Entire group of AFA attendees posing for a photo

Three Days in D.C. for Public Policy

Three students from the Department of Agricultural Economics attended the AFA Public Policy Institute in Washington, D.C., in mid-September. The 3-day agenda included a D.C. night tour, dinner with AFA alumni, industry tours, Capitol Hill tours, a roundtable discussion on careers in policy, a Ted-X session and an AgXperience lunch session.

Rhoads, Lebowitz and Yamauchi standing in front of AFA banner

Kendall Lebowitz (Sophomore, Agricultural Economics Policy and Pre-Law; Haymarket, VA) shared, “As someone hoping to have a career in agricultural policy, the AFA Policy Institute was an amazing opportunity to gain a real-world perspective on where policy happens and explore the many paths available. It was highly eye-opening to be able to have discussions with experts across agricultural industries.” Her group toured John Deere and the National Alliance of Forest Owners’ D.C. Office, which gave her a different perspective on priorities in agricultural policy. Kendall’s favorite session was AgXperience, held in the Dirksen Senate Office Building and centered on biofuels. During the session, they interacted with professionals from Chevron, BASF and the USDA.

AFA attendees posing in front of a forest wallpaper AFA attendees posing with the capitol building in the background AFA attendees in a session

Cole Rhoads (Sophomore, Agricultural Economics; Ladoga, IN) toured the Agriculture Retailers Association (ARA), Croplife America, The Fertilizer Institute and the National Milk Producers Federation. Cole also enjoyed hearing from Purdue AGEC Alum Caleb Pearson, BASF Senior Counsel; Kelsey Barnes, U.S. Secretary of Ag Senior Advisor; and leaders from ADM, John Deere and American Farm Bureau Federation. He also found the AgXperience a highlight and enjoyed the “hot button” issues surrounding E-15 implementation, biodiesel and the need to expand domestic markets for U.S. corn and soybeans.

AFA attendees in a John Deere conference room for a session AFA attendees standing behind USDA secretary of ag podium AFA attendees posing for a photo on a rooftop with the capitol building in the background

Rhoads stated, “My experiences at AFA Policy Institute have also helped guide my career planning and decisions. Seeing firsthand the work of trade organizations, independent lobbyists, and congressional staffers has given me significant insight into the work I might want to do and the internships I am aiming for next summer. Furthermore, being able to connect with other students from around the country allowed me to see numerous different perspectives on current issues, giving me a higher quality, wider viewpoint of the issues facing the agriculture community today.”

Kenny Yamauchi standing behind a podium Rhoads standing at night with the Washington Monument in the background

Kentaro “Kenny” Yamauchi (Junior, Agricultural Economics; Bryan, TX) explained, “I gained a better understanding of the agriculture industry and the advocacy needed for growth.” Although his favorite part of the institute was catching up with friends he made through Agriculture Future of America (AFA) and MANRRS, Kenny also enjoyed meeting executives, directors and analysts with similar interests in topics impacting the agricultural industry. He concluded, “AFA Policy Institute will help my future by being an outlet to find connections and learn more about industry trends and practices. It’s a great way to peer into the day-to-day life of a government affairs worker.”