AFC SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

BY JESSIE SHOOK

Alabama Farmers Cooperative began its inaugural Summer Internship Program in May 2023. This program gives students the opportunity to learn more about the Co-op system by gaining knowledge of agricultural products, services and technology offered through daily interaction with growers, manufacturers, suppliers and retailers. “These students will have a firsthand look at what our locally owned and operated Co-op stores have to offer,” said Samantha Hendricks, director of recruitment.

Over the 10-week period, interns will be working closely with associates to support growers and producers by aiding with bulk fertilizer, crop protection product applications, soil sampling, inventory management, animal health and nutrition and more. The main goal is to find the next generation of Co-op future leaders.

As one of the largest farmer-owned agriculture-related businesses in the Southeast, with over 87 years of growth and service, Alabama Farmers Cooperative felt the need to begin this program as a platform to reach more prospective employees and share more about what makes AFC such a great place to have a career.

Charlye Colley

Charlye Colley is from Fredonia, Alabama and is attending Tuskegee University. She is pursuing a degree in agribusiness with the goal of helping agriculture in Alabama succeed.

Colley felt that this internship was the perfect step for her after learning more about Cooperative systems. “I applied for this internship because I took an intro to Cooperatives class in fall of 2022 and I gained a huge interest in Co-ops,” she explained.

“They give back to the farmers and are able to make a difference in local communities.”

Colley felt that she was the perfect fit for AFC’s internship program because of her passion for the industry. She participated in judging teams such as horse, poultry, livestock, soil, land and meat judging. She is always willing and wanting to learn something new. “I apply myself in many ways at school and in life,” she said. “I want to learn new things to be able to teach someone else one day.”

Colley is completing her internship at Talladega County Exchange, Randolph in Wedowee, Alabama. “In just the first week I have learned to love the customers that come see us each day,” Colley said. “I made sure to tell them that I was new, and I was learning and so many of them were willing to help with my learning process. The agriculture community is one huge family, and the Co-op is the perfect example of how it works!”

Emily Griffin

Emily Griffin is a New Market, Alabama, native attending Auburn University for a degree in agriculture science. Griffin is pursuing a career in agriculture because of the various career paths available. “It will always be considered an essential career and I am looking forward to learning the new ways

Hudson Hines

Hudson Hines is from Monroeville, Alabama, and is attending Auburn University for a degree in agricultural business and economics. With a background in cattle and a background working at the

John Walker Horton

John Walker Horton is from Monroeville, Alabama, and is a senior at Auburn University. He will be earning a degree in agricultural business and economics.

While Horton does not have a background in agriculture, it has always interested him. “I am from a rural community, and I have always been fascinated by the huge fields of cotton, soybeans and peanuts in technology can improve the agriculture industry,” she explained.

Griffin has long-term goals with the Co-op. After graduation, she plans to apply for the Future Leaders Program with AFC with hopes to begin her career path at one of the many local Co-ops in Alabama. “I love the Co-op because there is always something new to learn. It offers opportunities to grow within the company and the people are always warm and welcoming anytime I shop at the stores,” she said.

Griffin is completing her internship at Madison County Co-op, Scottsboro. “I have grown up around the Madison County Co-op,” Griffin said. “I have recently started farming with my dad and have taken several classes that I feel have prepared me for an internship in the agricultural field.”

Ag Department for Auburn University, Hines wanted to take this opportunity to gain more experience.

Hines hopes to learn more about the business side of agriculture with the goal of continuing with AFC. “I believe this internship was the perfect fit for me because I am passionate about agriculture and have a strong desire to learn more,” he explained. “I am a team player and enjoy working with others to get the job done.”

Hines is completing his internship at Elberta Farmers Cooperative. “I love how the Co-op is like family,” he said. “It is famer-owned, and the money goes back to the people who work hard to produce the food we eat.” my area,” he said. “I know it will be a very rewarding career for me.”

Horton applied for this internship because he wants to gain experience and knowledge of the industry and this internship will give him the opportunity to meet and network with experts in agriculture. “I hope to learn about all the components of the Co-op,” he explained. “I am excited to know more about the divisions, subsidiaries and joint ventures.”

Horton is completing his internship at Jay Peanut Farmers Cooperative. “I have visited many Co-op facilities over the years, whether going with my mom to buy plants, or with my dad and grandfather to buy seed and fertilizer,” Horton said. “As a child I remember thinking it was the ‘coolest place ever!’ As an adult, I still think it’s cool; however, now I see that the people are what make the place special.”

Evan Plunkett

Evan Plunkett is from Fayetteville, Tennessee, and is pursuing a degree in agricultural engineering technologies at Tennessee Technological University.

Plunkett has been around agricultural business for as long as he can remember. “I was always with my grandparents who raised cattle, hogs and did truck farming, selling produce at the farmers market and local businesses,” he explained. “That way of life continued with the next generation where we raise beef. I have continued the tradition and before going to college, raised registered Boer goats with heavy involvement in National FFA Organization.”

Plunkett is excited for the opportunities this internship will give him for his future. “I felt like this internship would allow me to build a network of other agricultural professionals early and expand my understanding of how the Co-op operates behind the scenes to provide their services to farmers,” he said.

Plunkett will be completing his internship at Madison County Co-op in New Market, Alabama. “I am excited to intern for the Co-op because it’s like family,” he explained. “Everyone is there for one another, no matter your background, bank account or how many acres you have.”

Emmaleigh Ray

Emmaleigh Ray is from Andalusia, Alabama and is attending Auburn University. She is pursuing a degree in agriculture business and economics.

Ray’s family has a cow/calf and hay operation in which she is very involved. This made a career path in agriculture an easy choice for her. “Agriculture is a passion of mine,” Ray explained. “The passion I have for it allows me to observe and enjoy the growth of our rural communities. From livestock to row crops and all the grass fields in between, it is so satisfying to know that I am a part of what clothes and feeds America.”

Ray applied for this internship to be able to use her knowledge and work ethic to make a difference at AFC. “I have grown up walking through the doors of the Co-op and want to be a part of a dependable AFC team which grows Alabama,” she said. “I want to gain knowledge in the company and understand what AFC has to offer to the farmer.”

Andalusia Farmers Co-op will be teaching and training Ray for the 10-week internship. “My goal of joining the AFC team after graduating will be a huge steppingstone to beginning a career with unlimited possibilities,” Ray said. “Possibilities of leading a team to be better stewards in getting our products to the farmer through dependability and integrity.”

The goal of the Summer Internship Program is to build relationships and make every day count. These students have been selected to participate in the program because of their proactive attitude toward the agriculture industry.

“We are excited to watch these students grow in their knowledge of products and service the Co-op offers and look forward to potentially working with them in the future as full-time employees,” Hendricks said.