Starting the New Year!

In early 2018, Clay Chase sat quietly at our picnic table for his job interview. Nearly two years later, we're proud to employ Clay as our first Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School Cooperative Education Student Employee. The Co-Op Program provides motivated students in good academic standing with an opportunity to begin their professional employment while still in high school. After completing all the school requirements, Clay made his transition from part-time employee to co-op employee this week. This means instead of reporting to school during his vocational week (shop week), Clay comes to work at Whittier Farms. Clay is a senior in the Automotive Technology program and his Co-op Education at Whittier Farms serves to extend his learning beyond the Valley Tech shop. This week, Clay has begun regular service work on all the farm equipment. Clay says he hopes to "gain more experience on heavy equipment" during his Co-op at Whittier Farms. From oil changes, to filter replacements and hose checks, to repairing hydraulic leaks and greasing fittings, Clay is well on his way to gaining that experience as he prepares all the equipment for the busier season. We asked Clay what his favorite task has been so far during his time at Whittier Farms and we weren't at all surprised when "driving the 4020 with the roller" topped the list. The work Clay is doing on Co-op not only keeps our daily equipment moving but gives each of our machines a clean bill of health before the busy crop season. Today, Clay is pictured working on our John Deere Gator; a utility vehicle that is used every day to bring fresh milk and feed to our young calves and heifers. Clay will complete the rest of the school year alternating weeks between the classroom and Co-op at Whittier Farms before graduation.