Ag student internships help raise the next generation of producers

Alberta Pork is pleased to announce its support for the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences’ (ALES) Work-Integrated Learning: Animal Science Mini-Internships program, taking place in February 2019.

The Alberta Pork board of directors has approved a $25,000 endowment donation to the program, which takes place twice annually to provide students with a unique learning experience for years to come. The program is meant to address issues faced by our province’s agriculture industry:

• Fewer Albertans are living on farms;
• The number of agriculture and animal health students is not increasing;
• More agriculture students are urban than rural;
• Few urban students have any farm animal contact experiences.

“Our students learn best when they’re in the field, and this is what the program is meant to do,” says Dr. Frank Robinson, animal science professor, Faculty of ALES. “Connecting students to existing producers provides hands-on learning in a very hands-on occupation.”

For its part in the program, Alberta Pork is looking for producer volunteers to offer their support as mentors. All necessary student expenses, such as travel and accommodations, would be covered by the Faculty of ALES. If you are interested in volunteering, please email Charlotte Shipp, Industry Programs Manager, Alberta Pork, or call 780-491-3528 (toll free at 1-877-247-7675).

Dan Majeau, Board Chair, Alberta Pork, will be one of several producer volunteers.

“Opportunities like this ensure our industry will continue to thrive for years to come,” says Dan. “Given how many of these students lack the practical experience required for real-world agriculture, this is an important initiative for Alberta Pork to support.”

Thanks to the Faculty of ALES for creating this program, and congratulations to all successful student applicants. Most of all, thanks to the Alberta pork producers who will be volunteering their time to bridge the gap between the lecture hall and the barn.