Livestock « OSU Extension Internship Program

A woman holding a microphone gestures at a wheelbarrow carrying tools. — Ashley Armstrong presenting the Champion Herdsmanship award.
Photo credit: Kayla Sheets

Hello again from Josephine County 4-H! This is Ashley Armstrong, finishing up my final week here as an intern. This summer has been amazing, and I have learned so very much, through talking with my supervisor, Lisa Parlette, 4-H outreach program coordinator; talking to our youth members and adult volunteers and getting to plan and put on events during the Josephine County Fair.

Though this year’s fair looked different for 4-H, it didn’t stop us from having a great time. In the weeks leading up to fair there was a lot of work put into updating our static displays, and it certainly paid off in the end. So much time was put into creating new banners, new display boards and other décor so that all of our youth were given opportunity to see their project shine. We even broke out our Clover mascot costume to invite people into our static display room.

A four leaf clover mascot poses in front of a fair exhibit. — Clover at the Josephine County Fair 4-H Static Exhibit.
Photo credit: Kayla Sheets

During my time in 4-H I showed both dairy goats and poultry, and one of my goals was to one day make it to master showmanship. Our round-robin competition looked different this year than it had in the past, but I think some of the changes that had to be made were for the better. Normally in a round-robin competition we would have different animals – cavies, dairy goats, dogs, horses, meat goats, poultry, sheep, steer and swine – shown by the grand champion showman for each animal.

A woman with a microphone reads from a paper while another stands nearby holding green ribbons. — Ashley Armstrong and Lisa Parlette presenting Master Showmanship awards.
Photo Credit: Brooke Armstrong

This year we had no steer or horse projects, so instead of shortening our round-robin, we chose a random reserve grand champion from large and small animal to be our wild card contestants. This meant that as we rotated through, there would be a period where the participants would be showing the same animal twice, so instead we turned those spots into water breaks. Having planned this show and executed it with the help of our animal superintendents, I was so happy when things went smoothly.

I think the best part was at the end while scores were being tallied, the 10 kids we had waiting in the ring for the announcement were happy, joking with each other and hugging. The joy they showed when their fellow 4-H’er was placed was indescribable, and I think my ears are still recovering from the happy yelling when I announced our master showman.

This internship has taught me so much and has only solidified my plans to work in Extension and 4-H when I graduate in June. Though there are times where I am incredibly tired from the work done through the day, I wouldn’t trade the work I have done this summer for anything.

Grace Ogden giving her closing presentation at the Morrow County Board of Commissioners meeting on August 2, 2023.
Photo credit: Julie Baker

Hello again! My name is Grace Ogden, and I am a student intern in Morrow County with the Oregon State University Extension Service. I am just about to begin my second year of school at Oklahoma State University, working towards a degree in animal science business. This summer I did a majority of my work preparing for county fair with OSU Extension 4-H in Morrow County. I have also gotten the opportunity to work with our crops specialist Larry Lutcher on a couple of projects of his this summer.

As my internship came to an end, I was able to reflect on my summer and see that I had so many opportunities and learned so much. I organized a group day-camp for our 4-H Cloverbuds and planned and facilitated lesson plans for our local daycare – teaching about the importance of seeds, and a lesson on soil horizons. I worked with judges, volunteers, donors, and families to prepare for the events of the Morrow County Fair and Livestock Auction, which also included helping plan, organize, and execute pre-fair contests.

I organized a potluck dinner for the annual South Morrow County Crop tour, updated and developed our webpage and social media platforms, created flyers, posts, and letters to send throughout our wide range of recipients and attended meetings serving as a representative for our office and county. I recently gave a presentation to the Morrow County Board of Commissioners recapping my summer with Oregon State Extension.

I worked with OSU Extension in this same office during my senior year of high school and loved the work I did so much. It was bittersweet to leave last June in order to work harvest before leaving for college, and even more bittersweet leaving the office for the second time this August due to school starting. I have been extremely lucky to have the opportunity to have Julie Baker and Larry not only as my supervisors and coworkers, but also as my friends. I have always had a passion for agriculture, specifically agricultural education, so I especially loved working in this position. I gained so much knowledge, experience, and relationships during my time in the county office, and I hope to be back very soon.

