Sampson County’s Peterson Interns with Prestage Farms
September 4, 2024
Contact : Rhonda Jessup, Director of Public Relations
CLINTON, NC – Kylie Peterson, a dedicated University of Mount Olive (UMO) student is building her resume and her agricultural experience through an internship with Prestage Farms. A junior veterinary bioscience major and agribusiness minor, she is set to graduate in December 2025.
Raised in the small town of Turkey, NC, Peterson has always had a strong passion for agriculture, particularly the animal side of the industry. As the daughter of Wendy and Chet Peterson, she grew up in an environment closely tied to agriculture, with her father having worked with Butterball turkeys for many years.
Peterson’s educational journey began at Union High School, where she graduated in December 2022. She enrolled at UMO in August 2022, drawn to the University’s family and community-oriented environment. “I didn’t want to be just a number,” she said, “Mount Olive provided the personal and homey feeling I needed.”
At UMO, Peterson has been actively involved in research projects that have shaped her collegiate experience, including a study on broilers, layers, and turkeys at Kornegay Student Farm. This project ignited her interest in production agriculture and motivated her to seek further opportunities, such as the internship with Prestage Farms.
During the 10-week internship, Peterson’s responsibilities have included ensuring the health and well-being of sows and their piglets, performing housekeeping tasks, and assisting with various farm operations. “A typical day would start bright and early, either at 3:45 AM or 5:45 AM, checking on all the pigs and performing tasks to ensure their health,” Peterson said.
The hands-on experience at Prestage Farms has allowed Peterson to apply her classroom knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of production agriculture. “The primary takeaway from my experience with Prestage would be my respect for the industry,” she said. “It takes a special person and a village to succeed in this field. I have a newfound respect for those in the production world.”
Looking ahead, Peterson plans to apply to veterinary school after graduation. Her long-term goal is to become a large animal veterinarian or work in an agricultural setting. “I would definitely enjoy being in the production world,” she said.
In her spare time, Peterson enjoys spending time with her Labrador, Bailey, going to the beach, and being with friends and family. She credits her parents for their unwavering support and inspiration, particularly her mother’s strength in facing health challenges and her father’s ability to provide guidance and laughter.
Peterson’s story is a testament to her determination, passion, and commitment to creating a better future for herself and her community. Her journey at UMO and her internship with Prestage Farms have paved the way for a promising career in the agricultural industry.
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The University was founded by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists. For more information, visit www.umo.edu.
