Jud Hoffschneider is another Cargill Intern that I met through the AFA InterNetworkKC group. Although he is a Cornhusker, I TRY not to hold that against him (especially since MSU took care of business durinig football season). Jud is working with Cargill Animal Nutrition as a Management Associate Intern this summer; he also interned previously with Farm Credit Services of America as a Credit Analyst Intern. As Jud heads into his senior year as an Agribusiness major, I asked him to share a few of his experiences from this summer and why he is excited about his future in agriculture! It has been truly great getting to know Jud, and all of the Cargill Interns this summer!
Describe your background in agriculture, or why you are working in agriculture now.
I grew up on a small 30 head cow calf operation and was given my first heifer when I was 5 years old. From that heifer I grew up showing cattle, sheep, and pigs in 4-H, FFA, and the National Junior Angus Association.
What is a typical day like for your internship?
Typically, in my internship, I start my day catching up with the markets and weather, as we are responsible for a trading exercise. I then move into my projects working on cost savings in our supply-planning pipeline. As interns, we also get to see other areas of the business than just the area that our projects are focused on. I have spent time in a feed plant, with a sales consultant, in merchandising, customer services, and with management to get a good feel for various job roles within Cargill.
What are you enjoying the most about your internship so far?
I have enjoyed the trading exercise that we have done following the markets and how it is different than I initially thought it would be. My project, working with costs savings, has also been rewarding as it is tangible and I can see exactly the effect of my project in total savings.
If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be?
Potato (he didn’t offer any explanation for this one, so feel free to make up your own reasons!) 😉
What makes you passionate about your industry?
I just have a connection with the people in the agriculture industry, as they are down to earth people who just want to make an honest living. Getting to know those involved in agriculture growing up and during my college experience has reinforced to me that I made the right decision majoring in Agriculture Business.
Who has inspired you the most in your career?
I have had many people who have helped me along the way throughout my college experience, so it is hard to nail down a single person. Rosalee Swartz a facility member in the Department of Agricultural Economics inspires me. Rosalee is always willing to answer a question whether or not she is your advisor for classes or an organization. Many times, I have gotten email responses from her at 2 AM responding to a question I have asked her. There is no doubting her dedication to the students at UNL, and it seems to me that when she retires they may have to hire three people to fill her shoes. This is not uncommon at the Department of Agricultural Economics at UNL as many professors go the extra mile for organizations, study sessions, or writing that letter of recommendation for students.
Describe your dream job!
Working with farmers, ranchers, or agribusiness-men and helping them reach their goals.
What is your favorite hobby?
Raising cattle is my favorite hobby that I miss at school. I cannot say that my family and I are much more than hobby producers, but growing up showing and having livestock around was enjoyable and rewarding.
What has been your favorite experience this summer?
Every summer in college, I have helped with the Nebraska Agricultural Youth Institute and it is my favorite part of the summer. Helping with this summer conference is always the highlight of my summer, to see so many kids excited and passionate about agriculture is a great experience.
The first time Jud and I met (during an InterNetworkKC event to a Royals game!) we realized that we were both a part of the Agriculture Future of America! Jud has been involved longer than I, but he says his involvement with AFA has been awesome to help develop him into the person he is today personally, professionally, and in leadership. The Nebraska Agricultural Youth Council has also been a great experience for Jud to advocate for agriculture careers and get high school students excited about a future in agriculture.
Best of luck Jud, and thanks for sharing!
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For past Intern Spotlights:
Intern Spotlight – Josh Donoho
Intern Spotlight – Karoline Rose
Intern Spotlight – Nikki Hersch
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