The competition was greater than ever before for our 2020 All West Summer Intern position. A record number of 17 impressive college students sent us applications from seven states across the nation. After tough deliberation and several interviews, the All West Internship Committee is pleased to introduce our 2020 All West Summer Intern, Brian Martin!
Brian is currently a third-year student at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo where he is working towards his Bachelor of Science Degree in Dairy Science. He comes to us with a variety of work experience, having held positions as a Pest Control Advisor assistant, a milker at the Cal Poly Dairy, and an intern herdsman at a large dairy in New York, just to name a few. Brian currently works at the Cal Poly Meat Market as a Meat Technician where he assists with the slaughter, cutting, and packaging of various meat products for sale on campus.
Brian is no stranger to All West/Select Sires. He was raised on a family-owned-and-operated Jersey dairy just outside of Fresno, CA. “I discovered this internship opportunity through my family, who have been long-time All West customers, and my father who served on the All West Board of Directors for over twenty years. All West had a positive impact on our family business and I will always look at it as one of the leaders in the industry.”
This dairy is where Brian first developed his passion for cows at a young age. He recalls spending most of his free time on the dairy with his father, uncle, and grandfather, always trying to learn more and work harder. His interest intensified when he began showing cattle in 4-H and then FFA. However, like many other dairy producers, the Martins faced the harsh reality of a difficult economy and strict regulations that hindered their ability to enjoyably maintain their operation. Brian’s family made the difficult decision to sell their family farm in 2012, just as Brian was entering high school.
This transition encouraged Brian to consider pursing a career outside of the dairy industry and led him to apply for colleges to study Agriculture Business. Brian was not far in to his coursework at Cal Poly when he realized how much he missed the cows and the fellowship of the industry and promptly switched his major to Dairy Science. Brian is enjoying this area of study and so far, his favorite classes have been Artificial Insemination and Genetics.
Brian Martin will be joining the All West Family for a total of ten weeks this summer and has several goals during his time with us. “I wish to obtain an overall understanding of how the genetics industry works. Specifically, I am interested in developing skills to properly serve dairy producers as a semen salesperson. I strongly believe this to be one of the keys to a successful dairy and I know that All West/Select Sires highly values the interpersonal relationships between their employees and the dairy families that they serve. It is my goal to learn the skills needed to successfully create those partnerships, listen to the needs of the clients, and fulfill their needs by delivering a quality product.”
The All West Internship Committee reported that from their short meeting with him, they already know Brian is knowledgeable, hardworking and determined. Besides his passion for cows, they also discovered his love for baseball, so we are certain he will fit right in with the All West Family!
Brian will be based in our Turlock, CA office, but will be traveling throughout California and the Pacific Northwest this summer, as well. We thank our generous customers for making this experience possible for the future of our industry by allowing our interns to visit your farms and ranches. If you happen to see Brian at your dairy, say hello and snap a photo to share with us by tagging #AllWestSummerIntern on social media!
Congratulations Brian! Welcome to the All West Family!
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