July 2016 – Michelle McCallum is a rising junior, studying Animal Science and Agricultural Business at NC State University. As an NCGT apprentice this summer, she has continued the work she began in the spring semester with Dr. Kathryn Boys from NC State’s Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics. So far, she has learned a great deal about the research side of local food, and how her work can help small and mid-sized farmers and producers in North Carolina.
In her work with Dr. Boys, Michelle has undertaken several projects including a literature review on pasture-raised meat in the United States, a literature review on local produce, and a listing of co-ops and small stores that sell pasture-raised meat.
Michelle’s desire to apply for this apprenticeship was piqued by her interest in the local food side of business, and she’s been able to learn how large-scale agriculture compares to smaller-scale local agriculture. Describing the apprenticeship, Michelle says “I like it a lot. I think it provides a lot of good connections and you get to learn a lot about the local food industry.”
This article originally appeared in the July 2016 NC Growing Together Newsletter.