Charlie Cramer, Michigan State University 2012
What an internship so far! I couldn’t ask for a better internship than one where I get to go out in the field and learn hands on. Not only is the work at Harvey’s Ag Solutions great, but the people at Harvey’s are some of the most knowledgeable and helpful people I have met. Whenever I have a question about a crop, insect, or chemical, I know someone will be there to give me an answer. I have had the opportunity to ride along with most of the salesman, as they scout fields and call on growers. Riding with the salesman has shown me a variety of sales approaches and the correct way to carry out customer service.
Every year Harvey’s Ag has a plot day where over 21 acres of field yield trials and crop evaluations take place. There are over 70 soybean varieties, 60 corn grain varieties, and 35 corn silage varieties. With help from two other interns and one full-time employee, we are responsible for planting, maintaining the plot, hanging signs, and presenting the plot to area farmers and industry leaders at the annual plot day.
In addition to maintaining the test plot; I am responsible for checking Western Bean Cutworm traps, and scouting wheat, corn, soybeans and alfalfa. I also have a summer-long project examining grain, silage, soybean and alfalfa test plots with foliar feed/fungicide trials. We are looking at over 20 different trials on corn grain, corn silage, and soybeans to improve yields and/or quality.
Along with the help of the intern coordinator I help manage two other summer scouts. We plan out the week’s work, including what and where to scout.It is a great opportunity to critique my time management skills.
Michelle Cole, Michigan State University 2010
I had a great experience during both of my internships at Harvey’s. There were always new things to learn and new areas to get involved in.The opportunities were endless.
During my internships I had the opportunity to ride along with all 9 of the agronomy salespeople. I learned different scouting and selling techniques from each of them. Each of the salespeople started giving me maps and I scouted fields and reported my findings to them. I now have experience scouting corn, soybeans, alfalfa, wheat, sugarbeets, and dry beans.
I also had the opportunity to be very involved with our test plot. I planted both the corn and soybean plots and helped manage the plot throughout the season. During plot day I gave a presentation at one of our tents explaining tough to control weeds.
During my first summer at Harvey’s I was in charge of the corn fungicide program. I mapped out and scouted fields, and I also organized application logistics and worked with the pilots at application to ensure proper coverage and safety.
Also during my first internship I created scouting booklets for corn, soybeans, wheat, and alfalfa which included diseases and pests common to the area.
I also managed the Western Bean Cutworm trapping program. I was mapping out locations, installing traps, checking traps, and reporting the findings to MSU. During peak flight I coordinated scouting activities and kept salespeople and customers informed of findings.
During my second internship, Harvey’s hired two summer scouts. I trained and managed the two scouts to cover more acres and assist the salespeople with monitoring their crops.
Lastly, during my internships Harvey’s started sending out email newsletters to customers with pertinent information regarding current weather conditions, disease problems, pest problems and any other information that needed to be passed on to the customers. I was responsible for putting together those newsletters and getting them out to the approximately 200 customers on our list.
I learned a lot about several areas of the industry during my internships and had the chance to get to know a great team of people. It was a very easy decision for me to accept a full time position here at Harvey’s after graduation. I am excited about my long term opportunities and look forward to working for this great company for many years.
Amanda Hassenger, Michigan State University 2010
Having an internship at Harvey’s was a great experience and it helped me to define what I wanted to do once I graduated from college. As an intern, my main focus was growing our specialty feed department by working closely with 4-H groups around the area.
Some of the first programs I started were nutrition clinics for show animals. For the past 2 years I have been giving nutrition presentations at 4-H meetings to help the kids learn more about taking care of their animals. I have had clinics in the counties of Midland, Gratiot, Ionia and Montcalm. I also started having a booth at the Gratiot County Fair for Youth.This booth was designed to provide 4-Her’s with a place to purchase supplies during the fair. It also has activities that help the kids learn more about the species that they show.
During my second summer at Harvey’s, I tried focusing more on the dairy side of the company. Having the opportunity to ride along with the three feed consultants allowed me to learn a lot more about the dairy industry and helped me to decide to become a feed consultant myself.
Now, as a full time feed consultant, I continue to do 4-H clinics around the state, I have a booth at the Gratiot Fair, and I meet new people every day on the farms I visit. The Harvey’s team is a great group of people to work with!