Bloomington, Ill. – May 23, 2023 – The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is excited to welcome its 2023 class of summer interns. Five students, representing Illinois State University and the University of Illinois, will work alongside directors, managers and coordinators across the organization.
Ainsley Peterson is a recent graduate of the University of Illinois and holds her bachelor’s degree in both Agricultural and Consumer Economics and Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications. Peterson will serve both the ISA Government Relations and Communications departments, assisting with Illinois Field & Bean magazine production, creating social media content, and will attend the American Soybean Association (ASA) board meetings and hill visits.
Shelby Stoner is a recent graduate of Illinois State University, holds her bachelor’s degree in Agronomy Management, and plans to pursue her master’s degree in Applied Science with a focus in Agronomy. Stoner will support the ISA Agronomy team by assisting with field days, crop reports, Soy Envoy content and will also help to create blogs on the ILSoyAdvisor website.
Mattie Lieb is a senior at Illinois State University studying Agriculture Communications and Leadership and plans to pursue her master’s degree following her graduation in December. Lieb will join the ISA Communications team and will assist with creating social media content, Illinois Field & Bean magazine production and press release development.
Emma Peters is a student at the University of Illinois studying Agricultural and Consumer Economics with a minor in Animal Science. Peters will be working with both the ISA Market Development and Government Relations teams, assisting with trade team visits, industry contact building, and Farm Progress Show planning.
Anita Sharkey is a student at Illinois State University pursuing a degree in both Public Relations and Marketing. Sharkey will work with both the ISA Agronomy and Communications teams, assisting with Illinois Field & Bean magazine production, agronomic-focused communications, ILSoyAdvsior media relations, and Soy Envoy content.
Nicole Butler, Executive of Employee Relations at ISA, said, “ISA’s internships are fully immersive. Student interns are integrated into routine meetings and given assignments that help advance ISA’s strategic plan, providing them the opportunity to learn more about the agriculture industry from the different perspectives of each ISA department while also building their professional portfolio.”
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff and membership programs represent more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois. The checkoff funds market development, soybean production and government relations efforts, while the membership program, Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) and the Illinois Soybean Growers PAC actively advocates for positive and impactful legislation for farmers at local, state and national levels. ISA upholds the interests of Illinois soybean farmers through promotion, advocacy, research and education with the vision of becoming a trusted partner of Illinois soybean farmers to ensure their profitability now and for future generations.
