An American student has undertaken work experience in the United Kingdom in a bid to get an insight into regional agricultural journalism.

Chris McCullough hosted media student Michelle Stangler for a stint at Northern Ireland’s Farming Life, which is run by National World.

Michelle, who hails from Watertown, Wisconsin, is an undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls studying agricultural marketing communications and journalism.

Michelle’s visit to Northern Ireland was the first step on her European adventure visiting a number of countries to learn and record all about their own styles of farming.

Chris and Michell during her work experience stint

Chris said: “It was also a unique opportunity for me to learn firsthand from a dedicated young agri journalist who has grown up with, studied and mastered new forms of media that is excelling in agri journalism today.

“Although I use several forms of media in my reporting, working with Michelle served really well to further improve my journalist skills.

“It also gave me an insight into what the younger generation of readers favour in terms of how to access content.”

Michaelle added: “From traveling to Northern Ireland, then the Republic of Ireland and on to Italy, I’m grateful to the people like Chris who have been as enthusiastic about the podcast, and have helped me along the way.

“I’ve learned how to become now only a better agricultural journalist, but how agriculture is a community globally. From farmer to farmer and person involved in the industry to the next, there’s differences that propels the industry further.

“That’s what I’m striving to do; learning as much as I can to become a better storyteller of agriculture with a career in agricultural marketing, communications or broadcasting.”