From the Field

Currently, the sole World Poultry Foundation-funded farm intern from South Africa in the US, Indiphile Bezana is drawing on a well of inner strength as she settles into life on a remote commercial poultry farm in the Arizona desert, a long way from the verdant pastures of home in South Africa’s Eastern Cape.

“It makes me happy to be doing what I studied,” says the Farming Management graduate. Asked what’s best about the experience so far, Indiphile quickly lauds farm management and staff, “They are friendly, willing to teach, and they care about me as an individual.” She is especially proud of the results of her three-month performance assessment, “they are impressed with my work,” she beams.

In addition to caring for thousands of layers, Indiphile has also learned to troubleshoot and fix conveyor belt chains. “That’s the physically hardest part of the job, but I enjoy learning new things.” “I don’t really like resting,” she reflects.

Indiphile’s high energy level will serve her well, as she has her sights set on establishing her own broiler farm.

Outside of work, the young farmer enjoyed an outing to the famous re-assembled London Bridge at Lake Havasu, barbecues with her American and Mexican co-workers and her roommates from Tanzania and Ukraine, and a trip to the big city – Phoenix, two hours away.

Sporting opportunities for this former soccer coach have been limited so far, she concedes, but “I’m here to work and learn.” After further thought, and as our catch-up chat drew to a close, she said, “I’m mentally strong, physically strong. It will be a good year.”

Power to you, Indiphile!

The South African interns participate on a J-1 visa exchange visitor program sponsored by the WISE Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Dyersburg, Tennessee