*Author Malana Unsell served as the MOFB Public Affairs & Advocacy intern during the summer of 2025.*
Internships are an essential part of a well-rounded college education. They provide valuable hands-on and life skills experience, that help students explore different career paths. Missouri Farm Bureau (MOFB) offers a wide range of internship opportunities, from national legislative affairs to information technology. In fact, writing this commentary was part of my internship.
As a senior at Oklahoma State University studying agricultural communications, and animal science, this summer, I interned for MOFB’s public affairs department. Although I’m not originally from Missouri, the experience gave me valuable insight into the issues that Missouri farmers and ranchers face.
Throughout my internship, I learned about Missouri agriculture and used my skillset to advocate for farmers and ranchers. I wrote an article for Show Me magazine and helped schedule and create social media content. My favorite part of the summer was learning to pitch media as a way of advocating for the rural way of life in Missouri. Finding the intersection of where media relations influence public policy, provided me a real sense of purpose.
In addition to media pitching, I also tracked MOFB’s media mentions, or how often MOFB appeared in published articles or news programs. By the time my internship ended in early August, we had more than 500 media mentions for the year, including stories I pitched to mainstream media outlets.
While my internship focused on communications, other interns experienced different facets of MOFB.
“Throughout my internship with the Marketing department at MOFB Insurance, I gained incredible experience in copywriting and content creation,” said Kelli Flecher, Columbia College marketing junior. “It was an amazing opportunity to intern for a company that truly cares about the people it serves.”
Networking and team building is essential for any individual, but it’s especially important for an intern just beginning their career. At MOFB, interns have the unique opportunity to collaborate and plan a networking event for other interns in the area. The Intern Road Show is a program designed to connect agricultural interns working in the Mid-Missouri area. They come together for a day to learn about one another’s internship and organizations.
Beyond the Intern Road Show, MOFB interns have limitless opportunities for professional growth and the ability to connect with members throughout the state by attending conferences and other events. We also worked together to develop and host a weekly workshop for FFA members during their stay at Camp Raising Sun.
MOFB values the next generation of agricultural leaders, providing opportunities for career and life development. Interning with MOFB gives you a seat at the table for major issues affecting agriculture.
“I gained hands on experience working in the Missouri legislature, most notably working on priority legislation for Missouri famers like the Farm Bureau Health Plans Bill,” said Molly Prichard, Lincoln University agribusiness junior. “This experience not only enhanced my technical skills but also taught me the importance of teamwork and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.”
Interns at MOFB are treated as full-time employees who are entrusted with meaningful work that directly impacts the communities and members the organization serves. MOFB has opportunities for everyone, from legislative affairs, IT, education & promotion, marketing, and everything in between. If you have a passion for agriculture or the rural way of life in Missouri, we have an internship for you.
Visit MOFB.com for career opportunities available with Missouri Farm Bureau and Missouri Farm Bureau Insurance.
