I was on this rotation with Cassie, Betsy, Sarah, and Dr. Allen and to say we had a blast would be an understatement.
Week one- we researched different problems, talked with producers and veterinarians. We also put together our sampling plan and our goals for the operation visits.
Week two- travel 8 plus hours by van to Montana. We stayed with Sarah's aunt and uncle. The first operation involved working cows in constant wind, snow that was blowing sideways, and freezing temperatures. I also got some exercise as our only paper with all of the animal IDs blew away. I had to chase it over fences and across a huge pasture full of cows. Every time I took a step, the paper would blow another 10 feet away. Thankfully, it eventually stopped, and Dr. Allen drove the van out to pick me up. At midday, the producer and his wife fed us a wonderful dinner and later hot chocolate and cookies appeared outside.
Second operation involved missing the turn and driving an extra hour and half in the snow and trying not to get the mini van stuck in the middle of no where without any cell service.
Week three- waiting for results, putting together reports, and giving a presentation about what found and our adventures to about 25 colleagues.