A woman shows children a drawing. — A lesson on soil and soil types at Hydromania science camp.
Photo credit: Amanda Woodlee

Hello! My name is Cadence Cooley, and I am interning at the OSU Extension office in Umatilla County throughout the summer. I was born and raised in Hermiston, Oregon, and graduated from Hermiston High School this June. I plan on attending Eastern Oregon University this fall and majoring in elementary education.

A woman teaches children in a classroom using visual aids on a screen. — Introduction and ice breaker at Camp Cloverbud.
Photo credit: Shauna Newman

I have been involved in the livestock and 4-H industry, showing swine for as long as I can remember, and I participated in FFA throughout my high school years. These programs have really shaped the person I have become today. Seeing how I am going to be helping in the 4-H and Master Gardener programs, I think this will be right up my alley.

So far, I have helped mainly in setting up our Cloverbud Camp, Hydromania Camp, as well as preparing for our Umatilla County 4-H Dog Show, which will take place in a little under a week. These experiences have been so fun and very informative. I love getting the chance to make new connections with people and see how the inside of the 4-H world takes place. Not only have I learned a deeper understanding of how the 4-H and the Master Gardener programs work, but I have also learned how the people at the Extension office complete all of their tasks. There is all sorts of communication, organizing, as well as networking. I know I will learn so much more this summer and I am looking forward to all that is to come!

A woman in a baseball cap sits at a desk, writing names under pictures of students. — Tri-County 4-H Camp
Photo credit: Katie Hauser

Hi, my name is Heidi Moran! This summer, I am an OSU Intern in Union County. I will be a sophomore at Eastern Oregon University, majoring in Elementary Education.

Before starting this internship, I didn’t know about other programs OSU Extension offered. I was surprised at how many different things our Extension office offers. I am excited to learn more about those programs and help them with their needs. This summer, I am helping with our Iron Chef cooking class and am excited to learn more about the program.

I grew up extremely involved in 4-H here in Union County and have had many incredible experiences in 4-H. I am excited to experience 4-H on a different side, working in the office and helping organize different 4-H events. 4-H profoundly impacted my life and I can’t wait to help other youth have experiences like mine.

So far, I have helped with Eastern Oregon Livestock Show, Tri-County 4-H Camp, and our Iron Chef cooking class! These have been incredible experiences and I have learned a lot through them. I have really enjoyed my internship so far and I can’t wait to see what the rest of it holds!

A woman stands in a show ring, holding a goat and speaking to a student. — OSU Extension intern Brandi Vance, helping a youth learn to show a market breeding doe at a livestock showmanship clinic in Wasco County.
Photo credit: Leah Lowe

Hi all! My name is Brandi Vance I am a senior studying animal science business at The University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho. That may seem far away, but I actually grew up 30-ish minutes from Wasco County in Goldendale, Washington. This summer I am an intern in the Wasco County 4-H Extension Office. So far, this summer has been everything I had hoped! As someone wanting to eventually become a 4-H agent, I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting and working with youth and their projects and cannot wait to continue.

Growing up, I was a 4-H member from a Cloverbud earning participation ribbons in cooking demonstrations to a Senior showing horses and market goats. I have always loved the agricultural and animal aspects, although I had a chance to do it all, from sewing and cooking to market animals. Being very fortunate to have the support system that I did growing up made this possible, not to mention the amazing 4-H agents and leaders I learned from. I knew as I entered college that I wanted to study animal science as well as get a little bit of the business side. I was not sure what I was going to do when I graduated, until it dawned on me at my last county fair as a 4-Her: I want to be that support system for our future youth. What better way to prepare and see what it really takes than interning at an Extension office!

