Interns important to corn industry in Nebraska

For more than two decades, the Nebraska Corn Board has been blessed with many college student interns selected to work beside staff and members of the board as part of an ongoing internship program.

Starting this summer, two new interns began their time with the Nebraska Corn Board. Lance Atwater of Ayr, Neb., is interning at the board’s office in Lincoln, while Alissa Doerr of Creighton, Neb., is spending the summer with the National Corn Growers Association’s office in Washington, D.C.

Nebraska Internship

The Nebraska Corn Board office welcomed Lance Atwater for a year-long internship in May. Atwater will collect and report corn and corn product utilization and transportation data, assist with market development and government relations programs and activities, oversee crop progress report placement and be involved in communication efforts as a part of his internship.

“Lance will be an excellent contribution to our staff over the next year,” said Don Hutchens, executive director for the Nebraska Corn Board. “His enthusiasm and work ethic are already apparent, and his knowledge of agriculture represents his commitment to the Nebraska corn industry.”

Atwater, who grew up on a corn and soybean farm, will be a junior in agricultural economics at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. On campus, he is involved as a student ambassador in the agricultural economics department, an officer for the UNL National Agri-Marketing Association chapter and a member of the Ag Econ and Agribusiness Club.

Washington, D.C. Internship

The National Corn Growers Association’s Washington office welcomed Alissa Doerr, an intern sponsored through a partnership between the Nebraska Corn Board and NCGA. Doerr will assist NCGA staff on a variety of issues related to environmental regulations, transportation, pending free trade agreements, biotechnology, ethanol and energy.

“We look forward to having Alissa with us this summer,” said Jon Doggett, vice president of public policy for NCGA. “The Nebraska Corn Board’s intern program provides exceptional opportunities for both the interns and NCGA. These bright, energetic college students provide a fresh perspective. It is absolutely vital for young people, especially those who want to be involved in agriculture, to understand how their government works and the best ways to become part of the process. We appreciate the Nebraska Corn Board’s support in this outstanding program.”

Doerr will also have the opportunity to shadow each of the NCGA lobbyists over the course of the summer. She will report to Jennifer Holdgreve, NCGA’s Washington office manager and will also be working closely with Doggett.

Doerr, who grew up on a cattle and corn farm, is an agricultural economics major with a public policy option at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.