Hello everyone! I'm Danielle Simons and I am honored to be this year's McHenry County Farm Bureau Summer Intern. I am the daughter of Curt and Susan Simons and the sixth generation growing up on our small 40 cow dairy farm and 1200 acre grain farm in Marengo, Illinois.
Each year we harvest corn, soybeans, oats, wheat, and hay, which we use as feed and any additional we sell as cash crops. Ever since I can remember, I have always been out in the barn; it might have been playing with the new kittens or tagging along with grandpa as he fed the calves, but to me that was the best place I could be. I believe that is when my passion for Agriculture began to develop. When I was old enough I became active in 4-H where I exhibited many different arts and crafts projects as well as dairy cattle. I have developed a love for showing cattle and still continue to show them at local fairs and shows. During my 4-H years, I held many different officer positions, as well as served on many different committees. From middle through high school, I was very involved in volleyball, basketball and softball, along with FFA and National Honor Society. My senior year I held the position of Secretary for our Marengo FFA Chapter along with competing in many Career Development Events. After high school, I knew I wanted to further my education in agriculture. This fall I will be starting my senior year at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville where I am majoring in Agribusiness with an emphasis in Management and a minor in Accounting. I knew Platteville was the school for me when I saw cattle grazing on pasture right outside of the campus. Even if I had to be away to go to school at least I could see a little touch of home when I looked at the edge of campus. At Platteville I am involved in the Pioneer Dairy Club and Alpha Zeta, which is an agricultural honor's fraternity. After college I hope to find a career where I can be an advocate for agriculture and share my passions with others. I am looking forward to this summer and very excited to meet many new faces!