So far this summer, we have met with state and district veterinarians , helped with all the entries for fair and continued all of the little preparation things that fair requires to make it go off smoothly. I even got to help at a livestock showmanship clinic that we put on for the youth to continue getting them ready for fair in August. I have also helped design a biosecurity plan for the Wasco County Extension Office to have on hand when it comes to livestock animals at the fair. I worked on our Senior recognition night flyers as well as designed some interview questions for our Junior Superintendent program. Another project that I have worked on is designing our Junior Superintendent training for youth chosen to help the Superintendents in the barns over fair.

In the coming months, I plan to organize many items for fair to help everything run smoothly. Other tasks ahead include training the Junior Superintendents as well as designing some sponsor posters to hang in our barns. I will also be attending the Wasco County Fair the third week in August and helping in many different areas, which is exciting for someone who has done many aspects of 4-H. I am thrilled to get to work with youth and be getting a close-up look at my dream job!

Several children and a few adults reach down to pet ducks on the grass. — Petting ducks at the Kids’ Club: Intro to the Animal World event at Harney County Fairgrounds in Burns, Oregon
Photo credit: Tayleur Baker

Hello, my name is Tayleur Baker, and this year I am an intern at the OSU Extension office in Harney County! I will be an upcoming freshman at Oregon State University in the fall of 2023. I could not be more excited! Go Beavs! As a student majoring in agriculture and communication, I have been beyond grateful for the opportunity to work with the 4-H kids this summer and work with Harney County 4-H media. These two areas of the internship are my absolute favorite, as I love working with youth and advocating for the agriculture industry.

As a fifth-generational rancher in Harney County and an eight-year 4-H member, this position is as a way to serve and give back to my community. With Harney County being a predominantly agricultural area where the cows outnumber the people 14:1, I understand the importance of the industry and strive to promote agriculture sustainability for future generations. We all have the power to change the world if we dare to take the initiative, and I am confident that changing the world starts knee-deep in the community. While serving through this internship, I hope to grow as an individual, impact my community and empower others to use their skills to make a difference and shine.

Throughout the past month and a half, I have been able to write press releases for Harney County’s local newspaper and our extension website, draft social media posts for our 4-H media outlets, speak on the local radio about all things 4-H, help prepare for fair, attend Summer Conference, and help with awesome 4-H members and their projects.

Twelve young people stand in the archway of a large brick building. — Malheur County and Harney County Kids Team at OSU during the 4-H Summer Conference
Photo credit: Yolanda Diaz, Malheur County Extension intern

Last June, I was extremely grateful to be able to attend the 2023 4-H Oregon Summer Conference and connect with Malheur County, as well as help one local 4-H member bring her community service project to life. This student is an eighth grader at Crane, and she saw a need to educate youth in our town about agriculture and livestock. Through an “Intro to the animal world” event, this student was able to connect with our local Harney County Kids’ Club and teach about agriculture through a livestock animal show-and-tell at the Harney County Fairgrounds. This event was enjoyable for me due to its connection to agriculture, its ability to bridge the gap between consumers and producers, and the chance to grow next-generation leaders.

In the coming months, I will continue to prepare for the 2023 Harney County Fair and Rodeo in September and assist 4-H members with their projects. I look forward to the coming months and the adventures that they hold. Onto more memories ahead and the chance to strive to better myself, others, and my community!

15 smiling children and four adults sit around bright blue tables in a classroom. — Grace Ogden with the Heppner Daycare summer campers after a lesson about soil horizons.
Photo credit: Heppner Daycare.

Hi! My name is Grace Ogden and I am a student intern in Morrow County with the Oregon State University Extension Service. I just completed my first year at Oklahoma State University, working towards a degree in Animal Science Business. Being so far away from home while at school makes me happy to be back in South Morrow County where I grew up! This summer, I will work primarily with the County 4-H program, preparing for county fair. I have also to work alongside our crops specialist on his projects this summer.

So far, I have organized a group day camp for our county 4-H Cloverbuds. I planned and facilitated lesson plans for our local daycare, teaching them about the importance of seeds and a lesson on soil horizons. I worked with judges, volunteers, donors and families to prepare for the events of the 2023 Morrow County Fair and Livestock Auction events. I also organized a potluck dinner for the annual South Morrow County Crop tour. I worked on our website and social media platforms and crafted flyers, posts and letters to send to our wide range of recipients.

