Every year, The Missouri Soybean Association (MSA) and Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council (MSMC) choose three students from the University of Missouri-Columbia to join them for an educational internship experience. This year the three students are Jackson Bailey, Luke Hopper and Hannah Bockting. Each student represent a wide range of work experience and agricultural backgrounds.
“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.”
Luke Hopper is a Chillicothe native who grew up on a cow-calf operation and helps run the family business, Hopper Electric. He is junior studying agribusiness management. He is an active member of Alpha Gamma Rho and is in the Agribusiness Club on campus. This summer he will be working with the Missouri Soybean team gaining hands-on knowledge as a research and agronomy intern.
“I have a desire to keep learning,” said Luke. “This summer, I hope to expand my knowledge of the soybean industry and the agronomic practices that further the sector. This internship will help provide an immersive experience that will prepare me for my future career path.”
Jackson Bailey attributes being raised in Willow Springs to his understanding of just how important agriculture is to Missouri. He is currently a senior double-majoring in constitutional democracy and political science with a minor in history. He is an active member of Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity and the Federalist Society. Bailey will be serving as the 2023 summer policy and producer outreach intern.
"My interest in the summer policy and producer outreach internship with Missouri Soybeans stems from my rural background and interest in how policy can advance the interests of Missouri farmers,” said Jackson. "This summer, I hope to enrich my understanding of the industry, interact with Missouri's hard-working soybean farmers and learn from my colleagues' knowledge of the legislative process."
Last, but not least, a sophomore who is pursuing a degree in agricultural education, leadership and communication with a minor in agribusiness management, is Hannah Bockting. She is an active member of the Agricultural Educational Society and Fighting Pretty Mizzou. She will be working alongside Missouri Soybean association as the 2023 communication and education intern this summer.
Source: kmzu.com
Photo Credit: Missouri Soybeans
Categories: Missouri, Crops, Corn, Soybeans