My name is Meredith Simpson, and I am the 2022 summer intern for N.C. Cooperative Extension, Stanly County Center. I am a senior at North Carolina State University with a double major in Animal Science and Poultry Science, with a minor in Extension Education. I have grown up in Stanly County all my life and I am so excited to be able to work at my home county extension office for the summer. Although I did not grow up directly on a farm, I have been able to be exposed to the importance of agriculture through being raised in a rural community. My great grandfather was a farmer in Norwood, NC and I like to say that I am honoring his memory because I hope to have a small farm of my own one day, in the place where his farm once stood.

I began to take an interest in agriculture when I started high school and began to take agriculture classes and joined FFA. FFA gave me so many experiences that I am grateful for such as leadership, teamwork, a strong work ethic, dedication, and most importantly the value of agriculture in our world. Through FFA, I was able to travel to places such as Indianapolis and Washington DC, as well as many places throughout the state of North Carolina. Through the help of my FFA advisors, I was given such an enriching experience in FFA that led to me pursuing a degree in agriculture.

Attending NC State University over the last 3 years has given me so many wonderful experiences and opportunities. My passion for agriculture has flourished since attending NC State, especially in working with livestock. At NC State, I have taken part in Poultry Science Club every year. During my freshman year (2019-2020), I served as the Agri-life representative for the club. During my sophomore and junior year, I served as the service coordinator for the club. For my senior year, I will serve as the Vice President for Poultry Science Club. Poultry Science Club has given me the opportunity of attending different agriculture-based events, working with my peers, being involved in community service, and meeting people who work in the industry. Other opportunities that NC State has given me include offering classes that can help me when working in the agriculture industry in the future. In May of 2022, I was able to become certified in Artificial Insemination for Cattle through taking a 3-day class. I am so excited to see what my final year at NC State will bring!

This summer at the N.C. Cooperative Extension, Stanly County Center, I will be helping the agents in a variety of ways. I will be assisting the 4-H Agent with the Summer Blast Program and the different programs that the kids can attend. I will be assisting the Livestock Agent with livestock camp that the students will be attending in July to teach them about the different digestive systems of livestock animals. I also am excited to attend farm visits with the Livestock Agent and Field Crops Agent in the community. I have also had the privilege to observe and help with classes that the FCS Agent and Nutrition Educator have held at different organizations in the community. I am so excited about what this summer has in store!