Chloe Stenger isn’t the traditional agribusiness management student at the University of Missouri. As a junior who does not come from an agricultural background, gaining foundational skills to thrive in the agriculture industry is key to unlocking a successful future.
“Gaining hands-on experience has been one of my biggest priorities before beginning my search for a long-term career,” Stenger said.
Stenger spent 10 weeks in Mount Vernon, Missouri, working at Mizzou’s Southwest Research, Extension and Education Center (SW-REEC). The center addresses the main agricultural concerns of area industries including beef, forage and horticultural crop production.
“Pulling a trailer stacked with square bales for the first time, praying I didn’t hit a bale, are memories that will always be fond in my mind,” Stenger said. “These tasks may seem simple to someone with an agricultural background, but they were meaningful experiences for me.”
Each task Stenger completed throughout her internship helped her become more comfortable working with her hands, adapting in unfamiliar situations and learning by doing.
“From fieldwork to livestock to communication and social media, I’ve been able to participate in many sides of agriculture, taking value from every side,” she said.
Cultivating lasting connections
Stenger also learned valuable lessons apart from field work. She realized the importance of connection and camaraderie in any industry.
“Each person I worked with has a vastly different background, yet community is a top strength I observed at the SW-REEC,” Stenger said. “Each coworker quickly made me feel like a part of the team and encouraged my learning without the feeling of competition or perfection.”
Another beneficial aspect of Stenger’s internship was the opportunity to participate in MU Extension conferences held at the SW-REEC.
“They have been vital to my knowledge expansion, created opportunities for connection and provided some of the most enjoyable experiences during my internship,” she said.
Beyond learning from industry professionals, Stenger also built connections with them that she will carry with her throughout her future academic and professional career.
“I was able to connect with MU Extension specialists and people involved in agribusiness around Southwest Missouri,” she said. “It was easy to feel like an outlier among a group of older cattlemen, but I quickly realized they were easy to talk to and genuinely appreciated seeing young people interested in agriculture.”
As Stenger heads back to the classroom, she will never forget the invaluable experiences and lessons learned from her summer in Southwest Missouri.
“Having an operation of my own one day, whether that includes livestock or produce, no longer seems unattainable like it once did,” she said. “I’m grateful to have spent these 10 weeks learning from the team, working with them and becoming a small part of the SW-REEC community.”