I worked with OSU Extension in this same office during my senior year of high school, so I am excited to be back here with familiar coworkers. I have always been passionate for agriculture, specifically agricultural education, so I love working in this position. I am ready to jump in with two feet to prepare for the fair and anything else that comes my way!

Three women stand outside a barn, smiling at the camera with their arms around each other. — Left to right, Shyann Vance, M’Kenzie Kirchner and Daisy O’Hearn at the Lincoln County Fair.
Photo credit Brittany Williams.

Hello, my name is Daisy O’Hearn and I am currently serving as an OSU Extension intern for Lincoln County. As a political science major with a double minor in legal studies and nonprofit administration, I have always been eager to explore the nonprofit sector more deeply. I am excited about this internship as it offers an amazing chance to explore this field, specifically focusing on my involvement in the 4-H program.

The county fair, which took place from June 30 to July 2, has been the highlight of my internship so far. This event has been instrumental in honing my skills and gaining invaluable experience. Before the fair, I organized a clinic where I was able to teach young individuals how to shear their sheep and offer them essential tips for a successful fair experience. During the fair, I played an active role in helping set up and manage the 4-H segment, ensuring smooth operations and memorable experiences for participants. I took on various responsibilities, including assisting our Extension agent, supporting judges and serving as a reliable point of contact for any questions or concerns.

This internship offers me several rewarding opportunities. First, it provides valuable insights into the behind-the-scenes aspects of the field and the OSU Extension Office. I also have the privilege of giving back to younger individuals, just as other adults did for me when I was in the program. Furthermore, I’ve had the chance to collaborate with fellow program alumni and individuals I grew up with who are all returning to Lincoln County to contribute and provide assistance.

Looking ahead, I am thrilled to embark on an exciting journey of creating clinics and workshops that will greatly benefit the youth in our county. These informative sessions will aim to equip the young individuals in Lincoln County with valuable skills and knowledge, empowering them to thrive in their respective fields. I have plans to make these workshops accessible online, ensuring they serve as a lasting resource for future generations of students. Lincoln County is actively supporting the future success of the 4-H youth by equipping them with the necessary tools for achievement.

The possibilities that are ahead in this internship are exciting and I am happy to learn more about OSU Extension Service!

Hello everyone! I’m Alyson Yates, and this summer I’ve had the pleasure of working with 4-H and agricultural Extension in Lake County for a second year. My internship concluded last week with the 103rd Lake County Fair and Roundup.

After preparing for several weeks, my county fair week began with static 4-H exhibits. This year, our Lake County 4-H members entered projects in a large variety of areas, including floriculture, Legos, fused glass, photography, fiber arts, food preservation and more. I assisted as a clerk and got hands-on experience with check-in, interviews, judging, state fair qualifications and final set-up processes.

Three goats and their handlers stand facing a woman with a clipboard while others watch. — Alyson Yates judging meat goats in 4-H Round Robin showmanship.

I had a few different objectives throughout county fair week, both within my internship and through my volunteer position as a 4-H leader. One of my goals was to photograph all of our 4-H livestock shows for use in future publications and media. This was a continuation of the work I did last year, which I greatly enjoyed as it incorporated my love of photography into Extension. I covered shows for 10 different species this year, from swine to dairy cattle and everything in between. I am very happy with the photos I captured, and I am excited to see them used in future media!

One of the challenges that we were faced with this year was Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as avian flu, in the state of Oregon. We had several poultry 4-H members in our county, and in order to maintain good biosecurity, non-market animals were not allowed at our county fair. To allow our poultry 4-H members to still show their knowledge and skills, we used stuffed “dummy birds” and a knowledge test for poultry showmanship. I worked closely alongside our small animal judge to coordinate this effort. Also, with the threat of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHDV2) in the region, we worked hard to sanitize all contacted surfaces and keep visitors from touching the animals. As an Extension intern and county fair small animal superintendent, this was one of my top priorities during fair week.  

