I worked in all aspects of the fertilizer plant, running soil nitrate tests and tissue samples, as well as Precision Agriculture and regular scouting of fields. I designed and built a mobile precision agriculture unit out of a retired ambulance that will be utilized in the 2016 growing season. I also ran a nitrate level study over the course of the growing season with our agronomist, Rick Griesbach. I gained a great deal of botanical and soil health knowledge during my time there.

Work primarily consists of operating machinery as well as feeding, caring for, and milking dairy cattle and young stock. This job requires great powers of observation as well as a good deal of knowledge of how to run, repair, and maintain farm equipment.

Most of my time was spent maintaining parks and roadways using multiple pieces of equipment. I also plowed snow in the winters. I utilized mechanical knowledge to assist in repairs and maintenance of machines as well as botanical knowledge in identifying different plants in the parks. Good interpersonal skills were important in dealing with concerned citizens as well.

In this position I did many chores similar to those that I am currently doing at Determination Dairy, but on a much more independent basis. I mixed feed and ran the barn alone on many mornings, requiring a great deal of general knowledge, as well as adaptability and quick thinking.