Take a Break with Bridget

10-15-2024 in Communications Internship

As the seasons change and harvest comes into full swing, I’ve found myself reflecting on a summer filled with growth, new experiences, and an expanded network of support. My internship with the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers has brought many positive changes into my life. From becoming a better driver during rush-hour commutes to gaining newfound confidence in my abilities and voice, this summer has been a time of significant personal development.

At the start of the summer, I had a basic understanding of graphic design, social media management, writing, and video editing. However, I was consistently pushed outside my comfort zone with various challenging projects. One notable project was assisting in the creation of the Iowa Ag Intel Data (which I highly encourage you to check out!). The best way to describe this project was that it was a beast! I input nearly 20 stats for each of Iowa’s 99 counties, formatted them into graphics, and went through three rounds of revisions. Then, I uploaded everything to the website and sent it out across the state via social media and newsletters. This project took nearly three weeks to complete, and at times, I felt like I was working in circles. However, reflecting on it, this was where I learned the most. I realized how even small details, like typing in numbers, can make a significant impact on a project. Projects like this are truly a team effort—not only did I rely on my own abilities to get it done, but I also learned to trust others to play their part.

One of my favorite experiences this summer was attending and photographing the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award ceremonies. The Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award recognizes Iowa’s livestock farmers going above and beyond in conservation efforts and in their community. Each recipient has a unique and special story, but one that stood out to me the most was the Bolen Family. Their journey is remarkable—they immigrated from the Netherlands and established one of the largest dairies in Iowa. Despite the ceremony being dedicated to them, they used the moment to honor the community that supported them. After the devastating loss of their machine shed in a fire in June 2023, the Bolen’s, with help from local businesses, donated nearly $10,000 to the local fire departments that responded to the fire. Their selflessness reminded me of the many people in my life who have stepped up when I needed help. We all have those people, so don’t forget to thank them.

Throughout the summer, I had the opportunity to meet and network with many farmers, commodity groups, and fellow young professionals from across the state and nation. I attended events like Farming for the Future, World Pork Expo, and the Iowa State Fair.  These conversations gave me a deeper understanding of how their organizations support and promote the industry and its farmers. One thing was clear from my interactions with these groups: they always prioritize farmers and help them through tough times. This was especially evident this summer, with many commodity markets struggling and HPAI affecting the dairy cattle industry. Many of our discussions centered on these challenges—how we got here, how we can move forward, and stories of hope to get through the hard times. In every conversation, my ideas were supported and valued. I exchanged thoughts, gained new insights, and learned about areas of agriculture I hadn’t been exposed to before.

I am truly grateful to everyone I met this summer—thank you for sharing your stories, valuing my voice, and helping me grow into who I am today.

Recommended News