what got me through my first two semesters of college would be helpful to all of you.  

     Remembering that home isn’t too far away.  

Wow, this is a big one. To be completely transparent, this was one of the hardest things for me when first starting school. I felt like I was abandoning my hometown, my parents, my sisters, friends, even my cat! I was so nervous to be in an unfamiliar city, with unfamiliar faces, and it felt like I was completely alone. Now, don’t let that scare you, because it got so much better. Once I realized that my people were just a phone call away, I changed my mindset. I realized that being away for college was such a learning opportunity and a chance to be independent. I made friends that turned into family, and they became the best support system of all. Realizing that college was a learning curve for all of us, we pushed each other to be the best we can be while navigating a whole new lifestyle. So, while it’s okay to be nervous, remember that your loved ones aren’t as far away as they seem and it will all work itself out. 

     There are no study halls in college.  

Now, this one may seem like common sense, but I know I was thrown off when I figured out that I had to do things on my own time. All throughout high school, I really utilized my study halls so that I didn’t have to do my homework in my off time. I had two jobs and was involved in lots of extracurriculars. I didn’t want to have to spend my time at home working on school work when I had just spent eight hours of my day sitting in a classroom. Since transitioning to college, it’s actually more the opposite. I spend a lot more time outside of class being productive doing assignments than I actually do being lectured in a classroom setting. I actually prefer it this way because it gives me the opportunity to get ahead on assignments in my own time. That way I can spend more time with my friends and have fun! 

     You get out what you put in. 

This is probably the most valuable piece of advice I can give you. You truly get out of the experience what you put into it. What I mean in saying this, and to get right to the point, go do stuff! This may seem like a very broad and general statement, but it isn’t. It may be uncomfortable at first, but put yourself out there to make friends. Whether that means inviting someone from one of your classes to study, asking someone for advice or directions, or it can mean simply walking up to someone and introducing yourself. Now, the statement “you get out what you put in” also applies for academics. In college, it truly takes effort to achieve your educational and professional goals. It’s very easy to get overwhelmed and burnt out, but you always have to remind yourself why you chose to go to college and the great things you’ll get out of your education.  

 

I hope this advice proves to be helpful to you because you can get a little lost trying to navigate yourself in a new place. Remember that it’s okay to be nervous, but be excited too! College can be a great time if you put yourself out there and try new things. And, at the very end of the day, always have fun! 

Student Spotlight: Bryce Bennett

Bryce Bennett, How FFA Influenced My Major

Growing up, I have always been deeply involved in agriculture. My family milked Jersey cattle through a large portion of my childhood, and because my family is so involved in agriculture, I spent the most influential years of my life being exposed to agriculture. Not only does my dad help on the family farm, he also serves as the ag teacher for my school – meaning that I grew up deeply involved in FFA. Some of my earliest memories are going out to the farm and going to SAE home visits.

With my early background and experience in FFA and agriculture, I was beyond excited to go into my 8th grade year knowing that I could join our ag program. After I joined, I never looked back – competing at all levels of most competitions, from local to national levels and placing in all of them. I have had a very successful FFA career, allowing me to compete at Nationals for two different events: Poultry Evaluation CDE and Poultry Production Proficiency, where I placed in the top 4 for both. I also was extremely active in my FFA Chapter, serving as student advisor and land lab manager, as well as chapter president. After graduating high school and leaving FFA, I decided that I could not just leave it behind me, so I decided that I was going to pursue a career in it.

My life has led me down multiple paths, from growing up on a dairy farm to raising chickens and turkeys, both leading me to find FFA. Once I joined FFA, my paths went in even more directions, from going to State and National Conventions, to going to Leadership Nights and a trip to Atlanta, Georgia. Being part of FFA tied agriculture to my roots, and there is no way that I could leave such an influential and crucial part of my life behind. FFA has taken my life to new heights, and it helped me decide that I will pursue a career that will return the favor and hopefully take FFA to new heights.

 

2023 Ohio State ATI Outstanding Students

Congratulations to our 2023 Ohio State ATI Outstanding Students and Director’s Award Recipient!

