Artificial Insemination School

I've mentioned before that one my favorite parts of graduate school is getting to network with area producers and industry members at various events. This past weekend, we hosted an A.I. School. A.I. stands for Artificial Insemination. It's a reproductive technology that cattle producers implement on their farms to improve the genetics of their cow herds. It gives you the opportunity to utilize the genetics of superior animals that you could never afford to purchase or may not have access to. For instance, A.I. is utilized even outside of the United States. Cattle producers from other countries have the opportunity to purchase U.S. genetics by purchasing bull semen to be used on their cows. That is a much more feasible way of introducing new genetics to your herd than exporting and importing the live animals.

At the school, cattle producers from throughout the U.S. had the opportunity to not only learn the technique of A.I., but also about cattle nutrition, economics, health, semen handling, the reproductive cycle, and other technologies they can utilize back at their farm. You can learn more about A.I. technique from one of my previous posts, "You want me to put my hand where??".

I had a lot of fun working with this group of producers and can't wait to hear about their success as they implement A.I. programs on their farms.

Learning about the impact of nutrition on reproductive success...

Learning about the equipment need for A.I. and how to properly handle semen...

Internship Opportunity at the 2013 National Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show

This is an AWESOME internship opportunity that I would encourage all undergraduate and graduate students that are passionate about the beef industry to apply for! I had the opportunity to intern with NCBA during the 2012 conference and it was one of the coolest things I've ever done. The NCBA staff is wonderful to work with and you have the opportunity to learn about all different sectors of the cattle industry and what it takes to plan and put on a conference of that capacity! I met some really good friends while interning in Nashville and we have kept in touch ever since....it is truly a once in a lifetime experience!

WHEN AND WHERE?? February 4-9, 2013 in Tampa, Florida

WHERE CAN YOU FIND THE APP?? http://www.beefusa.org/ncbaconventioninternship.aspx

WHAT ALL DOES THE INTERNSHIP ENTAIL?? 
As an NCBA intern, you get the opportunity to network with NCBA staff, visit with industry leaders, assist with events during the conference, meet new friends from across the country, and the list goes on!

WHAT IS INCLUDED??
NCBA will provide the student’s convention registration, lodging and certain meals while
in Tampa. Students are responsible for their own travel to and from Tampa, along with all incidental expenses.

Comment or send me an e-mail with any questions...I would be happy to answer them!

Undergraduate internship opportunities...

It may seem early to start looking for summer internship opportunities, but now is the time that you should be on the look out. Many applications for summer internships are due as early as December so you don't want to wait! I received this information in a newsletter this week from the American Society of Animal Science. The University of Connecticut has compiled a list of companies that offer internships for undergraduate animal science students. You can visit their page at http://animalscience.uconn.edu/InternshipsAndEmployment/internships.php. Many universities also offer internships. The University of Nebraska has a Feedlot Management internship program where interns have the opportunity to take classes while working at a feedlot.
It's always a good idea to visit with your undergraduate advisor. They might have ideas or industry connections that can be useful to you. It seems like university job fairs also surface this time of year. There are many useful outlets out there for information...never be afraid to take advantage of them!
Good Luck!