Ag Experience enters its 10th year

The 10th summer of MFA’s Ag Experience internship program kicked off May 23 with 11 partici­pants who will spend the summer learning more about the agricultural industry as trusted and professional employees.

During the program’s orientation at MFA Incorporat­ed’s home office in Columbia, interns had the opportu­nity to learn about the company’s standards and policies, explore their upcoming projects and network with MFA executives and fellow interns.

The 12-week program is designed to challenge, edu­cate and inspire college students pursuing careers in ag­riculture, business and communications. To be eligible, applicants must be working toward a bachelor’s degree at an accredited college or university, be a full-time stu­dent in good standing with a grade point average above 2.75 and have completed their sophomore year of college.

After being paired with an MFA mentor, each student par­ticipates in a customized internship geared toward his or her interests and career objectives. Throughout the summer, the students will gain valuable, hands-on experience within the industry and collaborate with MFA and its members. This year’s topics include sales, precision agriculture, animal health and nutrition, communications, education and outreach.

Overall, the goal is for interns to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world setting. The program concludes Aug. 12, when all interns will give a final presentation detailing their projects and experiences to senior-level managers. Those who perform well throughout the program may be considered for fu­ture Ag Experience internship positions, part-time work during the school year or full-time employment after graduation.

This year’s interns are, standing, from left: Isaiah DeShon, Macy Kertz, Madelyn Baker, Claire Eggerman, Madison Cole­man, Katherine Sanders and Libby Reinsch. Seated, from left: Kirby Richards, Madeline Payne, Alexandra Gast and Alicia Heinecke.