Ansley Gydesen – Nebraska Corn Board – Lincoln, Nebraska
Intern Updates
Blog 1
Hello everyone! I know you haven’t heard from me yet, so here is my official hello. 😊
My name is Ansley Gydesen. I am from Gretna, Nebraska, but my parents now reside in Ashland. I have one sibling, a sister, who lives in the heart of downtown Omaha. I am a sorority girl in Alpha Xi Delta, and I have a cat named Basil Hayden and I love him more than words can explain! I am a senior at UNL double majoring in journalism and political science, and I love it!
Since the school year has started, and I am feeling nostalgic from being a senior, I wanted to give you a recap of my summer with the Nebraska Corn Board.
Looking back, having the opportunity to work full-time as the Research and Demand Intern this summer was nothing short of eye-opening. When fully immersed in a 40-hour work week, you get to experience the true rhythm of the agricultural industry. I mean, unless you’re a farmer.
I am honored to say that I was lucky enough to be trusted to dive headfirst into the data and the stories that drive our state’s most crucial economic sector. My summer was defined by transforming complex agricultural metrics into clear, accessible resources. Whether configuring ethanol plants and gas stations, working through spreadsheets, or designing visual graphics that communicated essential informational data, I learned how to make the numbers speak to a broader audience.
Being surrounded by a team so deeply dedicated to supporting Nebraska’s producers gave me a profound appreciation for the intersection of agriculture, innovation, and strategic communication. I loved the fast-paced environment and genuine impact of the projects I helped to build.
As the end of August came nearer, however, the reality of my senior year approached. I wasn’t ready to step away from the Corn Board, the people I had met, and the meaningful work I was doing. Thankfully, the Nebraska Corn Board has been incredibly supportive of my academic journey and helped transition me into a parttime role as I headed back to my classes, for the last time. ☹
Balancing this last academic school year with an ongoing internship is a challenge, but I am so thrilled to take it head on. A big part of it is the intertwined areas of my studies and my work for NCB. Oftentimes, my time in the classroom fuels my time at the office, and vice versa. The rigorous storytelling, AP Style writing, and investigative skills from my journalism major help me communicate when drafting reports, designing graphics, and engage with farmers in public. Simultaneously, the spreadsheets, civic structures, incentives, and data configuration melds with my political science studies. Both sides of this major have given me invaluable context for understanding agricultural regulations, trade dynamics, and different initiatives such as One Red and so on.
Continuing to work for the Corn Board while school is in session means I don’t have to make the choice between being a student and being a professional. Instead, I am able to see long-term projects through to the finish line rather than handing them off just as they get interesting. It means I get to spend part of my week analyzing agricultural data trends, and the other part applying real-world insights during a campus lecture.
This transition is teaching me the art of balance and time management, but more than that, keeping me connected to a mission I deeply care about. The schedule is undoubtedly tighter, and my calendar is more packed than ever, but the reward is entirely worth it. I am unbelievably grateful to the Nebraska Corn Board for this continued opportunity, and I look forward to growing alongside such an amazing team as I finish my senior year!
Blog 2
Hey! It’s me again!
You guys know the drill! September rolls around and Grand Island turns into ag central. We all head out to navigate the grid of Husker Harvest Days. We all know the combines and grain bins and events and the many friendly faces as we step onto those grounds. But I didn’t. This was my first year ever attending Husker Harvest Days and I loved it! Even though the weather wasn’t what a lot of us hoped for, it was incredible to see all the people who made it out there!
One of my absolute highlights was connecting with farmers. We all know farming is facing dynamic shifts with global market fluctuations to evolving sustainability practices, but talking with them at our booth was a massive shot of optimism. Getting to hear about their daily life and what makes Nebraska Corn important to them was amazing! It is one thing to look at agricultural metrics on a screen, like I’ve done all summer, and entirely different to shake hands with people using that data to make decisions for their operations.
That same data forward thinking was great to hear from Douglas Barry and Jim Pillen as they each discussed the One Red initiative and its impact on the ag industry. It was nice to hear Pillen support this initiative and state that it would bring more money to the ag sector in Nebraska. It was also fascinating getting to interview Douglas Barry due to his hands on work with the initiative. I think it sounds like an amazing opportunity, and I hope nothing but the best for this initiative as it continues to grow!
Of course, I can’t forget the events I got to witness at HHD. I think they do a great job at delivering on the entertainment front! If you were anywhere near the demonstrations, you definitely saw some crowds gathering for the canine events. The traditional stock dog demonstrations are a staple for a reason. Watching those highly focused border collies effortlessly work live cattle using nothing but natural instincts and hard engrained training mixed with subtle whistle commands from their handlers never gets old. It’s a master class in agricultural partnership and a fantastic reminder of how invaluable these highly trained dogs remain to modern livestock operations.
Another awesome event I got to see was the Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show. Swapping cattle for frisbees and pole jumping, this high-energy act featured a cast of rescue dogs showing off some absolutely jaw-dropping agility skills. Seeing these former shelter and abandoned dogs, including my favorite Crouton, transform into high-flying athletes was pure joy. They stole the spotlight, proving that sometimes the most impressive thing at a farm show isn’t a million-dollar piece of machinery, but a rescue pup catching a frisbee in mid-air.
Husker Harvest Days 2026 was a whirlwind of great conversations, impactful initiative discussions and interviews, and serious canine talent. I left Grand Island with a camera roll full of flying dogs, the One Red initiative, and people having a good time.
Also, I can’t forget the awesome drive down and back to Lincoln with my fellow intern, Rachael Dose!! It was a BLAST!
