My Experience with Iowa Corn Collegiate Advisory Team (CAT)

As a member of the Collegiate Advisory Team I had the chance to go to the National Corn Growers Association Corn Congress in Washington, D.C. As a young person involved in agriculture I thought it was very interesting to get an in-depth look at policy development in action and how it affects all aspects of agriculture. I spent the last four years at Iowa State University  where many faculty and staff helped me realize that advocating agriculture is something that you should start early in your career. Making the connection at the national level with others involved in agricultural is always a pleasure.

While in the D.C. area we took many tours. We went to a cucumber farm to learn about agriculture in that area. We saw the processing of cucumbers and their cropping systems. The group then took a drive to a vegetable farm where we discussed many of the issues that they were seeing. Even in different parts of the nation they see some of the same issues as we do such as precipitation issues, the same diseases, the same bugs, and so on.

I have been involved with the Iowa Corn Collegiate Advisory Team for the past two years. It has been a great way to get involved with an organization like Iowa Corn. I have been able to provide a “younger” perspective to agricultural issues in board meetings and committee meetings. It was a great experience. Promoting Iowa Corn is another key aspect of the CAT team. Whether it was starting a new club at Iowa State or reaching out other student during career fairs around the state, our goal has been to get the next generation of corn growers and enthusiasts to get involved.

Kyle Fischer is a 2013 graduate of Iowa State University with a degree in Agricultural Studies. Kyle is currently working on the family farm near Minden, Iowa.