By Scout Nelson
The Northern Crops Institute (NCI) at North Dakota State University (NDSU) continues to prepare future agricultural professionals by providing valuable internship opportunities that combine education, leadership, and real-world experience. Located in the Peltier Complex on the NDSU campus, NCI works with customers, commodity traders, processors, and technical experts to strengthen agriculture through education and international partnerships.
Grace Olin, an agricultural education student at NDSU, along with Casey Peterson, Program Development Manager at the Northern Crops Institute, demonstrated how internships connect classroom learning with practical experience.
NCI is a partnership among North Dakota, Montana, South Dakota, and Minnesota. The institute operates through NDSU while maintaining its own budget and reporting structure. Its mission is to provide educational programs that improve knowledge of agricultural production, food processing, grain quality, and global markets.
As an NCI program intern, Grace Olin supports many daily activities. She helps organize educational events, welcomes visitors, transports guests, and promotes NCI programs across campus. Her studies in agricultural education combine her passion for agriculture with her interest in teaching others.
“When the ‘light’ comes on, when you can see it in their eyes — that’s what I love so much about it,” says Olin.
One of Olin’s major responsibilities includes helping coordinate the NCI Summer Ag Academy, a free hands-on career exploration program for high school students interested in food science, animal science, agricultural technology, and international trade.
“She’s really taking care of a lot of the details we need,” says Casey Peterson, program development manager at NCI. “She’s played a critical role in putting our Summer Ag Academy together and making sure it runs smoothly.”
NCI also partners with organizations including U.S. Wheat Associates, U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council, and U.S. Soybean Export Council to develop educational programs that meet industry needs. The institute welcomes international visitors throughout the year for training in risk management, baking, barley, sorghum, pasta manufacturing, and other agricultural topics.
In May, NCI hosted 36 soybean and soybean meal buyers from 16 countries for a week-long risk management program. The institute also offers webinars and customized training opportunities, with 61% of participants later increasing purchases of U.S. agricultural products.
For more information visit, Northern Crops Institute, 701-231-7736,
https://www.northern-crops.com/
Photo Credit: north-dakota-state-university
Categories: North Dakota, Education