Wrapping up my internship

(Mariah Larson (right) with MCGA Senior Policy Director Amanda Bilek during Corn Congress in Washington D.C.)

By Mariah Larson

After spending 12 months here with the Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA), I am wrapping up my internship and reflecting on everything a year entailed.

As MCGA’s intern I’ve been involved with our office operations, annual events and communication projects. This covers everything from social media and public outreach, to educational programs, policy involvement, and our farmer-led innovation grant initiatives.

To say that I’ve learned a lot is an understatement. It really a-maize-s me (Pun intended) how active MCGA is with so many issues and projects related to agriculture!

Back in May I expressed that my goal was to learn as much as I could and put that knowledge to use helping our staff team here with whatever 12 months bring; and wow has it brought a lot.

I’ve kept up with the changes and news circulating topics such as NAFTA, RINs and the Renewable Fuel Standard, the 2018 farm bill, our Minnesota Buffer Law, and more. All of which have huge implications for agriculture and our corn farmers.

Over this time I’ve also enjoyed annual events with the MCGA staff, and networking with other commodity groups that we collaborate with to help strengthen Minnesota’s agricultural community.

At the office I’ve been able to assist our staff team with projects related to our events, while learning how each contribute to the larger picture. I have so much respect and admiration for the work they do here. As a college student, I’ve found that an important lesson to understand with any job, particularly those in agriculture, is that a lot of the good work that you do will usually go unnoticed, but it still holds great importance to those it impacts.

As I leave here I just want to highlight how well rounded this program is for incorporating all aspects of their organization into a learning structure for their interns. They’ve been really supportive and encouraging, allowing me to ask so many questions and be engaged and involved with all the little things. I could not have asked for a better experience—Maizey costume and all.

So thank you, MCGA, for this opportunity to learn and grow with you. And thank you to the farmers I’ve met the last 12 months, because you’re the reason I’m pursuing a career in this field. And hearing your stories and working on these issues remind me daily why agriculture is so important.