We had an exciting opportunity to attend Agriculture Intern Day at the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF) Wednesday, July 10. It was an event packed with learning and hands-on experiences that deepened our understanding of agriculture and its various facets.
A highlight of the day was our participation in a career panel where professionals from diverse sectors of the agriculture industry shared their journeys and offered valuable advice. Among these experts were: State Senator Grant Green, ODAFF’s Director of Food Safety Scott Yates; ODAFF's Director of Market Development Meriruth Sellers; and the Oklahoma Pork Council’s own Kylee Deniz. Additionally, we had the privilege of listening to advice from JanLee Rowlett, Oklahoma's State Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture, and Blayne Arthur, the Oklahoma Commissioner of Agriculture. It was truly inspiring to hear firsthand experiences and gain practical insights into potential career paths within agriculture.
Later in the day, we toured a local winery and vineyard, which was not only informative but also showcased the importance of agriculture in Oklahoma’s economy beyond traditional crops. The winery taught us more about agritourism, as well as winemaking and the agricultural practices that support it.
One of the most fun parts of the experience was meeting fellow Oklahoma Ag. interns representing various organizations. Networking with peers who share our passion for agriculture was both encouraging and enlightening. Over lunch, we exchanged ideas, shared experiences, and built connections that will be beneficial throughout our careers. We were proud to represent Oklahoma Pork to this group and share more about our internships serving our state's pork producers.
Thursday was equally enriching as we delved into job shadowing experiences. We shadowed JanLee Rowlett, ODAFF deputy commissioner and learned from Lee Benson, ODAFF public information officer. Additionally, we had the unique opportunity to spend much of the day with Commissioner Arthur. Joining these professionals through a marathon of meetings and events gave us a firsthand look at the diverse responsibilities and challenges within agricultural leadership roles.
Throughout the shadowing experience, we sat in on foreign animal disease discussions, attended the summer U.S. Wheat meeting, as well as the Commissioners of the Land Office (CLO) meeting. These engagements provided us with a comprehensive view of the inner workings of our state and the immense leadership roles each of these individuals hold. It was fascinating to see how decisions are made, policies are formulated, and challenges are addressed at the administrative level.
Overall, Ag Intern Day and the subsequent job shadowing opportunity were invaluable experiences for us. They not only reinforced our passion for agriculture, but also broadened our perspectives on the industry’s impact. We left with a deeper appreciation for the diverse career opportunities within agriculture and a renewed sense of purpose in contributing to its future.