WASHINGTON — A select group of 10 college students from nine different states completed the Ag Voices of the Future program last week in Washington, D.C. The program, sponsored by Valent U.S.A. and the American Soybean Association, gives students an inside look at how agricultural policies are made in Washington.
The students received an education on effective advocacy and the significant legislative and regulatory issues that impact farmers. The program also gave students the chance to visit with others who work in Washington to learn more about careers related to ag policy. The class was held July 11-14, 2022, in conjunction with the ASA Board Meeting and Soy Issues Forum.
An application process for the Ag Voices of the Future program was launched earlier this spring. The following students were selected for this year’s class.
- Nathan Behrends, Iowa
- Alexis Bodlak, Nebraska
- Wendy Burnley, Kentucky
- Kaitlyn Cloud, Missouri
- Alex Foret, Louisiana
- Chandler Jones, Texas
- Reagan Kulenkamp, Illinois
- Molly Niewoehner, Iowa
- Abigail Putnam, Florida
- Michelle Stangler, Wisconsin
The three-day program was packed with educational meetings and valuable networking opportunities. The students visited with staff from USDA and EPA, who have a direct impact on agricultural regulations; they participated in Hill visits with their state soybean associations; and met with a senior staff member for the Senate Ag Committee.
Extensive information was provided to the students on a variety of policy issues from industry, sustainability and government affairs staff with Valent and ASA.
The group also completed a writing workshop with a top communications firm.
In the evenings, the students participated in the Soy Industry Reception hosted by ASA and the National Oilseed Processors Association, a guided tour of monuments on the National Mall, and dinner with Ag Voices of the Future alumni who currently have positions or internships in Washington, D.C.
For more information on the Ag Voices of the Future program, visit the ASA website.
— American Soybean Association