A WKU student from Breckinridge County is one of 12 interns this summer with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA).
The students will assist KDA employees and Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell help residents across the state with agricultural needs.
One of the 12 interns is Emily Tabor, of Garfield. She is a rising junior at WKU studying agriculture.
“KDA’s internship program offers college students an opportunity to work side-by-side with our employees and agriculture community for a unique experience,” Shell said. “This mentorship program can help launch careers in ag-related fields by providing a great advantage to those who want to continue in agriculture.”
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s summer internship program has provided opportunities for students to gain first-hand experience, knowledge, and understanding of the governmental process through pre-professional work in various occupational fields. KDA offers students studying majors both directly and indirectly relating to agriculture. Career paths of current and former interns include, but are not limited to, agriculture, education, computer science, marketing, public relations, and pre-law.
KDA interns work with KDA employees learning the various programs of the departments that make up KDA, allowing them to gain insight into considering a future career within the ag industry and with KDA.
This year’s interns have attended livestock shows, proclamations, conferences, and attended interviews with department employees. In addition, interns have worked closely with employees to develop social media promotions, help teach the public about farm safety, and work with the senior’s market and the junior chef programs.
The other 11 interns are:
- Abigail Barrett, of Lexington, attending the University of Kentucky
- Taylor Bishop, of Springfield and Greensburg, attending Morehead State University
- Shelby Butler, of Mount Washington, attending the University of Kentucky
- Emily Chunglo, of Harrodsburg, attending Western Kentucky University
- Rachel Cowherd, of Campbellsville, attending the University of Kentucky
- Callie Hudson, of Versailles, attending the University of Tennessee
- Dylan Foster, of Florence, attending Morehead State University
- Sayde Lowe, of Murray, attending Murray State University
- Davis Miller, of Lexington, attending Wofford College
- Leslie Monhollen, of Williamsburg, attending the University of Kentucky
- Mary Brooke Stith, of Brandenburg, attending Murray State University
(Headline photo: Emily Tabor (r) and KY Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell, both photos courtesy of the Kentucky Dept. of Agriculture)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
