(Jefferson City, Mo.) — The Missouri Soybean Association (MSA) and Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council (MSMC) welcome four interns for the summer of 2024: Sally Schmidt, Kelsey Duke, Bryce Himmelberg and Kyle McCully. These students represent a range of work experience and agricultural backgrounds, all attending the University of Missouri-Columbia.
“At Missouri Soybeans, we value our summer internship program and enjoy hosting students for an immersive professional working experience,” said Gary Wheeler, Missouri Soybeans CEO and executive director. “Our interns help us further serve the Missouri soybean farmer and achieve the mission and vision of our organization. Our goal is to provide students interested in the soybean sector with a robust, hands-on experience that encourages them to get involved in the industry in the future.”
Kelsey Duke is serving as the 2024 policy and producer outreach intern. Duke is a senior at the University of Missouri–Columbia, dual enrolled in her Bachelor of Science in agribusiness management and Master of Science in agricultural and applied economics. She grew up on her family’s livestock operation outside Quincy, Illinois. On campus, Duke is involved in her sorority, Kappa Delta, serves as a College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) ambassador, and is on the CAFNR student council.
“My interest in the policy and producer outreach internship position comes from my agriculture background and passion for advocating for agriculture,” said Duke. “I am looking forward to this internship because I think it will give me a unique point of view in supporting the sector.”
Sally Schmidt is this summer’s communications intern. She is working on her master’s degree in agricultural education, communication and leadership with an emphasis in communications. As a University of Missouri alum, she was involved in Sigma Alpha, floral club, agricultural education society, Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT) and served as a CAFNR ambassador.
“My interest in the communications intern position with Missouri Soybeans stems from my background in agriculture and my desire to be an advocate for the industry,” said Schmidt. “This summer, I hope to further my knowledge in all aspects of the communications department, connect with farmers and assist with my professional career.”
Bryce Himmelberg is joining the Missouri Soybeans team as one of the research and agronomy interns. Himmelberg is from Glasgow, Missouri. He is a junior at the University of Missouri studying plant sciences with an emphasis in crop management and breeding, biology and biotechnology. He is involved at Mizzou as a plant science and technology student ambassador. He is also in the agronomy club, Alpha Mu and the agricultural systems technology club.
“Missouri Soybeans is always working to help farmers and provide them with valuable knowledge,” said Himmelberg. “This summer, I look forward to playing an active role in the mission of Missouri Soybeans by assisting with the ever-important research that is used to provide farmers with the best knowledge. This summer I hope to further my knowledge of agronomy and research and gain professional experiences and connections.”
Kyle McCully is the conservation agriculture intern joining the team for the summer. McCully is currently pursuing his master’s degree at the University of Missouri studying chronic wasting disease. His degree is in natural resources with an emphasis in fisheries and wildlife. McCully grew up working on his family farm to promote wildlife as healthy native ecosystems for cattle to graze.
“During my internship, I look forward to learning more about working with farmers to find a balance between agriculture and conservation for the sustainability of the natural environment,” said McCully.