An Eventful Week with Life Lessons

#bfrdpwy #aginternship #RightRisk

This week, my internship had some notable events. On Monday, we drove out to Riverton to start seeding. However, due to the amount of rain, we had to return without completing the intended task. This event helped me understand the importance of assessing weather conditions and adjusting plans accordingly. The need for flexibility and adaptability in the face of unforeseen circumstances is an important part of agriculture.

Tuesday proved to be eventful as well. We spent the day pushing cows using four-wheelers. Although the four-wheelers help to get the job done quickly, moving cows takes patience, constant awareness, and good communication. We managed to get it done in a decent amount of time without any issues. Unfortunately, on our way back to the ranch, a truck unexpectedly pulled out in front of us, resulting in a collision. Despite the impact occurring at a speed of 60 miles per hour, no one sustained serious injuries. However, both trucks involved in the accident, as well as the trailer, were completely totaled. The dog that was in the back of the truck turned out to be okay, and the quads that were in the trailer did sustain some damage. Despite the impact occurring at a high speed, I was reminded of the importance of wearing seat belts and practicing defensive driving. The incident showed me firsthand the effectiveness of safety measures in minimizing injuries. It also reinforced the value of remaining calm and working efficiently during times of crisis.

The following day was calmer, primarily we pushed cows on horseback and quads. I was on a different horse this time and I started feeling more comfortable with my riding skills. During the day, we discovered that one of the quads was broken, which prompted us to head back home.

On Thursday, a bull managed to escape, forcing us to stop what we were doing to retrieve him from the neighboring cows and return him to the bull herd. This event taught me the unpredictable nature of working with livestock. I learned the significance of swift action in dealing with unexpected situations. Effective communication and collaboration were crucial in successfully retrieving the bull and preventing further complications.

The last two days, the weather cleared up enough to continue roller harrowing and seeding the fields in Riverton. We borrowed a neighbor’s tractor which helped in getting the job done quicker. It was a good reminder to appreciate and be a good neighbor in our communities so we can all be more efficient in our work.

Overall, this week was quite eventful, with unexpected incidents like the car accident and loose bull requiring quick action. Despite the challenges, we managed to handle the situations effectively. I still have questions lingering in my mind. I am curious about strategies for enhancing our decision process in the face of unexpected situations. How can we ensure we consider all available options and potential risks in a timely manner? I would like to
look deeper into best practices for preventing and managing livestock-related incidents, such as bull escapes, to ensure the safety of the animals.

As I reflect on the lessons learned this week, I am committed to incorporating them into my future. These lessons will help me conduct thorough assessments of weather and road conditions before proceeding with any tasks. I will seek opportunities to expand my knowledge of livestock handling and safety. By working together, we can prevent and effectively handle unexpected situations.

Submitted by: Tristen DeLange
Edits by: GrowinG Internship Team