“Are you lost? How did you end up in Missouri?” was a common question during my time at Missouri Farm Bureau. My non-traditional educational experience led to several unconventional career decisions, but all were intentional.
Originally from Penobscot, Maine, I chose to study agricultural communications at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. Moving across the country for new experiences was nothing new to me. This past summer, I wanted to learn how the agriculture industry works in another state, so I packed up and made the 13-hour drive to Jefferson City.
Coming from an agricultural family, I love learning about agriculture in other states. I’ve primarily worked in the equine industry, so I wanted to use my summer internship to explore other areas of agriculture and communications. As Missouri Farm Bureau’s 2026 public affairs intern, I certainly experienced both.
I worked with the Public Affairs Department to expand my communications skills in photography, videography, graphic design, public relations and magazine design, among other areas.
Joining the public affairs team of Missouri’s largest agricultural advocacy organization during an election year meant quickly learning the political landscape. Within two weeks of arriving at MOFB, I traveled with the department to interview and record farmers affected by the Parks, Soil and Water Sales Tax. I enjoyed learning firsthand about conservation and its impact on local farmers, as well as visiting their operations.
One of the highlights of my summer was traveling to Owensville to visit Cool Cow Cheese. As the granddaughter of two dairy farmers, I enjoyed seeing a local cheese operation up close. I sampled a variety of cheeses, learned about the farm’s history and mingled with my favorite Cool Cow Cheese employees — the farm dogs and dairy cows.
As one of seven summer interns, I built relationships with interns in the Promotion and Education, Information Technology, Legislative Affairs and Marketing departments. I could often be found visiting other departments to learn about their work and what their interns were doing. As an upcoming college graduate with a wide range of interests, I took advantage of networking opportunities to make connections and explore potential career paths beyond communications.
Having visited only Kansas City before my internship, the opportunity to see more of Missouri made a lasting impression. While my home state of Maine has a landscape that ranges from coastline to logging woods, Missouri’s variety of environments and agriculture were incredible to experience. The wide range of commodities, from cattle to rice, was quite different from the lobsters, blueberries and potatoes I grew up around.
Although my educational and professional path has been different from many students’, I always encourage others to step outside their comfort zones — and ZIP codes — to learn and grow. MOFB’s internship opportunities offer valuable experiences for students of all majors and class years. Whether you accidentally or intentionally end up here, Missouri Farm Bureau provides professional experience and personal connections that can last a lifetime.
The application period for 2027 MOFB internships will remain open until filled but individual positions may close at any time once a qualified candidate is selected. Early application is strongly encouraged. Visit ‘career opportunities’ at MOFB.org.
