Coming to the Institute of Applied Agriculture (IAA) from a farm in Freeland, Maryland, Allison Miller wanted to concentrate on sustainable agriculture production and growing her family’s business, Charlottetown Farm, a goat and beef cattle operation. Miller, a sustainable agriculture major, took a major step toward her goal this summer when she interned at the farm.
Charlottetown Farm produces dairy goat products including cheeses and cheesecake, which are sold at local farmers markets. Miller’s job was to expand the customer base to include restaurants. She was pleased to find that their goat products were highly desired and in great demand; she increased restaurant sales by 23 percent.
To best promote their goat dairy products, Miller became involved in every aspect of the operation. She worked in the actual cheese and product-making process where she learned the high value and importance of quality control and safe food handling practices. She then trained new employees how to maintain the high quality cheese production.
She learned the value of running a business and maintaining proper records by handling the bookkeeping tasks. In addition, she maintained the farm’s website and facebook page, and practiced her oral communication skills each time she approached a prospective new customer.
But none of this would be possible without a healthy herd of goats. Miller cared for and monitored the health of the goats, and aided in the birthing of 20 goats.
“Working for my family’s business was a great experience,” Miller says. “I learned more in one summer than I could have imagined, and look forward to utilizing the knowledge and skills I obtained in a future profession.”
A hardworking, driven young woman, Miller plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree after completing her IAA certificate.
