Shelby Basham – National Corn Growers Association – Washington, D.C.
Intern Updates
June Update
Eager, informed, and impacted are three words that I have frequently used when describing these past three weeks in Washington, D.C. with the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). Three weeks ago, I made the over 700-mile move to our nation’s capital with three large suitcases, a cup of coffee, and a smile on my face. As someone who grew up in a community with a population of less than a thousand, I knew this would be a step outside of my comfort zone but I was ready to jump right in.
Speaking of jumping right in, I have learned fairly quickly that there is no other way to learn more about agricultural policy than to truly immerse yourself in the field. The National Corn Growers Association’s Public Policy team pushes you to do just that. Since hopping off the metro on my very first day to today, where I can now get to the office without using any form of navigation, the team has welcomed me in with open arms seeking opportunities to invest in my professional growth and goals. Not only have I been eager to get to know this team through one-on-one interactions and meetings discussing their specific passions and interests but I also learned how eager they are to help a young professional like me navigate my specific passions within the agricultural industry. Through this, I have been able to actively participate in projects with many different team members ranging from data analysis to grassroots activation to our upcoming Corn Congress event in July.
Since the first day, I have continued to feel more and more informed. I have always had this genuine craving to explore policies that impact growers and producers around the nation and in this role, I constantly am informed of new policies that shape what the future outlook of the agricultural industry could look like. Whether we are exploring market development, biotechnology, or farm bill policies, I consistently am feeling more and more informed on not only these specific policies but also the relevance of the work NCGA does and how these policies continue to impact growers.
My last and favorite part of these past three weeks that has been more impactful than words can even describe are the interactions I have had with the people that surround me. I have learned very quickly that DC revolves around building relationships. I have been able to build relationships at many events whether it was the congressional baseball game the DC ag intern network or my personal favorite, eating ice cream on Capitol Hill to celebrate our dairy farmers. For a girl like me who loves learning about agriculture and meeting new people, DC has treated me very well.
I am excited to continue this summer feeling eager, informed, and impacted by the opportunities and relationships that will continue to ensue. Three weeks, three suitcases, three words, countless experiences!
June and July Update
Connections and coffee. To accurately describe what has filled my cup this past month, it has been conversations revolving around a common passion for the agricultural industry and a beautiful blend of caffeine and sugar. Washington, D.C. has been heating up in many ways—whether it’s the buzz around current events or the ever-present humidity, the city has been sizzling for quite some time.
As things began to heat up, I eagerly seized the opportunity to dive right in. Over the past month, I’ve discovered the many ways the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) fosters engagement among diverse groups and demographics of growers. Alongside my passion for developing and learning more about agricultural policy, I began to take an active role in helping plan and program three different conferences under the umbrella of NCGA: the Women and Mentors Retreat, Corn Congress, and the 2024 Leadership Academy.
Whether I was creating a report to capture feedback metrics from the Women and Mentors Retreat or scheduling targeted outreach to congressional offices with specific growers, I learned that it’s more than okay to have passions beyond the specific description of a role. These diverse interests make your strengths unique and bring something new to the table. Through these opportunities, I discovered I had passions in many different areas: agricultural policy, policy communications, and conference programming. I am thankful for an internship that allowed me to get a taste of many of my passions.
As I sit back and reflect on the experiences, projects, and people I’ve met this past month; I can’t help but feel thankful for the opportunity to try so many new things in such a short period. Surprisingly, I think I’ll even miss the dreaded humidity and long metro rides, but most of all, I’ll miss the conversations about an industry that I grow more passionate about every day.
Final Reflection
As I begin to pack up my three very large suitcases, I am amazed by how much I’ve learned in such a short time. Living and working in our nation’s capital this summer has taught me several key life lessons: always keep an extra pair of heels at the office, never forget your umbrella, and, most importantly, stay rooted in a service mindset by understanding the “why” behind your work.
Throughout the course of my internship, I had the opportunity to work on a wide array of projects with a fantastic group of individuals. Every project enhanced my appreciation for the importance of our work, but one project, in particular, truly highlighted the impact of serving growers beyond what I ever could have imagined.
During the 2024 Corn Congress, we interviewed growers nationwide regarding the importance of agricultural policy and grassroots advocacy. At the end of each interview, we asked, “What does farming mean to you?” Hearing their diverse responses made me feel so thankful to be part of an industry that deeply values heritage, community, family, and so much more.
Reflecting on this experience, I find myself asking, “What does advocating for and serving the agricultural industry mean to me?” This summer internship answered that question: it means working to safeguard our livelihood, strengthen our community, and, most importantly, support the industry that connects us all.
I cannot thank both the Nebraska Corn Board and National Corn Growers Association enough for the opportunity to try something new and explore my passions. To the D.C. staff, thank you for your willingness to answer my questions, the fun conversations over donuts, and overall, creating a space where a small-town girl from Illinois could grow both professionally and personally.
As I head back to school for my senior year, I carry with me a heart full of gratitude for each and every opportunity I experienced this summer. I cannot wait to continue seeking new ways to serve an industry that has impacted me and many others so greatly.
