2024 PSU Externs from left to right: Calvin Dechow, Paige Peiffer, and Emma McLaughlin
Premier Select Sires was excited to host Calvin Dechow, Paige Peiffer, and Emma McLaughlin, three Penn State externs, during the first week of January. The students spent a week of their winter break job shadowing different employees of Premier and learning about the cooperative. Thank you to these exceptional students for visiting with us, and thank you to all of the staff and member customers who helped provide an educational, fun experience for Calvin, Paige, and Emma! Learn more about the students below.
Name: Calvin Dechow
Hometown: Julian, PA
Year in college: Sophomore, graduating in May 2026
Major/minors: Animal Science
Activities: Dairy Science Club (2023 Spring Dairy Expo Assistant Show Manager), Poultry Science Club (Ag Student Council Rep), Delta Theta Sigma Agricultural Fraternity (President)
Experience: Serves as PSU lab assistant, works at PSU Dairy Barn, works at Tractor Supply, works as a farm hand for his grandfather’s farm in Randolph NY
Future plans: “I would like to work in the dairy industry, preferably in genetics, and maybe go back and start the family farm again.”
Takeaways or highlights from the externship: “During my time in the externship, I had a great time learning about all the services Premier offers to its customers. I really enjoyed riding along with different people within the company and learning about what they do in their role. What I really took away during the program was seeing how Premier really worked hard to deliver their best to customers.”
Name: Paige Peiffer
Hometown: Lebanon, PA
Year in college: Senior, graduating May in 2024
Major/minors: Animal Science, minor in Agri-Business Management
Activities: Penn State Dairy Science Club (past president, current membership chair and social media chair), North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge, PSU Dairy Judging Team, Dairy Cattle Reproductive Research Team, Penn State Collegiate Farm Bureau member
Experience: worked as a PSU Extension Dairy Systems Intern, worked as a Land O’ Lakes Global Food Challenge Intern, served as a PA Dairy Princess, works at Boxed-In Acres Holsteins in Lebanon PA, worked as a Calving Corner intern at the PA Farm Show
Future plans: “I plan to remain working in agriculture, preferably working hands on with dairy farmers, and potentially return to the family farm.”
Takeaways or highlights from the externship: “My biggest takeaway from spending the week with Premier Select Sires was experiencing the team and company morale and how that extends into how they interact with farmers. They truly take their motto ‘Your Success, Our Passion’ to heart. The company and all of its employees, all the way from upper management and beyond, have the dairy farmer’s best interest in mind when providing services, herd care products, and industry-leading genetics. Not only was I able to network with those in Select, but I was able to explore the endless opportunities for career growth within the company. I have a renewed sense of confidence in the future of the dairy industry, specifically within my home area, because of the dedicated and passionate people that I got to interact with through this amazing externship experience.”
Name: Emma McLaughlin
Hometown: Pennsylvania Furnace, PA
Year in college: Sophomore, graduating in May 2026
Major/minors: Animal Science
Activities: Block and Bridle Club (Marshal), Dairy Science Club (Community Service/Social Co-Chair)
Experience: Works at PSU dairy barn, worked at PSU Beef and Sheep Center, worked at Breezy Farms in Pennsylvania Furnace, PA, worked at Centre Stables in Pennsylvania Furnace, PA
Future plans: “I am not yet sure exactly what my future will look like, but I know I want to work with animals in a company, or on farm, and would like to work with cattle. I hope to have a farm of my own someday as well.”
Takeaways or highlights from the externship: “I really enjoyed participating in this externship and meeting so many new people. I learned about job opportunities that I had never considered before and got a more in-depth look at what the company is all about. My favorite part of the week was working with Hannah Wentworth, one of the Area Sales Managers, and being able to meet and talk with the customers.”
Emma riding with Premier Area Sales Manager Hannah Wentworth
Calvin, Emma, and Paige learning from Premier Distribution Manager Amanda Landsiedel in the Tunkhannock, PA lab