Journal of Kernels

By Laura Lundeen, NeCGA intern.

June and July have come and gone and it is hard to believe it is already August! This summer has flown by, and I feel like the quote “time flies when you are having fun” is very fitting to describe the summer portion of my internship. Working is essential, but it is not always described as “fun”, making me even more thankful to be provided with an enjoyable learning experience by being the intern for the Nebraska Corn Growers Association.

The end of June and July means a lot for a NeCGA intern; it means Kum & Go promotions, ethanol races, and the moment that we have working exceptionally hard towards- the Corn Grower Open golf tournament.

Kum & Go promotions wrapped up nicely. The more promotions I did, the more I learned. Being around knowledgeable people working for the Nebraska Ethanol Board, the Nebraska Corn Board, and also the Nebraska Corn Growers Association makes it impossible NOT to learn something new! Listening to their responses to difficult questions regarding ethanol was a lesson by example for me, as well as motivated me to promote ethanol at the Kum & Go promotions or by myself. I feel confident in sharing the goodness of ethanol use to my friends, family, and anyone else passing by. Thank you farmers for growing our fuel, cleaning our air, and helping out our state! It is great to be a part of an organization that cares strongly about greater living.

July promised another American Ethanol Night at the Races. This event was hosted at the I-80 Speedway in Greenwood. This night was unique not only because of the ethanol races, but also because we were able to see Austin Dillon’s American ethanol racecar. This event brought in a great crowd where we were able to enjoy time meeting with the local members, promoting ethanol through intermission questions and giveaways, and watch the races while taking in some clean air.

The biggest job that I have had this summer is to help prepare for the Corn Grower Open golf tournament. Finding sponsors, speaking with golfers and businesses, promotion of the event, setting up, and tearing down have made for a busy summer! I am thankful that the event ran smoothly, the weather cooperated, and it was an enjoyable time for the people who came out for the tournament! Even though it was hard work to prepare for the tournament, the credit needs to go especially to our sponsors. Without their help, the tournament truly could not go on. Thanks to them, we can continue to have an annual golf tournament for members to enjoy as well as connect with other businesses. Now that the golf tournament has come and gone, it is time to look forward to all of the excitement August will bring; I am excited to experience it and share it with you all as well!