JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri Soybeans welcomed a new class of summer interns who will gain hands-on experience across several areas of agriculture while supporting programs that serve soybean farmers across the state.
The internship program provides college students an opportunity to work alongside Missouri Soybeans staff and farmers while learning about key areas of the soybean industry, including conservation, research, agronomy, communications and policy. Throughout the summer, interns will assist with projects that support farmer-focused initiatives, field research and outreach.
“Investing in the next generation of agriculture leaders is important to the future of Missouri farming,” said Casey Wasser, Missouri Soybeans CEO and executive director. “Our interns gain real-world experience while contributing to work that directly supports Missouri soybean farmers.”
Daniel Moak of Fulton, Missouri, is returning for his second year with Missouri Soybeans to serve as the conservation agriculture intern. Moak is a senior at the University of Missouri majoring in natural resources science and management with an emphasis in fisheries and wildlife. In this role, he will support conservation-focused initiatives and projects that connect environmental stewardship with practical farm management.
“I’m excited to tie conservation practices into sustainable agriculture that maximizes farmer profits while changing the environment for the better,” Moak said.
The Columbia, Missouri native, Gabrielle Clifton, joins Missouri Soybeans as the research and agronomy intern. Clifton is a senior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln majoring in agronomy with a minor in grassland ecology and management. She will assist with research projects aimed at providing farmers with practical tools to improve productivity and sustainability.
“I am excited to assist with research that provides farmers with tools to increase their profitability and sustainability,” Clifton said. “I hope to grow in my knowledge of agronomy and research, connect with farmers and gain professional experiences and connections in Missouri.”
Mikaela Rojas is also joining the team this summer and will serve as the communications and education intern. Rojas is from New Boston, Missouri and is currently a junior at the University of Missouri studying agriculture with an emphasis in agricultural communications and a minor in journalism. She will work with the Missouri Soybeans marketing and communications team to support projects including social media, digital analytics and magazine design.
“It is an honor to be working with such a dynamic and experienced team,” Rojas said. “Social media analytics and magazine design are just a few of the many things I am excited to learn from the Missouri Soybeans team this summer.”
Abby Shaffer of Troy, Missouri, will be this summer’s policy intern. Shaffer is a senior at the University of Missouri majoring in agricultural education with an emphasis in communications and leadership. In this role, she will assist with policy-related initiatives and support Missouri Soybeans’ advocacy efforts on behalf of soybean farmers.
“I’m excited to work with such a strong, diverse group of people,” Shaffer said. “There is so much to learn and be a part of with Missouri Soybeans, and I look forward to contributing.”
Missouri Soybeans looks forward to these students’ contributions to the team and the broader agricultural community. For more information about Missouri Soybeans and its programs, visit mosoy.org.