Director’s Award Recipient:

Lillian Wagner                                  Agriscience Education

Outstanding Student Award Recipients:

Katherine Beran                               Crop Management and Soil Conservation

Megan Chludzinski                          Biochemical Sciences

Taylor Elaine DeLand                       Greenhouse & Nursery Management

Faith Marie Galavich                        Agriscience Education

Carter Ayden Gilbert                        Agribusiness

Mekenna Spring Hendricks             Floral Design & Marketing

Dora Hesse-Edenfeld                        Agronomy

Emma Homan                                     Agricultural Communication

Emma Mae Leggett                            Animal Sciences

Nicole S. McMaster                            Greenhouse & Nursery Management

Sydney Meyer                                     Animal Sciences

Adam Paul Rischar                             Agribusiness

Katherine Emma Rumschlag            Agribusiness

Lexy Schafer                                        Floral Design & Marketing

Katelynn Smeltzer                               Animal Sciences

Lillian Rose Wagner                            Agriscience Education

Hannah M. Watkins                             Agricultural Communication

In The Field Friday: Raegan Alsept

Raegan Alsept, Heritage Cooperative

As a third-year agricultural communication student at Ohio State ATI, Raegan Alsept is interning with Heritage Cooperative. As their retail operations intern, Raegan’s summer has consisted of traveling to livestock shows across Ohio, while promoting all the brands they sell.

This internship has offered Raegan the best of both worlds. Raegan said, “I get the opportunity to travel in the show supply trailer, where I get to see how marketing and retail play a vital role in this industry. I also get to work in the retail stores, creating displays and building up my customer service skills.”

Raegan’s favorite part of her internship has been developing a new educational literature display for all the supplements Heritage carries. She has enjoyed traveling to different livestock shows, while building connections with exhibitors and their families.

In The Field Friday: Skyelar Rock

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.

In The Field Friday: Olivia Looker

Olivia Looker, Showpig.com

As  a second-year agricultural communication student at Ohio State ATI, Olivia Looker is interning with Showpig.com. Olivia is from Mt. Gilead, Ohio and chose to spend her summer with one of the largest known online agricultural auction sites.

Olivia chose this internship for many reasons. She knew she would have opportunities to travel and to make connections, all while growing as a professional with Showpig.com. Her experiences have allowed her to manage social media accounts, to assist with event planning, and to travel around the United States to industry-leading shows and events.

Jumping right in and becoming part of a team with individuals she has never met before has been one of Olivia’s favorite memories. She also enjoys “seeing all the little kids at shows look up to me.” Olivia was hesitant to jump into an internship the summer after her first year of college, but she said “but I am so glad I did.”

In The Field Friday: Nick Colombo

Nick Colombo, Old Elm Club

Ohio State ATI second-year student, Nick Colombo, is enjoying his summer. Nick is from Columbus, Ohio and is majoring in turfgrass management. He is spending his summer interning with Old Elm Club in Highland Park, Illinois.

Nick chose Old Elm Club for his internship because of the positive things said by his former boss and colleagues. During his summer, he has been busy with multiple chemical applications, capillary concrete installation in bunkers, and nursery renovations.

Nick has gained many great skills through his internship that will be beneficial in his future. Old Elm Club has allowed him to grow, he says, all while “being part of a team and gaining new knowledge.” Nick enjoys that in his role he is treated like a manager, which allows him to take on many responsibilities. Nick states, “I feel this internship is shaping me to be successful in my career.”

In The Field Friday: Kylie Ramirez

Kylie Ramirez, Ohio Pork Council

Kylie Ramirez graduated from Ohio State ATI with an Associate of Science in Agricultural Communication. Ramirez will be starting at the Columbus campus in the fall where she will continue her agricultural communication major and minor in agricultural business.  She is from Holmes County, Ohio and is enjoying her summer with the Ohio Pork Council, which strives to serve and benefit Ohio pork producers.

Kylie chose to intern with OPC because of the wide range of opportunities it offers. As the Ohio Pork Council summer communications intern, she will assist with developing content across the organization’s digital and print platforms, highlighting producer and consumer-facing projects. She will also play an essential role in managing volunteers at the OPC state fair food stands and help with coordination of special events this summer.

During her time with OPC, Kylie has enjoyed helping with the golf outing and planning for the Ohio State Fair, all while learning more about Ohio’s pork industry. She would advise those younger to take advantage of opportunities to grow and connect with industry leaders.

In The Field Friday: Dan Haller

Dan Haller, Harbour Town Golf Links

From Chillicothe, Ohio, Dan Haller is completing an internship with Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Dan is a third-year student majoring in turfgrass management and also pursuing a turfgrass equipment manager certificate at Ohio State ATI in Wooster.

 

Dan wanted to take advantage of this opportunity because he gets to experience living on his own for the first time. He thought this would help him become independent. On the job he gets to do many different things, including mowing and rolling greens, assisting in course set up, and maintaining the fleet of equipment for the course. Dan’s favorite memory during his time with Harbour Town Golf Links has been working with RBC Heritage, a PGA Tour event.

 

From his internship Dan hopes he can gain the important skills to manage 20+ people. If he could give advice to someone starting an internship, it would be to ask as many questions as possible. If there is something specific you are wanting to learn, ask, Dan said. “The worst they can do is say no.”