Maria Wingert, a 2014-15 MCGA Student Agvocate and a student at the University of Minnesota, helping out at the MN Corn auction at MN Ag EXPO 2015.

Are you a post-secondary student who wants to develop hands-on leadership experience with agriculture professionals? Are you passionate about farming and want to use your energy to improve agriculture overall? Do you enjoy talking with consumers about important issues related to food, farming and biofuels? Would you like a $3,000 scholarship?

If you answered “yes,” then the Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) would like you to be a 2015-16 Student Agvocate.

Applications to work on behalf of Minnesota’s corn farmers as a Student Agvocate are currently being accepted through April 10. MCGA Student Agvocates will be selected by May 15. More information, including all application materials, can be found here.

Applicants must be enrolled in a two- or four-year post-secondary education or training program and possess strong written and verbal communications skills. Applicants do not need to be corn farmers or come from a corn-farming family. Anyone who meets the qualifications with an interest in food, farming, biofuels or corn may apply.

“Minnesota’s corn farmers are committed to developing the next generation of leaders in agriculture,” said Bruce Peterson, a farmer in Northfield and MCGA President. “The MCGA Student Agvocate Program is a great way for our young leaders to gain hands-on, real-world experience working on important farm-related issues.”

Got questions? Email Cara Soper, MCGA Field Coordinator at csoper@mncorn.org. Or head to mncorn.org for complete details and application material. You can also learn more by reading about the three current MCGA Agvocates who have been working on behalf of Minnesota corn farmers over the last year.