Behind the Scenes of Rhode Island Agriculture<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Reynolds, a rising sophomore at URI, is one of URI Cooperative Extension\u2019s Agriculture and Food Systems Fellows,<\/a> placed with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s (RIDEM) Division of Agriculture under the Year of the Woman Farmer campaign. \u201cOur mission is to increase access and visibility for female farmers throughout the state,\u201d she says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The fellowship may not look like a traditional pre-veterinary job, but Reynolds says it has given her a broader understanding of the agricultural systems that support animal health and food production. “I’m behind the scenes of agriculture,” she says of the position. “It really enriches my understanding of agriculture across the state\u2014 there are so many different sectors.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n As part of the fellowship, Reynolds interviews women farmers from across Rhode Island, sharing their stories through RI Grown’s social media channels. She also helps manage farmers markets, assists with nutrition incentive programs that double the purchasing power of SNAP recipients, connects with vendors and community members, and visits farms throughout the state.<\/p>\n\n\n One recent visit to a livestock farm left a lasting impression. “The farmer gave us a full tour, and being able to see the animals and hear her talk about the processes she has with them really expanded my knowledge,” she says. “Not only was it refreshing what I had already learned in class, but I was learning new things, too.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Those experiences complement Reynolds’ long-term goal of becoming a veterinary pathologist, diagnosing diseases across a wide range of animal species. “It’s not just the pathology,” she says. “Even learning about simple things like nutrition and animal care and welfare \u2014 that’s really important. It relates to what I want to do.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to their placements, fellows participate in 33-hour summer industry trainings that introduce them to farms, agencies, and organizations across Rhode Island. Reynolds has already gleaned strawberries at URI’s Agronomy Farm, learned food preservation techniques, and toured agricultural operations around the state, the Rhode Island State House, and RIDEM headquarters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Building Community on Campus<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n During her first semester, Reynolds took her first animal science lab at Peckham Farm, an experience that confirmed she had chosen the right major. “I’m a hands-on learner,” she says. “Being able to work with the animals made me realize, ‘I’m actually training to do what I want to do for the rest of my life.'”<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/cels\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2130\/1000015730-copy.jpg\")
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