The average person rarely ever thinks about where their food comes from. For most, it just appears at the grocery store. Rarely do we think about the farmers that dedicate their lives to feeding America. From early mornings to late nights Zack Baker spent his 2022 summer internship at his family's farm Deere Valley Farm. Baker is in his second year at the Institute of Applied Agriculture and is studying Agriculture Business Management. Baker completed his internship from May 19th to August 28th but has worked at Deere Valley before his internship and continues to work there now that his internship is completed. Deere Valley Farm is in Dickerson, Maryland. They grow grain and hay and raise cattle. Baker is a Field Supervisor. Within this position, Baker’s day-to-day duties include managing the employees on the crew, repairing and maintaining the equipment, feeding cattle, and running equipment such as tractors and sprayers. In addition to making sure all tasks are being completed by the rest of his crew in a timely manner. This includes making sure the 800 acres of hay was ready in time to be harvested.
The most important aspect of managing a farm that Baker learned this summer is that you need a good crew and that “teamwork and trust are the most important aspects of a good crew.” He learned without a crew you can trust there is no chance of success. Baker will continue to work at Deere Valley Farm while finishing up his time at the Institute of Applied Agriculture.
Through his internship, Baker now has the skills and experience needed to successfully operate his farm. Baker's internship provided him with skills and lessons he will use throughout his whole career. After his time at the Institute of Applied Agriculture, Baker hopes to continue to work on his family’s farm.
