Farm-Credit Mid-America: Growing Forward Intern 

After completing a summer internship in 2021 with Farm Credit Mid-America, Ashley Porter (Agrifinance; Livermore, CA) knew she wanted to return the next summer. During her time in 2021 as a Rural 1st Sales Intern, she was able to shadow a Growing Forward Specialist who introduced her to the program. Because she already loved the company culture and she loved how the Growing Forward program aligned with her “why?” in helping people get involved in and learn about the agricultural industry, she decided to pursue the position “Growing Forward Intern.” 

As the Growing Forward intern in Louisville, KY, Ashley was able to do a variety of different projects. She had a project for the entire summer that was based on customers transitioning from the Growing Forward Program into traditional customers. Outside of her focused project, her team let her help with many other projects including preparing for the Know to Grow Conference. “This summer I have been able to see many different aspects of the company,” Ashley stated. “I spent a lot of time out of the office visiting current Growing Forward customers and seeing the success of customers who have become traditional customers and graduated from the program. One of the customers even had a Texas Longhorn operation!”  

Ashley mentioned that her internship has only further solidified how much she appreciates the culture at Farm Credit Mid-America. “I have also recognized the importance of a family atmosphere with your team and co-workers.” As far as her interests go, she truly enjoyed both summers with FCMA and in the Ag Finance sector. She knows she wants to work assisting people in being part of the industry and achieving their goals, so this is a space she would definitely like to be in, in the future.