Intern Experience: Lessons Learned by the Next Generation of Ag Leaders
Intern Experience: Lessons Learned by the Next Generation of Ag Leaders
Each summer, AgSouth welcomes a group of students to our organization where they are presented with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Farm Credit culture. The AgSouth Internship Program allows our association to educate and develop the skills of young professionals through hands-on experience catering to each of the intern’s relevant interests. In turn, this internship provides the Association with tremendous value, bringing in fresh knowledge and ideas.
This year, we were fortunate to have fourteen interns join our team. Each intern has been hard at work this summer working on projects, conducting farm visits, and getting hands-on industry experience. As an AgSouth intern, individuals gain experience in a professional setting that align with their current course of study propelling them forward in their career goals. Thank you interns for a wonderful summer. We cannot wait to see your growth and success in the years to come!
“I saw the passion and dedication to the industry."
“This summer at AgSouth was very impactful. I gained insight into the agricultural industry through a financial lens, which deepened my understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the industry today. By interacting with dedicated farmers, purpose driven employees, and experienced directors, I saw the passion and dedication to the industry. Their commitment, and my time developing professional skills, has increased my interest in working in the industry. I’m incredibly thankful to everyone who welcomed me, invested in my growth, and encouraged me to build skills that will help me in my career.” – Weston Calhoun, Legal Intern
“Everywhere I went, I felt like I had been a part of the company for years."
"Whether it was visiting different offices, going to Statesboro, Columbia, etc., I felt welcomed. This has honestly been one of the best experiences I have ever had, and it has been an invaluable experience. I had a fantastic mentor, who is extremely smart and skilled at what she does, and she taught me a lot about what it means to work at AgSouth. I met some fantastic people, as well as made friendships that will carry on even after the internship is over. Growing up on a farm myself, I have only ever seen the manual side of things, and the day-to-day tasks that it entails. I never got to see the 'ins and outs' so to speak of what goes on behind the scenes on the financial/lending side of things, so spending the summer here and seeing what it takes to help farmers accomplish their dreams was such an insightful thing to witness. I love the passion that everyone here has for farmers and their families, and everyone wants to see them succeed, and they will do anything they can to make that happen for them. I loved how I truly felt valued as an employee and how you were never treated as a stranger, especially if you are down for a good meal. I was blessed with a fantastic group of interns, who I clicked with instantly and they will go on to have a fantastic career in whatever they choose to do. I lastly want to thank the Taylorsville Branch, who I spent my summer with. I could not have asked for a better group to work with, who valued me and always answered my questions whenever they came up. Thank you to AgSouth for this opportunity, I have honestly and truly enjoyed every minute of it, and I hate seeing it end. Hopefully I will find my way back after I graduate school! Thank you, AgSouth Farm Credit, for a wonderful summer!” – Cheyenne Childers, Lending Intern
“Knowing that the company prioritizes making everyone feel like family is so unique.”
“Working with AgSouth Farm Credit has been a great experience. This summer I have learned to take every opportunity presented to me and make connections. I have been able to travel to some cool places and meet some even better people. Being able to meet the CEO of AgSouth and him treating me like family was a great experience. Knowing that the company prioritizes making everyone feel like family is so unique. AgSouth has broadened my knowledge of all the resources accessible to all types of farmers and being able to relay that information to other farmers will be beneficial. I look forward to applying this experience to the industry in the future.” – Gracelyn Gatton, Lending Intern
“The strong emphasis on faith and family is present in everything the company does.”
“This Summer has been a full circle moment for me, interning at AgSouth. Coming from generations of dairy and tobacco farmers in Alamance County, I grew up with a deep appreciation for the hard work and resilience found in rural communities. This experience has given me a new perspective on how agriculture is supported beyond the farm-working within the financial systems and alongside the dedicated people working behind the scenes to support the backbone of America. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of agricultural lending, risk management, and the vital role the Farm Credit System plays in supporting our producers.
The strong emphasis on faith and family is present in everything the company does, and the team at the Wilkesboro branch created an environment where I felt valued and motivated to contribute. I’m incredibly grateful for the mentorship, knowledge, and perspective I’ve gained, and I leave AgSouth with a strong desire to continue to serve rural communities in a meaningful way. ” – Hunter Hicks, Lending Intern
“AgSouth Farm Credit has taught me lessons and skills I will never forget.”
