Hello, my name is Alli Dixson. I am writing from the Oregon State University Extension office in Tillamook County, where I intern with the Tillamook County 4-H program. 

I grew up in Tillamook, Oregon, and graduated from Tillamook High School in 2021. During my time in the community, I was actively involved in 4-H and FFA. After high school, I moved to Bozeman, Montana, to pursue a degree at Montana State University. In just three years, I graduated from Montana State with a bachelor of animal science, concentrating in livestock management and industry. While at Montana State University, I participated in numerous student organizations, including Collegiate Stockgrowers, Collegiate FFA, Collegiate 4-H, and Sigma Alpha (a professional agricultural sorority). I also gained professional experience in various fields, such as veterinary medicine at a large animal veterinary clinic, early childhood education at a daycare, animal nutrition at a feed store, and extension experience at both the Montana State 4-H Center and the Tillamook County 4-H program.

After my internship with OSU this summer, I will attend Oregon State University in the fall to pursue a Master’s in Agricultural Education. Following my graduate degree, I hope to work in extension, ideally focusing on livestock.

I am about two months into my internship and have been very busy so far. My main priority has been organizing an animal science clinic, which will cover various topics related to livestock projects and industries. The clinic will address dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep, goats, hogs, rabbits and poultry. Topics include daily care and management of animals, fair preparation, showmanship, consumer/producer relationships, marketing, selection and evaluation of livestock and basic livestock nutrition. This event will take place on July 13 at the Tillamook County Fairgrounds and is open to all youth ages 9-19.

This project has involved many skills, including planning, budgeting, cold calling, and scheduling among other things. I have communicated with industry professionals across the western United States to find facilitators for the clinic. Whether or not these experts have agreed to facilitate, I have been met with positivity and have formed new professional relationships, which I am very grateful for, as networking is always important.

In addition to the clinic planning and preparation, I have been working on other projects. I have created resources for the animal science quiz bowl at our County Fair, helped with Cloverbud day camps, attended 4-H Summer Conference as a county chaperone, assisted with preparations for camp and fair, and led workshops and training for youth members.

I am looking forward to the upcoming events and the rest of my internship, which will allow me to grow as a young professional.