Indiana Farm Bureau welcomed four interns to the team this summer to assist with a variety of projects. With many internships around the nation canceling due to the global pandemic, the INFB internship program has adjusted to ensure interns gain a valuable experience while working remotely. Here’s a quick introduction to INFB’s 2020 summer interns.
Brooke Werstler is a returning intern with INFB. Werstler is from Larwill, Indiana, and is a graduate of Saint Joseph’s College, where she majored in history and political science. She is currently attending IU McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis. Last year, Werstler interned with the Indiana Agricultural Law Foundation, and this summer she is with INFB’s legal affairs team. This summer’s internship differs from her previous one as she will be focused on researching issues related to health care for the Indiana Farm Bureau Health Plans as well as the federal Clean Water Act.
Dianna Rulon is the legal intern for the Indiana Agricultural Law Foundation. Rulon is from Arcadia, Indiana, and graduated from Hastings College where she obtained a dual degree in political science and history. She currently is studying at IU McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis. This summer, Rulon will be exploring legal issues that impact Hoosier farmers, including property rights, drainage issues and the future impact of the recent legal ruling in the case Himsel v. Himsel on the Indiana Right to Farm Act. She said she hopes to learn more about how the law can impact Hoosier farmers and how organizations such as INFB and INAgLaw can advocate for the Indiana agricultural community.
Shelby Shank is the marketing intern for INFB and will be assisting the marketing team with a variety of projects such as writing articles for The Hoosier Farmer and creating digital content for social media. She is from Cincinnati, Ohio, and will be a senior this fall at Murray State University in western Kentucky, where she is studying animal science and marketing. Shank said she is excited for the opportunity to learn about INFB and all that the organization has to offer Hoosier farmers.
Katie Mize is this summer’s organizational development intern. Mize is from North Manchester, Indiana, and just completed her sophomore year at Purdue University where she majors in agricultural communication. She will be working on projects for Ag in the Classroom, developing activities for INFB volunteers and agriculture educators and assisting with virtual workshops. Mize said she is excited to have this opportunity to be an advocate for Indiana agriculture and to educate others while also learning more about INFB.
INFB offers internship opportunities each year to college-aged students who are seeking hands-on experience and want to grow in their professional development. Information about openings can be found on the INFB website.