Monday, June 17, 2024
Samira Guirguis
Beyond the fields: A day with Washington State Department of Agriculture
The adventure started with a simple yet profound statement from Kat Kersten, Washington State Department of Agriculture Communications Director:
We discovered through conversations that most folks don’t really grasp the full extent of the work we do here," Kersten shared. “While everyone is familiar that we work with farmers and ranchers, there's a vast world of work that we do that goes beyond that.
Walking through the corridors of the Natural Resources Building within the agriculture department wing in Olympia, Washington, Kersten emphasized the department's diverse responsibilities: managing pest and disease control, ensuring food safety, administering grants, commodity inspection, regulating pesticide use, livestock identification, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, among other things.
Our first stop was a bustling livestock market. We watch trailers roll in one after the other, unloading cattle while the Livestock Identification Program team meticulously inspects each one for a brand and takes detailed notes about each animal as it comes through. Up on a catwalk, ranchers peer down as their cattle are funneled through a green metal shoot and are tagged, given shots, and health checks. Later in the day, these animals will be sold to the highest bidder.
Jacob Gilbreath, Program Assistant for the Livestock Identification Program, said that inspecting cattle is just one aspect of what the program does. They also register brands, certified feedlots, and public livestock markets across the state. All of these areas tie directly into the asset protection provided by the program.
From the auction, we hit the road toward Tenino to visit a ranch. Here, Kersten scouted out potential filming locations for a promotional video that will be used to educate the public about what the department does to support Washington agriculture. We stood amid clucking chickens that will likely be used in a staged shot to show our state vets testing for bird flu. Next, we walked through a portion of the ranch’s 1,300 acres toward towering pine trees. This forest could help spotlight the department's battle against the spongy moth, an invasive species. Not far off we could hear a winding river which was awaiting scientific scrutiny for its water quality. These snapshots — avian health, monitoring and eradication of non-native species, and water quality — merely scratch the surface of the department's multifaceted efforts in environmental conservation and food safety.
Our first stop was a bustling livestock market. We watch trailers roll in one after the other, unloading cattle while the Livestock Identification Program team meticulously inspects each one for a brand and takes detailed notes about each animal as it comes through. Up on a catwalk, ranchers peer down as their cattle are funneled through a green metal shoot and are tagged, given shots, and health checks. Later in the day, these animals will be sold to the highest bidder.
Jacob Gilbreath, Program Assistant for the Livestock Identification Program, said that inspecting cattle is just one aspect of what the program does. They also register brands, certified feedlots, and public livestock markets across the state. All of these areas tie directly into the asset protection provided by the program.
From the auction, we hit the road toward Tenino to visit a ranch. Here, Kersten scouted out potential filming locations for a promotional video that will be used to educate the public about what the department does to support Washington agriculture. We stood amid clucking chickens that will likely be used in a staged shot to show our state vets testing for bird flu. Next, we walked through a portion of the ranch’s 1,300 acres toward towering pine trees. This forest could help spotlight the department's battle against the spongy moth, an invasive species. Not far off we could hear a winding river which was awaiting scientific scrutiny for its water quality. These snapshots — avian health, monitoring and eradication of non-native species, and water quality — merely scratch the surface of the department's multifaceted efforts in environmental conservation and food safety.
The purpose of the day extended far beyond mere observation; it was a firsthand immersion into the multifaceted world of agricultural. Visiting the livestock market and ranch underscored the tangible impact of the department’s work on local communities and economies. A video showcasing the diverse array of tasks undertaken by WSDA is not just important; it's essential. It serves as a powerful tool to not only educate the public about the department's vital role but also to inspire trust and confidence in its endeavors. As I reflect on my experience participating in this job shadow, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to witness firsthand the dedication and passion that drives the WSDA's mission forward. It's been an eye-opening journey that has left me inspired to explore further avenues of contribution in the realm of agricultural communication and outreach.
Thank you Washington State Department of Agriculture, for giving me a glimpse of the incredible work transpiring behind the scenes that help keep our grocery stores stocked and the Washington agriculture landscape vibrant.
Thank you Washington State Department of Agriculture, for giving me a glimpse of the incredible work transpiring behind the scenes that help keep our grocery stores stocked and the Washington agriculture landscape vibrant.
To learn more, visit the Washington State Department of Agriculture website.