At just 5 years old, I fell into the dairy industry by chance, but I’ve stayed by choice. My older brother had started showing dairy cattle for a local dairyman at the 2003 North Carolina State Fair. This is where I had my first-ever interaction with the industry. All it took was leading a Jersey calf around to ignite the passion I still possess for the dairy cow today. Fifteen years later, I am still raising Holstein heifers back home in North Carolina with the help of my parents.
From the time I started kindergarten to the time I received my high school diploma, my friends and teachers constantly referred to me as the girl involved in “cow stuff.” Whether it was 4-H, FFA, dairy bowl, judging, Holstein convention, or anything else, you could always count me in. Over the years, I have also found my love for communicating the wonders and achievements of the dairy community.
Maybe “Wisconsin” doesn’t exactly fit into Jo Dee Messina’s 1996 hit “Heads Carolina, Tails California,” but it definitely fits me. I am eager to be the editorial intern this summer because I’ve always greatly admired the work Hoard’s Dairyman does to stay current with the industry and share innovative thoughts and ideas.
No matter how you’re spending your summer, remember to seek opportunities for self-growth and networking. Entering any unfamiliar territory can be intimidating but remind yourself of your goals and your future plans. Don’t forget to have fun, too!
Sarah Thomas grew up in Pittsboro, N.C., showing and raising dairy heifers. Thomas attends Virginia Tech, majoring in dairy science with minors in agricultural economics, communication, and Spanish. On campus, she’s involved with Dairy Club, Sigma Alpha, and has been a member of the Virginia Tech dairy judging team. Thomas is the current National Junior Holstein Advisory Committee Chairperson and is the 2019 Hoard’s Dairyman summer editorial intern.
