Seven students from the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment attended the Agriculture Future of America Leaders Conference Nov. 7-10 in Kansas City, Missouri. This selective opportunity allows students to learn about emerging agriculture industry trends, develop professional skills and network with dozens of top national employers.

“AFA is a great opportunity for any college student with a connection to agriculture,” said Kelly Pohlman, a plant and soil sciences senior and AFA campus ambassador. “I met a lot of students from around the country and connected with tons of professionals.”

Connecting students with industry leaders and mentors is a hallmark of the conference. The career-focused sessions include topics such as navigating workplace change, inclusive communication, entrepreneurship in agriculture and much more. The conference also hosts an opportunity fair for students to learn about potential internship and job opportunities.

“Only hours after the opportunity fair, I was asked to interview for a John Deere internship, and I received an offer later that evening,” Pohlman said. “I couldn't be happier.”

The conference is organized into four tracks based on college experience. This allows undergraduates to develop their workplace knowledge, explore the agriculture industry and meet students from other universities.

“As a freshman, it’s great to meet like-minded college students, and I’m already making plans to visit a new friend in Kansas,” said Tabitha Collins, agricultural education student. “The agriculture industry is huge, but the community is small and tight knit. I appreciate AFA for giving me this opportunity, and I hope to return next year.”

Next year’s conference will be Nov. 12-15, and applications will be due mid-September. Interested students may visit the AFA website for more information or contact Kelly Pohlman, AFA campus ambassador, at kelly.pohlman@uky.edu.