Summer with Sydney

10-08-2025 in Communications Internship

As classes have resumed at Iowa State University, I have been able to look back on my summer and the experiences I had with CSIF, I was able to gain hands-on experience in event planning, journalism, and networking within the agriculture industry.

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 new found confidence in my abilities and voice, this summer has been a time of significant personal development.

Kicking off my internship in January, I was able to attend my first Farming for the Future Friday with Ten Corp and Cattlemen’s Heritage. I was able to attend multiple Farming for the Future Friday’s during my time with CSIF, gaining knowledge in current events of agriculture and talking with industry professionals. During my internship, I also had the opportunity to coordinate this year’s photo contest on Facebook. It was a rewarding experience collecting submissions from across Iowa and watching the community engage through voting, likes, comments, and support from their families and friends.

My favorite experience from this internship was being a part of our Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Awards, specifically getting to help with the 200th GFN. As a former intern with our recipient Bob Quinn’ on WHO 1040 and host of The Big Show, this made the 200th GFN award far more exciting to be a part of, since it was kept a secret for the entirety of my internship. We were able to gather multiple past Good Farm Neighbor Award winners and other important figures impacting Quinns’ career. When asked to speak, Quinn took this opportunity to thank everyone involved and recognize all the other Good Farm Neighbor Award Winners.

This internship also gave me multiple opportunities to travel across the state of Iowa. From Harrison County in Western Iowa to Louisa County in Eastern Iowa, I had the opportunity to experience all forms of Iowa agriculture. I was also given the opportunity to attend multiple conferences and big events including World Pork Expo, Iowa Swine Day, Iowa Agricultural Education Conference, and the Iowa State Fair. I have truly enjoyed connecting with individuals who share a passion for agriculture and contributing to meaningful conversations about engaging the next generation in the industry.

Thanks to my internship with CSIF, I have grown my skills in journalism, photography, graphic design, and have been able to network with people across the state of Iowa. I am so thankful for the families and individuals who helped me throughout the summer, and the CSIF team for allowing me to join them this past year. I will be taking my experiences with me throughout the rest of my career and thinking back on all the amazing opportunities this internship has brought me.

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