High school students considering an ag-related career are encouraged to participate in the Soy Scholars program, which is being offered by the Iowa Soybean Association with support from Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds. Soy Scholars will launch April 18-19 at the Iowa FFA Leadership Conference in Ames, and applications are due May 3.

Four students will be selected to participate in the three-session career emersion, field experience and job shadow program. During the sessions, students will work directly with a mentor in their field of interest to gain hands-on experience, ask questions and make connections.

Soy Scholars will allow students to explore career paths before they graduate high school or declare a college major. That’s why Latham Seeds is proud to help showcase a wide-array of ag-related careers from agricultural production and marketing communications to seed sales and precision farming. Those students selected to participate in this program will get real-world experience. They’ll gain insights about an industry that aren’t readily available online or in a textbook. And just as importantly, these students will meet some of our state’s top agricultural leaders who farm or work in agribusiness.

One out of every five Iowans work in an agriculture- related job, according to a 2014 study. Iowa’s agriculture industry contributes one out of every three dollars in Iowa’s economy, or 33 percent of the total state economy. This sizable contribution offers more than a few opportunities for Iowa youth.

For more information or to apply, visit the ISA booth at the Iowa FFA Leadership Conference or go to www.iasoybeans.com/SoyScholars/.

I love this time of year when everything comes back to life! The grass is greening up, and planting season is underway. My Facebook feed has been filled with photos of new life on farms and ranches across the country. I enjoy seeing newborn calves, lambs and kittens, as well as newly hatched chicks that become “spring chickens.”

While spring is typically the season when new animals are born, new technology allows pigs to be born any time of the year. This wasn’t possible when I was a kid and we raised hogs outside. Then we could only get two litters from our sows. If we were really lucky, we could wean 12 pigs annually from each sow. Today we can get 30 pigs per sow per year due to better genetics, better feed and care, less stress, and different types of hog barns.

We need to raise more pigs – and all types of food – if we’re going to feed the growing world population. I’m all for long-term goals of raising enough food with all the technology that fits the needs of hungry people, and this shared goal is how I started to become involved with the Farm Journal Foundation’s Farm Team to help combat world hunger.

While researching the Farm Team initiative, I came across its logo with an apple that looks like a globe. Underneath it are the words, “Farmers Feeding the World.” Feeding the world is a noble mission! While we might not all agree on how to do that, I believe we can find ways to work together and help the almost one billion people who are food insecure.

Not everyone can be a farmer and grow food, but everyone needs a way to earn enough income to buy a decent diet. This will not be done by eliminating technology and going GMO-free. This will not be done by only raising organic produce or cage-free eggs.

Feeding the world will be done if we take an “all hands on approach” that makes use of every food system available! We must join together to provide a means to the end. My farm is different than my neighbor’s, and our farms here in North Central Iowa are much different than farms in California or even southern Illinois where I have been spending most of my time lately.

People must understand that it’s going to take all types of farms to feed this world. That’s why it’s so important for you to speak out and share your ideas. It takes many solutions to feed the world – and to make it possible for all people to afford their food!

By Kilah Hemesath, Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds Marketing Intern

We’re constantly presented with choices, but I didn’t understand the magnitude of my choices until I came to Iowa State University (ISU). There are numerous facets in the agricultural industry and it can be challenging to choose a college major. I chose Agricultural Business because this major offers ample opportunities to tailor it with electives. I really enjoyed choosing electives, but it was the experience I gained through multiple internships that led me down a career path in agricultural marketing.

Many of my peers also have chosen their career paths through involvement in on-campus organizations or internship experiences. Today I’m sharing personal experiences of five ISU students, who will be involved in agriculture but in very different ways.

Many people view popcorn as snack but Garrett Ley of Alleman, Iowa, is passionate about producing it. Upon graduating in May with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business, he plans to amplify his G-Pop’s popcorn business. G-Pop’s was founded in May, 2014 when he discovered his new passion of entrepreneurship and value-added products for the consumer. Garrett is active on all levels of agriculture, from field to food.

After May 31, you could find Adelai Swanson in Washington, D.C., working for Dow AgroSciences in Government Affairs and Sales. Adelai has always had a passion for agriculture policy. Her degrees in Agricultural Business and Public Relations will help make that dream become reality.

Coming from a farm in West Central Iowa, Kayla Degner knew she wanted to be involved in agriculture. Kayla graduated from Iowa State University in May 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in in Agricultural Communications and is working at NEW Cooperative Inc. as a Marketing and Communication Assistant. Kayla couldn’t imagine herself doing anything different.

Returning to his family’s farm upon graduating in May is what Brett Roquet describes as living his dream. He explains that he couldn’t see himself doing anything else. Brett and his younger brother raise show pigs. He also raises corn and soybeans with his dad and grandpa.

