Recapping my first six months with Minnesota Corn
By Kenzie Barth, Minnesota Corn Growers Association 2018-2019 intern
As October has come and gone, I’ve realized that I’m already halfway through my internship with the Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA), which I can’t believe. Halfway in, I’ve already had so many experiences that have helped me grow and learn more about MCGA and everything we do. Here are some highlights of my internship so far:
CommonGround Workshop and Farm Dinner
In June, I attended a CommonGround Workshop and the CommonGround “Field-to-Fork” Blogger Bash. This was one of my favorite events this summer because of the opportunity to meet people who are social media personalities in the Twin Cities and tell them about my family’s farm and what I’ve learned from the way that I grew up. We also went on a tour of a dairy farm in Dundas. Learn more about CommonGround by clicking here!
Farm Camp
In August, I was able to run Farm Camp sessions at Waseca and Dundas! I prepared by growing corn plants in pots at two week intervals, and we also brought seed corn with paper towels and Ziploc bags so students could make their own “germination packs” to watch their corn germinate at home after Farm Camp concluded. We also learned about photosynthesis and the parts of a corn plant, and we even got to do the photosynthesis dance!
Farm Fest
Farm Fest ran from Aug. 7-9, and I was there every day! At FarmFest, I helped with setup and got to meet county corn board members from all over the state, as well as speak to visitors in the MCGA tent about our organization’s activities. We had a variety of political candidates visit our tent, and University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler even made an appearance. Scooping corn ice cream with Representative-elect Angie Craig and listening to the Governor Candidate debate were definitely highlights as well!
The People
Most of all, I appreciate the people I work with. When I first started with MCGA, I got to have conversations with MCGA staff and it opened my eyes to the breadth and depth of what MCGA does. MCGA is truly involved in every aspect of corn, from production and working with producers to advocating for farmers at the state capitol. Every staff member works every day for the best interests of Minnesota agriculture and its corn growers.
I still can’t believe that I’m already halfway through my year with MCGA, and I can’t wait to see what I learn in the second half of my internship! If you’re interested in being MCGA’s 2019 Intern, check out the application here.
