As I write this column and reflect on all I have learned in the past 13 weeks as an intern here at the Producer, I start to think I’d have a good shot at winning a game of agricultural Jeopardy…
Alex: “Phleum pratense L., a cool season perennial bunch grass with a shallow fibrous root system.”
Me: “What is timothy?”
Alex: ” Correct. The investigation of the relationship between sun, moon, stars and weather.”
Me: “What is atrometeorology?”
Alex: “Correct. Now for the daily double. The chronic, degenerative disorder affecting the central nervous system of cattle.”
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Me: “What is bovine spongiform encephalopathy?”
I’m pretty sure I’d win the spelling bee on that one, too.
At the onset of this internship, I asked managing editor Barb Glen for the opportunity to experience all areas of agricultural reporting. She provided that opportunity.
From biogas production and border closures, crop circles and canola to trans fatty acids and timothy production, weaning colts and wondering where I was on Saskatchewan roads, I experienced the full meal deal.
I learned that it is tough to become a temporary expert with each story I write. Sometimes I felt the more I learned about an issue, the less I knew.
But what has made the biggest impression is the wide range of agricultural topics to cover. While most newspapers have an agriculture beat, there are beats within that beat at the Producer. Livestock, production, farm living, markets, agri-finance; somehow it all comes together on time every week. It’s no small task, but this place runs like a well-oiled machine.
I’d like to thank my coworkers for teaching me about what they do that helps get this paper to you. I received training in copy editing, layout, graphics, photography and web posting. Not only did I gain an understanding of the newspaper business, but I developed skills to take with me on my career path.
I would also like to thank the people I have interviewed and spoken with for understanding I was the new kid on the block. They were helpful and never seemed frustrated answering what I’m sure were really simple questions. I’m sure they stifled a giggle a time or two but mostly they just commended me for my career choice and wished me well.
To our readers, some of whom checked in with comments on what I had written, thanks. It really is good to know there are people paying attention to agricultural issues and critically evaluating what we do.
With that I say goodbye but I hope not to be a stranger to the pages of the Western Producer.
