This summer I had the privilege of serving as the AAEA Editorial intern and my host company was Successful Farming Magazine. My duties as an intern included developing print and web stories, traveling with the TV show, taking photographs, and helping AAEA throughout Ag Media Summit.
In order to spend the summer with Successful Farming, I relocated to Des Moines, Iowa, where Meredith Agrimedia is headquartered. Even though this meant being eight hours away from home for almost 2 months, I knew the experience would be well worth it.
When I got to Des Moines, the SF Team put me to work right away, which I appreciated! I started developing slideshows, interviewing companies, and writing stories. I focused on agriculture technology stories at first, which allowed me to learn more about the needs farmers have and how they can be addressed.
After finishing up the majority of my technology stories, I was able to move on to my favorite topic —livestock! I began on an annual Successful Farming project called Show Bound. The idea of Show Bound is to get to know a family that shows livestock and see what all goes into the process. This year, I was able to travel to Illinois and get to know 5 sisters that show Berkshire pigs.
When I applied for this internship, I had no idea it would include travel, but I’m definitely glad it did. In addition to traveling for Show Bound, I got to tag along on a few TV shoots. During these shoots, my job was to take pictures. But honestly, when you love what you’re doing, is it really a job?
I wrapped up at Successful Farming at the end of July and after a couple days at home in Greensburg, Indiana, I flew out to Arizona to help with Ag Media Summit. We made centerpieces, helped organize nametags, and all kinds of behind the scenes tasks. Additionally, I was able to connect with so many amazing people in the industry.
This internship was everything I had hoped and more. Everyone I met was so kind and willing to teach me about what they do. I not only learned more about magazine production, but also more about agriculture in general. As I prepare to head back to Purdue University for my senior year, I am very grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to see what my future holds.