Nate Makinson – National Corn Growers Association – Washington, D.C.

July Update

July was an exciting and impactful month during my internship with the NCGA Washington, D.C. office, marked by major events, grower engagement, and significant research contributions. One of the central highlights was Corn Congress, a cornerstone event that brought together growers from Nebraska and across the country. I had the privilege of meeting and speaking with farmers directly, hearing firsthand about the issues that matter most to them. These conversations reinforced the importance of the work NCGA does in Washington and gave me a stronger perspective on how policy connects to the realities growers face in the field. I also had the opportunity to sit in on and contribute to meetings with policymakers, including a visit with Senator Deb Fischer, where Nebraska growers were able to advocate for priorities such as crop insurance, biofuels, and trade.

During Corn Congress, I took on a variety of responsibilities to support the event’s success. In addition to assisting with scheduled Hill visits, I coordinated unaffiliated visits, making sure that growers were able to connect with their representatives even outside of formal delegation meetings. I also pitched in wherever needed, whether it was logistics, communications, or helping staff ensure that events ran smoothly. This experience gave me a front-row view of how grassroots advocacy blends with organized policy engagement to create a powerful voice for corn growers.

Beyond Corn Congress, I was able to broaden my exposure by attending a commodity event in Maryland. This gathering provided valuable context on how corn and other commodities interact within the larger agricultural landscape. Listening to leaders and experts at the event helped me see how trade, energy, and environmental policy overlap with corn growers’ interests and how different organizations collaborate to push agriculture forward.

Throughout the month, I also contributed through extensive research and analysis. My projects ranged from gathering and organizing economic data to tracking trade developments and analyzing policy proposals. This work not only supported NCGA’s immediate advocacy priorities but also strengthened my skills in data-driven analysis and policy evaluation. I appreciated being trusted with assignments that directly informed how the organization engages with lawmakers and other stakeholders.

Outside of work, I enjoyed celebrating the Fourth of July in Washington, D.C., where I was able to take in the fireworks on the National Mall and experience the holiday in the nation’s capital. Later in the month, I also had the chance to travel with friends to New York City for a weekend, where we explored the city, visited iconic landmarks, and took in the energy of one of the most dynamic places in the world. These experiences gave me a chance to enjoy the unique opportunities of living on the East Coast this summer.

June Update

On May 25th, with two large suitcases in hand, I hopped on a plane and landed in Washington, D.C., my new home for the next 10 weeks. I was filled with excitement and anticipation. I was ready to get to work and represent Nebraska in our nation’s capital. As I settled into the city, I learned how to navigate the Metro (including not going in the completely wrong direction!) and began finding my way around town.

Starting at the National Corn Growers Association, I was immediately welcomed by a friendly and supportive staff who made the office feel like a second home. I jumped into one-on-one meetings with team members to build relationships and gain insight from their experiences. I also began diving into a variety of projects, with a particular focus on economic analysis.

I’ve compiled and analyzed thousands of data points related to corn and corn-producing states, drawing from a wide array of sources to build a comprehensive picture of the agricultural economy. This includes detailed metrics such as export volumes and destinations, yield per acre, average price per bushel, production costs, and overall value of production across all 50 states. By transforming raw data into an accessible database and creating visualizations, I was able to clearly demonstrate the vital role corn plays in the national economy and in the livelihoods of individual states and farming communities.

One of the most impactful projects I’ve led involved organizing and interpreting NCGA’s cycle disbursement records and Corn PAC contributions. These insights are now being used to refine messaging and increase transparency around NCGA’s engagement on Capitol Hill. Building on this analytical work, I also partnered with NCGA economist Gretchen Kuck to develop ways to present broader economic trends and data in a format accessible to audiences without deep agricultural knowledge. Making it more understandable to broader audiences, particularly policymakers and stakeholders who may not have an extensive background in agriculture. We’ve focused on innovating meaningful economic narratives supported by current data, showing why corn matters in that State.

Another project I worked on was preparing a comprehensive economic report on Brazil’s corn sector to assist our president ahead of his participation in the Global Agribusiness Forum and Festival (GAFFFF). The report analyzed Brazil’s production strengths, export dynamics, and agricultural policy environment, providing key insights to inform NCGA’s international outreach and strengthen the case for U.S. corn on a global platform.

Beyond economic analysis, I’ve been actively involved in weekly staff meetings, policy calls, and supporting day-to-day operations that enhance NCGA’s overall productivity. I’ve also contributed to preparations for the upcoming Corn Congress in July and the Commodity Classic in San Antonio.

It’s been a fast-paced and rewarding few weeks. I’ve expanded my network across the agriculture industry and Capitol Hill through coffee meetings and professional conversations. Outside of work, I’ve been enjoying D.C. from attending a Nationals game and the Congressional Baseball Game to exploring the city with new friends. I feel truly blessed to be here learning, growing, and contributing. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the summer holds!