Emily Woockman – U.S. Meat Export Federation – Denver

June Update

As I reflect on the first month of my internship, one word truly describes this experience: opportunity. The United States Meat Export Federation has opened my eyes to various roles in how American producers feed the world and the work that goes into making sure that it runs smoothly. At the Board of Directors meeting, I got to meet people in all 9 sectors that the USMEF serves. From people who work for packers, exporters, Farm Bureaus, and great organizations like state corn boards (although Nebraska’s is my favorite!).

It truly amazes me, as someone who grew up on a small farm in rural northeast Nebraska, the different opportunities that are out there to stay involved in agriculture that don’t include me working directly on the farm but still being able to make an impact in the industry.

The staff at USMEF has done a great job setting up the internship to provide exposure to various aspects of the meat export industry while also being so welcoming to me and the CSU intern. This last month we have gotten to tour the Superior Lamb Processing Plant in Denver, go to ranch tours, spend the day with the economists at CattleFax, meet with both the National Cattle Beef Association and American Lamb Board staffs, and sit down to chat with Where Food Comes From, and zoom in with the USMEF in the global offices. Getting the opportunity to meet all of these wonderful people has helped give me a broader view of American meat production that isn’t just raising cattle on my family farm. The passion that every single person I have met for their role in agriculture is contagious, and it is clear to see the positive impact they are having on the industry. I can’t wait to see what other opportunities this summer will offer!