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www.thelandonline.com — “Where Farm and Family Meet”
THE LAND — JULY 8/JULY 15, 2022
A renewed interest in agriculture — a fresh perspective If you would have asked me 11 plans as she did not have a family years ago — when I graduated farm to take over. She didn’t have from Truman High School — if I visibility to agricultural opportuniwould live in Mankato, my answer ties outside of owning or managing would have been absolutely not. a crop or livestock operation. Would I consider working in food/ “I stumbled upon agricultural engiagriculture? No thanks. neering with a focus on animal proGrowing up, I worked on my duction systems on the internet one grandparent’s farm growing corn day and never looked back.” Klimesh and soybeans and raising beef catthen obtained a Master of Science in TALENT IN THE GREENSEAM tle. During harvest in high school Agricultural and college, I found it fun to return Engineering from By Garrett Lieffring home and lend a hand to area Iowa State farmers. However, it was not my goal to be in a University. She said, “Anyone can be field, barn, or tractor for the rest of my life. involved in agriculture even if you don’t have a family farm to work on. The common perception of food and agriculture The opportunities within agriculture careers is that they are dirty, smelly, long hours, and hard work. You spend your time in a field, barn are endless, everything from daily animal care to financial analytics to or tractor. Sydney Klimesh construction supervision.” Two years ago, when I first met Sam Ziegler, Agriculture is math, business, technology, analytDirector of GreenSeam, he said, “there’s more to ics, animal care, construction, and so much more! food and ag than cows, sows and plows.” Ben Radke, originally from Lafayette, Minn., is Tell me more… attending South Dakota State University to study Sydney Klimesh, a reliability engineer at agriculture business and is interning this summer Christensen Farms, was heavily involved with with Wakefield Pork. Ben has always wanted a showing livestock through 4-H and FFA at an early career in agriculture because of his passion for aniage. However, agriculture was not in her college mals: working with them and seeing the results.
Answers located in Classified Section
When asked about what he is looking for in an internship, he said, “an internship that covers as many aspects of the industry but also goes in depth into each section … and learning Ben Radke more about what it all takes to raise a pig from when they are farrowed all the way to the processing plant.” Students are not only looking for opportunities and a fulfilling career, but different experiences in the daily operations of agricultural businesses. Organizational leaders — how are you creating an inclusive and engaging environment for students to thrive and consider a career within your organization and the broader industry? For those considering agricultural engineering or technology, Klimesh recommends, “While technical knowledge is critical to your career, allot time to immerse yourself in the daily operation of agricultural businesses. Nothing is more valuable when implementing technology or innovation than having a deep understanding and appreciation of how it might affect the day-to-day work.” For students considering an internship, Radke suggests, “Absolutely do it. The information that they provide is invaluable. I would also tell them don’t be afraid to do an internship that you’re not so sure about, better to find out about it now than later in life.” When asked about a fun fact about food/agriculture, Klimesh shared, “Agriculture is the largest employer in the world and is absolutely essential to life, as well as pretty enjoyable considering all the meal choices we have on a daily basis! It feels good to know this industry is never going away; but also that there’s so many opportunities for improvement in the areas of sustainability and innovation. Agriculture can offer a diverse and rewarding career for anyone!” Earlier this year, I attended the Southwest Minnesota State University Ag Bowl Scholarship Invitational where Brian Knochenmus, president and owner of Ralco Nutrition, delivered an opening address to nearly 1,000 high school students from across the state. What was his message? “There is a place for each of you in food and agriculture … there’s a place for everyone.” Well said, Brian. As someone who had no intention of returning to the region, more less the agriculture industry, I couldn’t agree more. There is a place for everyone in food and agriculture. It begins with cows, sows and plows — and ends with feeding the world. Talent in the GreenSeam focuses on developing talent and promoting careers in agriculture and food. Garrett Lieffring can be reached via email at glieffring@greenseam.org. v
