Meet the 2018 Interns
We look forward to the arrival of interns every single year. Each group is different in so many ways; experience, group dynamic, and ideas. Yet with all the differences, we tend to have the same feelings at the end of the summer. We are refreshed with a new perspective, satisfied with the professional growth of the students through a short period of time, and we are left optimistic for the future of our industry. We are so excited to get to know these four Iowa State students and if your paths happen to cross this summer, we encourage you to say hello! If you are curious about what our interns are up to throughout the summer, keep an eye on our blog and social media!
Eric Heick: Agronomy
Hometown: West Branch, Iowa
College/University: Iowa State University
Major/Minors: Majoring in Agronomy and Seed Science
What clubs and organizations are you apart of? Agronomy Club, Ag Markets and Management Organization, and Farm Ops Club
What are a few of your hobbies? Reading, biking, and gardening
What made you choose to pursue a degree in Agriculture? I chose to pursue a degree in agriculture because I come from a farm and I am interested in improving practices.
What are you most excited about doing during your summer with Stutsmans? Applying classroom knowledge in the field and meeting people in the company.
What made Stutsmans stand out to you? The fact that the company is family owned and the wide variety of learning opportunities offered.
If you had a theme song what would it be? The theme song from Rawhide.
If you could switch places with anyone for a day, who would it be and why? The President, so I could see how much it really takes to lead a nation.
You’re a new addition to a farm; what tool/ machinery/ technology/ product would you be and why? I would be a tractor because they are very versatile and used year round.
Madison Forbes: Agronomy
Hometown: Conesville, Iowa
College/University: Iowa State University
Major/Minors: Majoring in Agronomy and Minoring in Animal Science
What clubs and organizations are you apart of? Collegiate Beef Team, Block and Bridle-Beef Interest Group and SALT
What are a few of your hobbies? Riding horses, showing cattle, and helping out on the family farm
What made you choose to pursue a degree in Agriculture? I was raised on a farm and it always had a positive impact on me. Growing up, I was involved in FFA and 4-H, which allowed me to become more and more involved in the agricultural industry. I got the opportunity to learn about multiple sectors of the ag industry and met numerous successful people within it. This all grew my passion for agriculture which inspired my choice of major.
What are you most excited about doing during your summer with Stutsmans? I am most excited about improving my skills in agronomy by crop scouting; being able to identify all weeds, insects, and diseases as it is a skill I can utilize my whole life.
What made Stutsmans stand out to you? Stutsmans stood out to me because they’re a very prominent business and a well-respected company.
If you had a theme song what would it be? Farmers Daughter by Rodney Atkins
If you could switch places with anyone for a day, who would it be and why? If I could switch places with anyone for a day, it would be Sonny Perdue. I would switch places with him because he is the Secretary of Agriculture and oversees the American farming industry.
You’re a new addition to a farm; what tool/ machinery/ technology/ product would you be and why? I would be a combine because it’s one of the most important pieces of equipment for any farming operation. I would be the first to find out what yields are and how crops did that year.
Wyatt Westfall: Agronomy
Hometown: Lone Tree, Iowa
College/University: Iowa State University
Major/Minors: Majoring in Agronomy
What clubs and organizations are you apart of? Agronomy Club and the Beginning Farmer’s Network
What are a few of your hobbies? I love being outdoors; especially working on our family farm raising crops and livestock. I also enjoy hunting and fishing in my free time.
What made you choose to pursue a degree in Ag? I choose to pursue a degree in agriculture because growing up on a family farm gave me a passion for the agricultural industry, and I want to stay close to agriculture for the rest of my life. I also enjoy learning new things, especially when it comes to the science behind farming.
What are you most excited about doing during your summer with Stutsmans? I am most excited to get out and learn new things through hands-on experience. I also look forward to interacting with local farmers.
What made Stutsmans stand out to you? Stutsmans stood out to me because of its excellent reputation as an agricultural service company. I’ve had positive past experiences with Stutsmans.
If you had a theme song what would it be? Heartland by George Strait
If you could switch places with anyone for a day, who would it be and why? Adam Wainwright, because I am a huge Cardinals baseball fan.
You’re a new addition to a farm; what tool/ machinery/ technology/ product would you be and why? I would be a pair of pliers because they are extremely useful in many situations and have great versatility.
Brooke Sieren: Marketing
Hometown: Keota, IA
College/University: Iowa State University
Major/Minors: Majoring in Agricultural Business and Minoring in Agronomy
What clubs and organizations are you apart of? Sigma Alpha Professional Agricultural Sorority and Ag Business Club
What are a few of your hobbies? Running and Baking
What made you choose to pursue a degree in Ag? Growing up a family farm, I have always been passionate about agriculture. I am extremely proud to be in agriculture and want to continue my involvement in such a positive and rewarding industry.
What are you most excited about doing during your summer with Stutsmans? I am super excited to connect with my fellow interns and employees, learn more about Stutsmans and the agricultural industry as a whole, and grow both personally and professionally.
What made Stutsmans stand out to you? I grew up in Southeast Iowa, and Stutsmans has always been a well-respected and innovative company. I admire the positive image and forward-thinking mindset of Stutsmans. I’m thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the team this summer.
If you had a theme song what would it be? Humble and Kind by Tim McGraw
If you could switch places with anyone for a day, who would it be and why? I would switch places with Sonny Perdue, our US Secretary of Agriculture. It would be exciting to represent our country’s agriculturalist on both the national and international level.
You’re a new addition to a farm; what tool/ machinery/ technology/ product would you be and why? I would want to be a lawnmower because I could enjoy the outdoors in the warm summer months but stay warm in the shed during the winter.