I’m Khumbulani Zulu, currently placed in North Carolina, USA, through the Future Farmers Foundation International Placement Program. While there are some differences in how things operate on farms here compared to back home, they are not that significant. For example, when it comes to insemination, the sow here shows signs of being ready for AI, unlike back home where we rely on different methods.

Lately, I have been working in the farrowing barns, gaining a lot of experience with both small and large sections of piglet care. One thing I have learned is that working here requires you to be strong and resilient every day because the experience can come the hard way.

A memorable moment for me was when my supervisor took me to a Spanish church (Iglesias). The dominant group of people here are Mexican, and many are not fluent in English, so I’ve started picking up a few words to make the working environment more favourable and easier for me. One of my Mexican friends even introduced me to their food, and I’m really enjoying it.

Thanks once again for this amazing opportunity.