Putting talent to the test

It’s lucky No. 13 for MFA Incorporated’s Ag Experience internship program, which kicked off May 19 with orientation for this year’s eight participants. The students will spend 12 weeks growing professionally and gaining agriculture industry knowledge through their work as MFA employees.

The interns began their summer at MFA’s home office in Columbia, where they spent their first day networking with MFA employees and learning about the company’s standards and policies. The second day they traveled to see the agronomy center under construction at Macon, Mo., and then to Palmyra, Mo., to tour one of the company’s plant food river terminals.

The Ag Experience program is designed to challenge, educate and inspire students pursuing careers in agriculture, business and communications. To be eligible, applicants must be working toward a bachelor’s degree at an accredited college or university, be a full-time student in good standing with a grade point average above 2.75 and preferably have completed their sophomore year.

Each MFA intern is paired with a mentor who helps customize the internship toward the student’s interests and career objectives. This year’s interns will gain hands-on experience working in the areas of precision agriculture, agronomy research, plant foods/transportation, agronomy sales, human resources, communication, information technology, and education and outreach in collaboration with Missouri Farmers Care.

Throughout their time at MFA, interns are encouraged to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world setting. The program concludes Aug. 7, when they will give a final presentation detailing their projects and experiences to senior-level managers. Those who perform well during the summer may be considered for future internship positions or employment. 

Photo caption: The 2025 group of Ag Experience interns and their assigned areas are, from left, Judd Harms, agronomy sales; Ryan Noble, precision; Colin Nesler, plant foods/transportation; Mariah Buckallew, human resources; Andrew Orscheln, information technology; Emma Steele, communications; and Thomas Robinson, agronomy research. Not pictured is Jaron VanHouden, Missouri Farmers Care.