By Kristal Viktora

Krystal Viktora is this year’s Freeborn County 4-H summer intern.

My name is Krystal Viktora, and I am the 2019 Freeborn County 4-H summer intern. I am from rural Albert Lea and grew up in this county 4-H program myself.

I grew up on my family’s farm, where we raise beef cattle, corn and soybeans. I am attending the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, where I am majoring in animal science with a meat animal emphasis. I will be graduating in December, and hope to continue my education with a master’s degree in the beef industry.

While in 4-H I was a member of Moscow 4-H Club. This is truly where my love for the organization grew. As a member of this small club, we all grew as a family where I felt my love for livestock had a welcoming environment for me to express what I love to do.

Because of 4-H, I started showing my homegrown beef cattle, as well as my Jerseys. I took leadership roles in my club, but was always looking for another way to give back, and that is why I took this internship. Through my internship this summer I will be visiting youth in the area at The Children’s Center, YMCA, LIFE Center, Farmers Market and other local community gardens. At these locations, I am teaching about agriculture, leadership and youth development in general. Along with these community events, I am also helping prep for the upcoming youth camp and fair!

I am super excited to work with youth of all backgrounds, and those who share similar passions with me. If you see me in the community, please feel free to say hi! I am looking forward to meeting many people this summer, and finishing with a very exciting county fair! If anyone would like more information about 4-H in Freeborn County, call the Freeborn County Extension Office at 507-377-5660.