Summer Internship Program: Southampton

Primary Program Area Focus:  ANR

1. Describe your plans for this internship.  (i.e. What specifically will the intern be doing?)

The intern will spend time shadowing the summer activities of the Extension Agents within the Southampton Office.  This includes: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) scouting crops for insects and disease, addressing producer and homeowner questions, assisting with specialist research projects, pesticide container recycling efforts, preparing for 4-H camp, preparing for agricultural events related to the Franklin-Southampton County Fair. 

2. Describe the knowledge / skills you expect the intern to gain from this experience.

The intern will gain valuable experience and insight into the day-to-day operations of a local Extension program in a heavy row crop county which produces peanuts and cotton, as well as soybeans and corn and other small grains.  Watermelons, cantelope, pumpkins also contribute significantly to the agricultural mix in the county.  There is also a small animal production aspect with some beef production, and several other hobby farmers as well with additional species.  The intern will also learn customer service in dealing with the public.  And as it is summertime, there are more youth development opportunities related to camp and the fair. 

3. How will the intern learn about the breadth of VCE and our various program areas?

The intern will be exposed to VCE by way of working with the agents in the office who in turn collaborate with many other agents and specialists (primarily Tidewater AREC faculty) and agribusiness and community partners to increase the stature of agriculture in Southampton County.  The emphasis will be on hands-on, experiential learning and seeing all of the aspects of Extension.  Additionally, online training and resources will bolster the experience where necessary and beneficial.