Hello fellow blog followers! Sorry I have been absent for a few weeks, but this summer has been absolutely crazy!!! Since my last post I have traveled home for my county fair, visited friends at Lake Okoboji, and completed lots coursework and research on top of that! I never imagined this summer would go by so quickly, but must admit I am excited for classes to start.....maybe I am not ready to graduate quite yet :)
In a university setting, we often have time to hold workshops for students, producers and industry people. This next week we will be hosting a workshop for Intervet and their employees As a part of their workshop, attendees will evaluate both live cattle and beef carcasses, become BQA certified, participate in a taste panel, and much more. I am ecstatic to help with the workshop and more importantly network with professionals in the industry. In preparing for the workshop next week, the meat science group here at UNL needed to harvest four head of steers for one of the sessions. With all professors gone, one grad student busy in the lab, and the other at a conference in Belgium, I was warranted my first opportunity to help with a beef harvest!
Prior to the start of our day, I had announced to the two gentlemen I would be working with I had little harvest experience, but understood the general concept. I knew the day would be a challenge as I consider myself a timid learner. After watching the skill and technique of my colleagues I finally gained confidence to help. We began shortly before 8 am and did not finish cleanup until after 3. Needless to say, my brain was fried and my legs were sore from being on my feet all day. It was such a great experience, and I again must thank both Calvin and Derek for putting up with my "blondeness" as I like to call it.
As I continue to go through grad school and life in general, I feel blessed to have new and exciting opportunities such as this. Whether I gain applicable knowledge, have an engaged experience, or develop an appreciation for people, I feel I always learn something, and in this opportunity I did all three!!
No comments:
Post a Comment