Ali Hoban ⋅ New York, NY AOL ⋅ 5 years experience

Hi Luke,

Cargill has a presence in Eddyville, IA, and it looks like they've already started posting about their summer 2015 internships here: http://www.simplyhired.com/search?q=cargill+summer+internship&l=iowa.

I did a quick search of ACP AdvisorNet's Community and found several Advisors that work at Cargill who could give you insight into what it's like to work there. There is at least one Advisor based out of Iowa here: https://acp-advisornet.org/community?user_group_id=companies&expertise_id=&zip_code=10017&company=Cargill&company_submit=Find

Additionally, Hormel Foods was voted by Military Times to be one of the best companies for veterans to work for. They have a few plant and distribution center locations located in Iowa, so that could be another company to look into. Here is a link to their veteran recruiting page:
http://www.hormelfoods.com/Careers/MilitaryRecruitment/Military-Recruitment

Best of luck to you,
Ali

Tom Cal, CFA ⋅ San Francisco, CA Army Veteran, Investment Manager ⋅ 25 years experience

Luke,
Congratulations on acting proactively and reaching out for assistance so far in advance. Great job!

Where are you attending school?

Is there any particular aspect of agronomy that interests you? Do you have any specific areas of interest? Please tell us about your interest in agronomy.

Would you consider internships geographic locations other than Iowa?

There are several efforts aimed at Veteran that are considering career related to farming and agriculture.

see:
https://www.google.com/search?q=veteran+farmers

http://www.farmvetco.org/#1

I have a friend and former "protege" who can potentially help advise you. He has a strong interest in aquaponics and farms in California.

"Aquaponics is a food production system that combines conventional aquaculture (raising aquatic animals such as snails, fish, crayfish or prawns in tanks) with hydroponics (cultivating plants in water) in a symbiotic environment."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaponics

Tom Yuhas ⋅ Bedford, OH Sparkle Wash International ⋅ 14 years experience

Sergeant Luke Vance, contact Mr. Dale John Smith (Sparkle Wash of the Tri-State Valley) 563-382-6151 or concreteappeal@mediacombb.net. Dale is a brilliant agricultural engineer and knows the industry as very few do. Tell Dale I (Tom Yuhas, VP Sparkle Wash International) told you to call.

Tom Cal, CFA ⋅ San Francisco, CA Army Veteran, Investment Manager ⋅ 25 years experience

Luke,
Request a mentor with specific expertise in Agronomy from ACP.

Also, what do you think about reaching out to the American Society of agronomy and requesting an industry specific mentor?

You may also wish to join the society and get involved with a local chapter.

https://www.agronomy.org/undergrads

Tom Cal, CFA ⋅ San Francisco, CA Army Veteran, Investment Manager ⋅ 25 years experience

Does your current school have a career center or alumni network that can help you?

Consider the California and other universities with strong programs related to agriculture, farming and agronomy. e.g. UC Davis

Tom Cal, CFA ⋅ San Francisco, CA Army Veteran, Investment Manager ⋅ 25 years experience

Luke,
Also consider joining relevant professional organizations, and requesting informational interviews and industry specific mentorships.

e.g. American Society of Agronomy
https://www.agronomy.org/

also see:
https://www.google.com/search?q=agronomy+professional+organizations

https://www.google.com/search?q=farming+professional+organizations

Luke Vance ⋅ Sheldahl, IA U.S. Army Reserve, Sergeant ⋅ 5 years served

Currently I am attending Des moines area community college to obtain my AAS. I will be continuing on after the semester to obtain my BT degree in agronomy as that is my passion. I have thought about relocating to get a broader view of agriculture.