Celebrating a shared passion for agriculture, 13 students from eight states met at The Maschhoffs in Carlyle, Ill., for its sixth-annual Leadership Experience Externship.
What exactly is an externship? An externship provides a short-term learning experience where students are able to learn more about a field of study or interest.
Over the course of three days, participants engaged in comprehensive leadership training, gained valuable insights into mill and barn operations, and actively contributed to the community through immersive service projects like the Clinton County Snack Pack Program. The young leaders successfully packed 800 bags to combat childhood hunger in the local area.
Students gained valuable leadership experience during the three-day event. Source: The Maschhoffs
“This event not only showcased their commitment to the agricultural industry but also highlighted the collaborative spirit that unites young leaders from across the U.S.,” the company explains.
The 2024 Leadership Experience Externship participants included Ella Thome, Minnesota; Emma Taylor, Illinois; Aria Lockhart, Illinois; Daisy Kaplan, Illinois; Abby Sheetz, Illinois; and Jordyn Cygan, Illinois. In addition, Team Purebred $1,000 Scholarship Recipients/Leadership Experience Externship participants included Makenzie Hereth, Maryland, and Hayley Pitts, Illinois. NJSA $1,000 Scholarship Recipients/Leadership Experience Externship participants included Emile Limoges, Florida; James DeRouchey, Kansas; Ellen Collins, West Virginia; Blake Moeller, Iowa; and Ryland Smallen, Tennessee.
“When partnering with the Maschhoffs sponsorship, we know that we are entrusting our name and reputation with a group that has the same priorities of educating the future swine industry leaders like we do,” says Cora Key, National Swine Registry events and education manager. “We are better able to fill our mission and progress as an industry when we work together toward the same goals. This program allows us to work together to build leaders that are willing to be a part of the solutions as the industry progresses.”
The organizers expressed gratitude to be able to host such bright minds from diverse corners of the U.S., all united by their love for agriculture. This event not only provided a platform for learning and growth but also fostered lasting connections among the next generation of leaders in the agricultural sector.
“We were able to share ideas for how NJSA can help to bridge the gap between commercial producers and the show pig industry, which was really good,” says Emile Limoges, an NJSA member from Florida.
To learn more about The Maschhoffs, visit www.themaschhoffs.com.
