Missouri Soybeans Welcomes Summer Interns

JEFFERSON CITY, MISSOURI

   The Missouri Soybean Association (MSA) and Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council (MSMC) welcomes three interns for the summer of 2022, Lucy Schnitker, Jaycee Graves and Sydney Stundebeck. The students represent a range of work experience and agricultural backgrounds, all hailing from the University of Missouri – Columbia.

   “We look forward to having our interns join us for the summer, assisting us in further serving the Missouri soybean farmer,” said Gary Wheeler, Missouri Soybeans CEO and executive director. “Missouri Soybeans is always proud to host students for the summer, providing them with hands-on work experience and encouraging more next- generation agriculturalists to get involved in the soybean industry.”

   Lucy Schnitker is the research and agronomy intern this summer. 

   Schnitker is from Middletown, MO where she is a fourth-generation farmer. Her farm consists of a commercial cow/calf operation and diversified row crops. Schnitker is a junior at the University of Missouri – Columbia (MU) where she studies agribusiness management with a minor in accounting. She previously interned with the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) as their food export intern and with U.S. Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler.

   “This internship with Missouri Soybeans allows me to learn and step outside of my comfort zone,” said Schnitker. “I look forward to spending the summer at the Bay Farm Research Facility learning about the best agronomic practices for the producers in Missouri.”

   Jaycee Graves is serving as one of the policy and producer outreach interns for the 2022 internship experience. Graves is a junior at MU studying agricultural education with a communication and leadership emphasis. She is originally from Fairfax, MO where she grew up on her family’s row crop and beef cattle operation. Graves has worked at the Mizzou Meat Market for two years, learning more about the food industry.

   “I was interested in an internship with Missouri Soybeans because I knew this established organization would help me grow as an agriculturalist,” said Graves.

   Sydney Stundebeck is also serving as a 2022 policy and producer outreach intern. Stundebeck is originally from Salisbury, MO where she has been immersed in agriculture from a young age. Her family raises row crops, beef cattle and owns a local agribusiness. Sydney is a sophomore at MU pursuing a Bachelor of Science in agribusiness management with a minor in plant science. Sydney is a member of Sigma Alpha, a College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) Ambassador, on CAFNR Student Council and is in the Litton Leadership Scholars Program.

   “My interest in the policy and producer outreach intern position with Missouri Soybeans stems from my background in agriculture and my desire to be an advocate for the industry,” said Stundebeck. “This summer, I hope to further my industry knowledge and make connections, assisting me with my collegiate and professional career.” ∆