As an educator, my goals here at the USDA-NRCS are simple: to learn what the USDA does and to relate it to conservational practices used here in Duplin County and to expose my students to some of the intricacies dealing with agribusiness and conservation.

Students today do not know what goes on in the field of agriculture. They are also not aware of all of the business opportunities that Duplin County has because of its ranking in agriculture. They need to know why it is important that the USDA exists, the importance of conservation practices, and all of the hard work and dedication that farmers, growers, etc. have when it comes to their respective businesses.

None of it is easy, and that is something that I think I will be learning throughout this internship. I know some of the intricacies of agribusiness, but not nearly as much as the employees here at the USDA-NRCS do. Therefore, I hope they will share some of their knowledge so that I can simplify it into terms that my students can understand and relate to.