My final area of focus was preparing our annual 4-H Recognition Ceremony. This year we had six fantastic youth speakers who worked as our emcees, and one of my responsibilities was to help them create their scripts and practice their speaking roles.

Additionally, I have spent the last month assisting with the re-installment of the Lake County Ambassador program, and it was an honor to welcome four youth leaders to the team at this event. Outside of my internship work, I also had a fantastic time judging meat goats in our Round Robin Showmanship competition.  

A black and white closeup view of the face of a dark colored cow with an ear tag that says Lake Co Fair. — A steer and showman in the Rancher’s Choice Market Beef show. Photo by Alyson Yates.

Looking back at everything I did with Extension this summer it is hard for me to believe that my internship has come to an end. I want to extend my thanks to all of the Lake County staff that I’ve worked with, who have given me so many valuable opportunities to learn and grow in Extension and beyond.  I am so grateful for the time I’ve spent working in Lake County, and I am confident that I will carry what I have learned into my future endeavors in Extension programming.  

My name is Alyson Yates, and I am returning as an OSU Extension intern for my second year in Lake County. This summer, I have been a part of both 4-H programming and agricultural research, with the intent of increasing my knowledge of Extension and its role in communities around Oregon. As I enter week 8 of my internship, I would like to reflect on the goals I have accomplished so far, and what I have yet to complete as I wrap up my time in Lake County.

One of the most fulfilling parts of my internship this year has been re-establishing the Lake County 4-H Ambassador program alongside OSU Education Program Assistant Melissa Maxwell. Growing up as a 4-H member in this county, I was active in many leadership areas, but this particular opportunity was not available to me. Taking the steps to develop this program throughout the summer has not only been rewarding, but it has given me valuable experience with youth program initiation and design. I am eager to see this project to completion when I wrap up my internship at our county fair!

A woman demonstrates how to show a chicken to a group of young people. — 4-H members and families learning about chicken showmanship. Photo by Alyson Yates.

Throughout the summer, I have also been able to assist with a series of educational clinics facilitated by Lake County Extension, where 4-H families and leaders can learn about various livestock species. I chose to take on the final event in this series, a clinic on rabbits and poultry, as my internship project. The preparation process involved many steps, from securing a clinician and venue to designing a registration method for participants. I also assisted with facilitating the clinic, which was held last week. 4-H members and leaders from around the county attended to learn and get hands-on experience, so I can happily call the project a success!

On the agricultural side of my internship, I have been helping with a forage research project organized by agent Tammy Barnes. So far, my work has been to process alfalfa samples from multiple study areas and complete dry matter measurements to calculate forage yield. These measurements are then analyzed to compare the yield of alfalfa that has been inoculated with BioEnsure with control groups that have been irrigated with LESA (low elevation sprinkler application) systems. This experience has taught me a lot about agricultural research methods and how Extension interacts with producers, and I am excited to learn more. While I have not yet been able to collect samples from our study area myself, I hope to do so in the coming weeks before my internship concludes.

Three people stand next to a stream. — Attendees at the Stream Assessment and Management workshop completing an ecological state assessment at Thomas Creek. Photo by Alyson Yates.

Earlier in the summer, I was also able to attend a workshop on stream assessment and management taught by OSU Extension employees and partners in Eastern Oregon. This opportunity allowed me to draw valuable connections between Extension, local producers, and public land management organizations, and helped me learn more about the importance of watershed management.

The rest of my summer will be focused on preparation for the 103rd Lake County Fair & Roundup, held over Labor Day weekend. While helping facilitate activities and events at the fair, I also plan to continue building our media base for the future. I am looking forward to this event as the culmination of my second year with the Extension internship program, and I hope to continue finding new opportunities to learn and grow!

OSU Extension Internship Program

Category Archives: Livestock

Internship solidified my plans to work for Extension after graduation

Internship ends with gains in knowledge, experience and relationships

Looking forward to all that is to come

Helping others have incredible 4-H experiences

Experiencing the dream

Changing the world starts knee-deep in the community

Ready to jump in with both feet

Empowering youth in Lincoln County

Concluding my internship with county fair

Finding growth in new areas of Extension

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