Meet Our 2023 Interns
Summer has a way of bringing a much needed refresh: a new crop planted, empty manure pits, and for us, a new group of college students joining our team. The 2023 intern class will be found serving our agronomy customers through scouting-based services. With their fresh ideas and passion for the agriculture industry, we’re excited to have this young talent on our team.
What clubs and organizations are you involved in?
Sarah » Ames Community Youth Club and Iowa State intramurals (sand volleyball, pickleball, soccer, indoor volleyball, broomball and basketball).
Douglas » I’m a member of Alpha Gamma Rho (AGR) fraternity which gets me involved heavily on campus. I’m a committee member for Ag Business Club and a member of Iowa Corn and Bacon Expo. I’ve taken roles in participating for Greek Week and Homecoming on campus as well.
Arlie » Block & Bridle, Dairy Science and Bacon Expo.
What inspired you to pursue a degree in agriculture?
Sarah » I did not grow up directly in a farming family (my uncle farms, but not my parents). However, living in rural Iowa, I grew up surrounded by agriculture and have always had a great respect for it. In addition, I love being outdoors and working with other people. Agriculture (especially agronomy) seemed like the perfect mix of my interests, so I decided to pursue it as a career.
Douglas » My dad inspired me the most because he was an agricultural business major, and I got to meet a lot of his friends at a young age which was inspiring. They taught me a lot about how the industry works and the people that surround the industry are just amazing. One of my big dreams is to (some/one) day be very successful like my father, and the first step to that is going into agriculture with a positive mindset.
Arlie » I enjoy the peaceful life being around livestock and watching the crops grow from start to finish.
What part of your internship are you most looking forward to?
Sarah » I am looking forward to learning more from the agronomists that I will be working with. I still have so much to learn, and I am very excited to gain new knowledge in the field.
Douglas » Meeting new people and preparing to work hard. It looks like a very well put together company that I’m happy to work for. Also everyone in AGR that has worked for Stutsmans said it’s a great company to work for that will teach you a lot.
Arlie » Learning hands-on instead of through a book.
What made Eldon C. Stutsman, Inc. stand out to you?
Sarah » Stutsman was recommended to me by a friend, and the internship sounded like a great opportunity to gain new skills while working with a professional team that would be able to mentor me along the way.
Douglas » What made it stick out to me the most was how friendly everyone was when I met them, because on career day at Iowa State, I was shocked how unfriendly some companies were to me. I had a great conversation with Suzette Murphy, and it caught my eye.
Arlie » The great reputation of customer care.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
Sarah » Be confident in what you do, and don’t waste your time worrying about what others will think about you.
Douglas » The best advice I’ve ever received was always choose the harder right over the easy wrong. This quote stuck with me for a while, because I always push myself to a greater degree even if it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. My decisions are almost always the right thing to do over the easy pick of being wrong.
Arlie » Venture outside of your comfort zone and show up early.
You’re a new addition to a farm; what tool/machinery/technology/product would you be?
Sarah » I would be a coffee harvester because I am tall and can consume an impressive amount of coffee.
Douglas » I’d say a pocket knife, because you never know when you could be in a sticky situation and need one. They can get you out of danger in most scenarios and be beneficial on the farm when working with feed or grain bags.
Arlie » The autonomous tractor because it drives itself, and I continually push myself to be better at everything I do.
What would you like to do when you graduate?
Sarah » I am not entirely certain yet, but I will either attend graduate school to receive a master’s degree or work in the field of agronomy.
Douglas » I would like to work my way up through a company whether that is through the financial side or marketing. The whole point of my major is to learn where the companies of agriculture stand economically today.
Arlie » I plan to work on the fertility side of livestock.
What Stutsman Core Value means the most to you?
Sarah » The core value that means the most to me is radiate enthusiasm. I am an extremely enthusiastic person, and I enjoy passing this feeling on to other people. In addition, I have worked with and been served by people who are less than enthusiastic. Unfortunately, these people usually do not make the experience that I am having fantastic, and I never want to be the reason someone has a bad experience. My goal is to put a smile on people’s faces and have them leave happier than when they arrived.
Douglas » Take the lead is my favorite one because no matter what you’re doing or where you’re at, you should always have that leader mindset. Being open-minded and willing to take initiative are very important traits of being a leader. Keeping this trait consistent will get you far in life and that’s why it’s my favorite value.
Arlie » Value collaboration, because everyone needs help from time to time to succeed.
