Meet Our 2022 Interns
Each summer we are fortunate enough to get a handful of future agriculturists. This summer is no exception as we welcome five students who will have the opportunity to apply their classroom learning in real-life situations. From the fields and the shop to the office and the road, we’re excited for them to begin their adventure as our 2022 intern class.
What are your hobbies?
Austin- I like being outdoors, playing sports, and farming.
Chance- I like to go to the gym and work out.
Mason- I enjoy showing pigs, fishing and helping in any way I can on our family’s farm.
Megan- I love being outside! Hiking, hammocking, rock climbing and adventuring are just a few of my favorite things to do. I also love to go fishing on my family farm and spend time with my family.
Roy- I enjoy fishing, golfing and boating.
What made Eldon C. Stutsman, Inc. stand out to you and why?
Austin- I liked that they were close to home and I know quite a few people that work here. I also like their environment.
Chance- Their diversity is what stood out to me and that they are an agriculture company.
Mason- I had taken up an interest in Stutsman’s because I am from eastern Iowa and know that it’s a very well-known company that I’ve only ever heard good things about.
Megan- Eldon C. Stutsman, Inc. stood out to me because the staff is super friendly and knowledgeable, it is a family-owned business, and it is a very diverse company. I love that there are multiple aspects and departments within Stutsman’s but it is also small enough to be personal while also staying professional.
Roy- I appreciated how the employees at Stutsman’s did a great job of reaching out to me and making me feel valued throughout the hiring process.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
Austin- Don’t be afraid to ask questions and ask for help.
Chance- Don’t let other people’s opinions matter to you. Only your opinion matters to yourself.
Mason- Everyone deserves a second chance.
Megan- I think the best piece of advice I have ever been given is “try everything”. I was very involved throughout my high school years and was able to find a lot of passions and loves that I have just because I tried it. This mindset opens up a world of opportunities and you never know what is in store!
Roy- The best piece of advice I have been given is that you never know what other people are going through. This helps remind me to be kind to everyone.
You’re a new addition to a farm; what tool/machinery/technology/product would you be and why?
Austin- If I were a new addition to a farm, I would be a drill. They are useful in every situation and applicable to lots of different tasks.
Chance- I would be a tractor because I have done a little bit of everything around the farm.
Mason- I feel like I am a gently used tractor. I have done a good amount of work in the agricultural field for how old I am, but I have a lot of hours left to see more and take part in.
Megan- I know this isn’t technically an option but I would definitely be the good ol’ farm dog. I feel like I am very loyal, learn fast and am always willing to support (lend a hand) in any way possible. I might even be able to help herd the sheep!
Roy- If I were a piece of farm equipment I would be an auger because I enjoy elevating others.
What would you like to do when you graduate?
Austin- When I graduate, I would like to come back and work at Stutsman’s in the equipment department.
Chance- My plans are to get a job closer to home or to continue working at Stutsman’s.
Mason- My ultimate goal is feed sales, I have always been fascinated by the feed industry and am a very social person.
Megan- After I graduate from Kirkwood, I plan on working in the field of agronomy. I will most likely be working and taking classes online (if possible) in order to obtain a bachelor’s in plant breeding and international agriculture. Once I have those degrees, I would like to go to countries with underdeveloped agriculture and help those farmers elevate their economic situation and increase the health of their personal field economies.
Roy- At the moment, I am interested in becoming a grain merchandiser. I am very interested in learning about agricultural markets and would love to work closely with members of the agricultural industry.
What Stutsman Core Value means the most to you and why?
Austin- Set the bar higher. What it means to me is setting goals higher and higher to achieve more every year. Striving to be a better person and worker year-after-year.
Chance- Value collaboration because everyone needs to work as a team to get the job done.
Mason- All of the core values are great and I really had to sit and think about this one. I personally think that value collaboration is what means the most to me because I am big on the inclusion of ideas. Everyone comes from a different background and their perspectives may differ from yours which makes collaboration so great in my eyes.
Megan- I think take the lead means the most to me because growing as a leader in agriculture has always been very important to me. Having an attitude that is positive and owning your actions is very important to me, no matter good or bad. A good leader is always thinking of themselves as a servant, which I feel this core value reflects very well.
Roy- The core value that means the most to me is instill authenticity. I believe that especially within the agricultural community, trust is extremely important to consumers, partners and even competitors. This starts with being genuine and honest.