Minnesota Soybean has hired a summer intern to work within the marketing and communications department. This intern will assist with various forms of marketing and communications, as well as help with local and state events. This year’s intern is Kaelyn Platz.

Learn more about Kaelyn as we ask her some questions.

To start. Introduce yourself.

Hi everyone! My name is Kaelyn Platz. I grew up on a farm near Comfrey, Minn. I am currently majoring in Agriculture Communications with minors in Marketing and Ag Business at South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD.

Are you involved in any organizations?

I am Vice President of the Ceres Women’s Fraternity at SDSU. Ceres is a Greek organization that places an emphasis on women in agriculture, which has better enabled my development as a leader.

I am also a part of Little International, or Little I. Little I allows students to compete in judging contests, showmanship competitions and other challenges.

Not only am I busy on campus, this last year I became a mentor with the Brookings County Youth Mentor Program.

What made you want to continue in agriculture?

I want to work in agriculture because of the impact the industry has had on my family.

Ever since I was little, my family has owned and operated a 10-acre fruit and vegetable garden. Every year, we would have an excessive amount of plants to sell at the farmer’s market and local grocery stores. To give you an idea, we would plant 25,000 onions, 300 pepper plants, 500 muskmelon plants and many other fruits and vegetables. Seeing the positive impact the agriculture industry has had on my family makes me want to continue in this industry.

What are you hoping to get from your summer internship?

I am hoping this internship will better my knowledge of the soybean industry and get hands on experience working directly in the marketing and communications department. Ultimately, I want to continue learning within my area of study.

Now for the fun questions…

Favorite food: Shrimp Alfredo

Favorite color: Pink

Favorite animal: Giraffe

If you were to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Honest. Optimistic. Passionate.

If you were to get on a plane tomorrow, where would you go and why?

Europe. I want to learn more about how they farm, as well as visit all the historic places.

What is one fun fact about you?

I love to travel! Next summer, I will be traveling to New Zealand to learn more about their agriculture industry.