Personal Narrative: My Experience As A North Iowa Cooperative

My experience as a North Iowa Cooperative Intern this past summer has been opportunity that no amount of money can buy or class can teach me. The lessons I have learned this past summer because of working at cooperative will help me achieve my dreams. One of the main things I did while working at the cooperative was crop scouting. I am now able to identify many different harmful weeds, insects, and diseases to help the farmer achieve his or her maximum yield and profit. I also had the opportunity to take soil samples while out in the fields. I would then test the samples for nitrates to be sure the field had adequate levels of nitrogen. From there I was able to give the producer an accurate recommendation for nitrogen application. When not out the field, you could find me in the chemical shed. Here I would be helping with inventory, writing up tickets for customers, and delivering chemical to the airplane. Working in the chemical shed gave me a deeper understand of what, why, and how different chemicals are applied to fields.

From talking to farms to discussing business decisions with coworkers, I have learned the correct way to go about each situation. With any job I have in the future, I will have to be able to talk with people from all walks of life. Knowing how to communicate with many different personalities is a key component to success in any job. I will be able to take all the skills I have gained as a North Iowa Cooperative intern not only back to Iowa State but to my future career. I would not have been able to learn any theses lessons in the classroom, and I am very grateful for that. I believe working at a cooperative this past summer has allowed me to grow and develop myself as a member of the agricultural community and will contribute to my accomplishments in the