Aubree SiffRing – National Corn Growers Association – St. Louis

May/June Update

Two hundred and fifty years ago, our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence and began a new chapter for the country. Corn was growing then too, though it probably looked much different than it does today. What hasn’t changed is the commitment of the people who care for the land and their passion for corn. In my first month at NCGA, I’ve seen firsthand just how much the organization cares about corn, its future, and the growers who make it all possible.

It’s hard to believe my first month with the National Corn Growers Association is already complete. I have learned so much in the short time I have been with NCGA. From the beginning, I was able to jump right in and work on a variety of projects expanding my knowledge in so many areas.

From contributing to NCGA’s weekly email newsletter and writing an article illustrating the importance of USMCA, to helping create content for social media, I’ve gained valuable experience across many areas of communications. I also got the opportunity to attend a Nourish the Future conference here in St. Louis, a workshop series NCGA sponsors empowering science teachers to meet their standards by teaching agriculture-based lessons. Seeing teachers excited to bring agriculture into their classrooms made it clear that the future of agricultural education is bright. Alongside the communications side of my internship, I have also had the opportunity to learn more about investor relations and gain a better understanding of how NCGA collaborates with its state and industry partners. Seeing these relationships firsthand has shown me how important partnerships are in helping the National Corn Growers Association advance its priorities, support corn growers, and work toward achieving its goals.

During June, I also participated in NCGA’s Advocating for Corn Effectively Series, a training program designed to help farmers strengthen their advocacy skills and find their voice in Washington, D.C. Along the way, I’ve learned a great deal about the policy side of agriculture, an area I knew little about before starting my internship but have quickly found fascinating. Seeing NCGA’s advocacy efforts firsthand has given me an even greater appreciation for the work the organization does on behalf of corn growers across the country. Along with learning about policy, one of the first things that I learned after starting my internship was that legislation to authorize year-round E15 passed through the house and will be headed to the Senate. This was a huge win for corn farmers!

Looking ahead to the rest of my internship, I look forward to learning more about NCGA and the many more opportunities to come. I am most excited to attend Corn Congress in Washington D.C. in July. The week will be filled with action team meetings, networking, and Capitol Hill Visits. I cannot wait to see NCGA’s grassroots advocacy in action at the nation’s capital.

While there is still a lot to learn this summer, my first month at NCGA has already taught me so much. I am truly grateful for this opportunity and being able to play a role in how NCGA is advancing the future of corn in the next two hundred fifty years and beyond.