Expanding Horizons at AFA Food Systems Institute
Three Department of Agricultural Economics students traveled to the Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Food Systems Institute in Chicago, IL. During the 3-day conference, the students interacted with company representatives during networking sessions, visited industry sites and participated in roundtable discussions about challenges and innovations in the food systems space.
Junior Kylie Saathoff (Agribusiness; Manteno, IL) shared, “Attending the AFA Food Systems Institute was an eye-opening experience for me. Since my background and interests have primarily been in the production side of agriculture, I was eager to learn more about how food systems operate. This program really challenged me to think beyond the farm gate and gave me a deeper understanding of how raw commodities are transformed into the finished products that end up on store shelves. That perspective helped me see the bigger picture of the agricultural value chain and how each step adds value for both businesses and consumers.”
Industry tours were junior Laci McGinnis’s (Agribusiness; Portland, IN) favorite part of the experience. She stated, “We learned about flavor profiles, participated in sensory demos and received tours of Imbibe and Fairlife. These tours and the institute broadened my understanding of the food industry and all that goes into each product we consume. I can take the networking, problem-solving and curiosity I gained along with me to future endeavors.”
Junior Madison Clary (Agricultural Economics; Westfield, IN) added, “One of my favorite parts of the Food Systems Institute was getting to network with fellow delegates and employers. I enjoyed reconnecting with students I’ve met through other conferences, catching up on their goals and plans and meeting some new faces. I was able to walk away feeling more connected in the food industry, and I feel more supported in my future. Last year, I attended this conference as my first AFA institute, and it was so impactful that I actually changed which industry I want to enter after I graduate. It was the perfect exposure to other opportunities that are available to me and helped confirm that my major is where I’m supposed to be. It was really cool to be able to go back a year later and see how much I’ve grown both personally in my mindset and professionally in my connections.”