After graduating from Iowa State University in May with bachelor’s degrees in agriculture and rural policy and international agriculture, I was excited to join NASDA as a policy intern for the fall semester. When I assumed this role, I asked NASDA Public Policy Senior Director RJ Karney and Public Policy Director Becky Garrison Warfel to challenge me so I could attain new skills and further develop my agricultural policy knowledge. Through their leadership, I had the opportunity to take on many unique projects that helped me gain a deeper understanding of policy related to issues such as PFAs, HPAI, national nutrition programs and, my personal favorite, rural development. 

I gained many connections and distinctive memories during my internship through experiences such as attending NASDA’s Annual Meeting and the 33rd Tri-National Accord. These events allowed me to converse with successful agriculturalists in diverse areas of the agricultural industry. I gained insights into international relations and how to concisely present on complex agriculture issues such as the Food Safety Modernization Act, Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program and more. Finally, it was a fantastic opportunity to shadow Becky and Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding as he testified before the U.S. Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research on school meal programs. The opportunity allowed me to understand the background preparations and process of testifying before Congress.  

I am thankful for the connections I made over the last four months at NASDA and the hands-on experiences I gained, and I am excited to utilize my skills as I continue to advocate for agriculture. 

Thank you to the NASDA members and staff who made this internship so unique and challenging in the best of ways. 

Contact Information

Sarah Grace Fowler
Director, Communications