Because some of her best memories happened when she was growing up on her family’s farm in Monmouth, IL, Jennifer Elliott was active in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. She will graduate in May 2016 with a degree in Agricultural Communications. She’s looking forward to when she’ll move to the East Coast and become a Sales and Business Trainee for Smithfield. Jennifer couldn’t be happier than to explore the different career paths offered through Smithfield through her trainee program.

These five stories showcase the various directions students can take in agriculture. From entering the food industry to becoming involved in government affairs, there’s a career suited for all interests!

Even though there is a lot going on with the election cycle and the huge push to find the final
candidates to run for the Presidency, we must stay vigilant to what is going on currently in our state legislatures.

The legislative process is a fascinating process, yet at one time, I couldn’t get far enough away from it! I was under the impression that I couldn’t make a difference – but I was wrong! In fact, I’ve been told that sometimes an experience shared by one constituent can affect a vote.

Elected officials need our input to know how we’ll be affected if certain bills are or are not signed into law. You can write e-mails to them. You can go to town hall meetings. You can even call them on the phone when they are in session. However, I have found that going to the Capitol and meeting with elected officials in person during the legislative session is the most effective way to express my ideas. Attending committee meetings allows one to see how elected officials operate and negotiate. I’ve been able to watch the action from the gallery, and I’ve been invited to sit on the floor right in the midst of all the action! Nothing can replace person contact.

Tomorrow is one of the days that there will be many Farm Bureau members at the statehouse. Actually, any Iowan can visit the statehouse to meet with elected officials on any day that the Legislature is in session. All you have to do is walk to the chamber door to either the House of Representatives or the Senate. You simply fill out a slip to request to talk with a specific official, and then hand that slip of paper to the doorkeeper, who will find out whether the representative or senator is available. If he or she is available, he or she will come to the door and talk with you.

There are many issues discussed daily: taxes, education and other topics that may affect you directly. It’s important that you make your voice heard. I can assure you, someone will be “twisting arms” on any given issue and he or she (or a particular special interest group) may not share your opinion!

Voting for a person who’s running for office is just the beginning of the political process. It’s important that you remain engaged! You might feel comfortable calling on elected officials by yourself, or perhaps you’d be more comfortable joining a group effort through an organization that shares your interests. Either way, grassroots efforts can lead to better representation. The time spent contacting legislators and regulators is an investment – and you just may enjoy the experience!

By Kilah Hemesath, Latham Hi‑Tech Seeds Marketing Intern

Laundry, home cooked meals and roommates will all have different meanings after you move into the dorm of your new college town. I won’t forget the day I moved into Maple Hall at Iowa State University. A helpful move-in crew greeted my family and me, and then I was left with a new roommate in a tiny room that resembled the feeling of living in a box. Although the college experience was intimidating at times, it all contributed to finding my adventure at ISU.

Last week, I had an opportunity through the ISU College of Agriculture and Life Sciences to talk to middle school and high school students about everything from FFA to college and what to expect during transition times. From those conservations, I found a few items high school students should consider when choosing a college.

In addition to using your gut reaction, I highlighted five checkpoints to deliberate before clicking Accept Attendance:

1. What is the price you are willing to pay for your education?

There’s no doubt college is expensive. College tuition can range from $4,000/year to $40,000/year. In addition to paying tuition, you will need to pay living expenses whether you live in a dorm or an apartment. Secondly, you will need to buy food, either a meal bundle through campus dining services or groceries. In most cases, clubs require a small yearly fee to join and participate in the club trips offered.

2. What are your interests?

Recognizing your interests can assist tremendously when choosing a college. For example, if you have an interest in agriculture, then Iowa State University, Purdue, Kansas State and Oklahoma State have noteworthy agricultural programs. Even if you are uncertain on which major to choose, starting at a college that fits your interests will provide you with a solid foundation.

3. How many years will you be in college?

Your years in school will depend on the type of degree and major you plan on attaining. It’s important to know this before choosing a college, as the length of schooling can vary by each college. Laying out a few short-term and long-term goals can help outline your future, factoring in the number of years you will be in school for.

4. How much are you willing to travel?

   

It is important to consider the location of different colleges when making your decision. You should note how often you would like to go home and how feasible it is to travel the distance! In some cases, students may want to branch out and travel further away from home.

5. Does it feel like home?

The college you choose will become your second home for the next few years. You should feel comfortable and confident in the school, campus and the environment. I was greeted with smiling faces from the faculty and tour guides at Iowa State, and I knew it was the place for me!

Choose your college based upon your career goals and aspirations. The opportunity to further your education is irreplaceable, so take advantage of it!