Some opportunities come and go. Others get their hands dirty with you and end up shaping who you become. My internship at Isenburg Livestock has been exactly that.
I started working with Isenburg Livestock during my junior year of high school, and now, as a senior in college, this internship has been a constant in my life for five years, teaching me responsibility, grit, and what real work looks like.
Learning by Doing
From day one, this internship was hands-on. I’ve been directly involved in the daily care and management of show pigs, including feeding, cleaning pens, monitoring health, and keeping animals on schedule. There’s no shortcut when it comes to livestock; every detail matters, and everyday counts.
I learned how to recognize when something is off, how to adjust feed and routines, and how consistency directly affects animal performance. Early mornings, late evenings, and long days became normal, and those experiences taught me discipline and accountability in a way a classroom never could.
Preparing for Shows and Sales
A major part of my role has been helping prepare pigs for shows and sales. From washing and grooming to handling and presentation, I gained firsthand experience in what it takes to get animals ready to compete and sell.
Sale days especially taught me how much preparation happens behind the scenes. Making sure pigs were ready, calm, and presented well required teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to perform under pressure. Watching that hard work pay off made the long hours worth it.
Promotion and the Business Side
Beyond the barn, I’ve also helped with promoting show pigs and communicating with potential buyers. This gave me insight into the business side of the livestock industry; how reputation, honesty, and relationships matter just as much as the animals themselves.
I learned how to talk confidently about livestock, answer questions, and represent Isenburg Livestock in a professional way. These experiences strengthened my communication skills and showed me how agriculture blends hands-on work with business and marketing.
Growing Over Time
Balancing this internship alongside high school, college classes, and other responsibilities wasn’t always easy, but it pushed me to manage my time and stay committed. As the years went on, I was trusted with more responsibility, which helped me gain confidence in my abilities.
This internship didn’t just teach me how to care for show pigs; it helped me grow into someone who shows up, works hard, and takes pride in what they do.
Looking Ahead
As I prepare to graduate from college, I’m incredibly grateful for the hands-on experience Isenburg Livestock has given me. These five years shaped my work ethic, strengthened my skills, and confirmed my appreciation for the livestock industry.
Isenburg Livestock didn’t just give me an internship—it gave me real-world experience that I’ll carry with me wherever I go next.
Loran Strickler
Loran Strickler is a senior Pre-Veterinary Science major here at SAU. She is a part of Sigma Alpha, Collegiate Cattleman’s Association, the Pre-Vet Club, and the SAU Alumni FFA. After graduation, she wants to continue her education to become a large animal veterinarian
