Madison Pergrem

MadisonP.Pergrem@ky.gov

(502) 782-9253

Kentucky Department of Agriculture welcomes summer interns

Eleven college students will work beside KDA employees to gain experience, insight

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture welcomed 11 college interns this summer to work alongside KDA employees gaining insight into the agriculture field. Pictured are, from left, Wade Carrington, Cameron Bond, Delaney Wills, Angelina Sonoqui, Karissa Hamilton, Caroline Groth, Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell, Kristin Tucker, Kimberlyn Price, Jack Matthews, Jackson Baird, and Lance Munday. (Kentucky Department of Agriculture)

FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 16, 2024) – Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell is welcoming 11 college students to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) campus as summer interns.

“KDA’s internship program offers college students an opportunity to work alongside our employees and agriculture community for a unique one-on-one experience,” Commissioner Shell said. “This mentorship program provides a great advantage to those who want to continue in the agriculture field, helping to launch careers in ag-related fields.”

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 alongside KDA employees learning the various programs the department is involved in, 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.

This year’s interns are:

• Jackson Baird, Taylorsville, attending University of Kentucky
• Cameron Bond, Sparta, attending Western Kentucky University
• Wade Carrington, Winchester, attending University of Kentucky
• Caroline Groth, Lexington, attending University of Kentucky
• Karissa Hamilton, Flat Rock, Ind., attending University of Kentucky
• Jack Matthews, Mount Washington, attending University of Kentucky
• Lance Munday, Jeffersonville, attending Eastern Kentucky University
• Kimberlyn Price, Williamstown, attending Midway University
• Angelina Sonoqui, Winchester, attending University of Kentucky
• Kristin Tucker, Frankfort, attending Eastern Kentucky University
• Delaney Wills, Lawrenceburg, attending Eastern Kentucky University

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