“This summer interning at AgSouth Farm Credit has taught me lessons and skills I will never forget. I was working at the Graham branch and my mentor taught me so much. I learned everything from how to calculate AgScore to how to effectively talk to clients. I went to countless farm visits, loan closings, and made great friends with all my coworkers. This summer was one I will never forget. Thank you all for making this happen.” – Ethan Johnson, Lending Intern
“I’m so grateful to have been in an environment that pushed me outside my comfort zone and encouraged genuine connection.”
“My biggest takeaway this summer is how important it is to open up to the people around you—your fellow interns, coworkers, and especially your mentor. Building those relationships creates a space where you feel comfortable asking questions, learning from mistakes, and just enjoying the experience. I’m so grateful to have been in an environment that pushed me outside my comfort zone and encouraged genuine connection. My mentor was always there when I needed support or feedback, and the bonds I formed with the other interns made this experience truly unforgettable. It means a lot to know that no matter their role, everyone at the company is in your corner.” – Makenna Massey, Marketing Intern
“I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.”
“This summer has been an incredible learning experience, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. Traveling to Statesboro, GA and Columbia, SC was a highlight, giving me firsthand insight into how risk management operates in different environments. I want to sincerely thank my mentors for their support and for providing me with the chance to explore this field more deeply. Their guidance has made a lasting impact, and I’m excited to carry these lessons forward in my career.” – Brett Montross, Risk Intern
“I’m walking away with not only knowledge but with a stronger sense of purpose.”
“From the very beginning, AgSouth felt like home. Whether we were cracking jokes in the office, touring peach plants, or attending cattle auctions, every experience made this summer unforgettable! What stood out the most was AgSouth’s faith-first foundation, being in a space where I could freely express my faith meant everything to me. I never felt the need to shrink who I was, and that gave me the confidence to grow even more. I’ve learned so much, not just about agriculture and lending, but also about how to be personable and network in unfamiliar environments. Coming from an Animal Science background, I initially felt unqualified to tackle the financial side of agriculture, but everyone at AgSouth met me with grace, knowledge, and a willingness to teach! My coworkers poured into me with wisdom, patience, and mentorship that I’ll carry into my junior year and beyond. The relationships I built, both with employees and farmers, reminded me how deeply rooted this industry is in connection and trust. I’m walking away with not only knowledge but with a stronger sense of purpose. Thank you AgSouth, for giving me a place to grow, belong, and believe in what’s possible!” – Jirah Perrymond, Lending Intern
“AgSouth’s values are lived out daily by every employee.”
“Interning at AgSouth has been an incredibly rewarding experience, far exceeding what I imagined possible in just one summer. From day one, I was welcomed into a culture that values growth, collaboration, and integrity. I’m especially grateful to my mentor and the many team members who took the time to invest in me, offering guidance, encouragement, and genuine support. What stood out most was how AgSouth’s values are lived out daily by every employee. The kindness, patience, and professionalism I witnessed have inspired me not only in my professional life but in the kind of person I strive to be. The sense of community here is unmatched. One day, I’d love to give someone else the same kind of encouragement and guidance I was lucky enough to receive here. Thank you AgSouth for shaping my journey in such a meaningful way.” – Lyllian Player, Marketing Intern
"These experiences helped me build confidence and taught me how to be more organized and responsible."
“During this internship, I have learned how to work with different personalities by observing how people communicate and adapting my approach to fit any situation. I realized that not everyone works the same way, so being patient, respectful, and a good listener helped me work and collaborate more effectively. I also learned how to conduct myself professionally by showing up on time, dressing appropriately, and understanding how my branch office operates. These experiences helped me build confidence and taught me how to be more organized and responsible. I can use these skills not only in my future career but also in everyday life.” – Gabrielle Ralston, Lending Intern
“I was pleasantly surprised by the strong sense of family and closeness among the staff, which created such a welcoming and supportive environment.”
“This summer, I had the opportunity to be a lending intern, and it was an incredible rewarding experience. I was pleasantly surprised by the strong sense of family and closeness among the staff, which created such a welcoming and supportive environment. One of the biggest takeaways for me was learning how important the relationships are between loan officers and their customers, as these connections go far beyond just business. I also really enjoyed the opportunity to visit AgFirst, Statesville, NC along with Statesboro, GA. It gave me a broader perspective of the company's reach and impact. I felt especially fortunate that our intern group became so close in such a short amount of time; the bond we formed made the experience even more memorable. My mentor played a huge role in making my internship so valuable. Our relationship was both professional and friendly, which made the experience more enjoyable. I also learned so much through their guidance and support.” – Sarah Stepp, Lending Intern
“The people make the place and at AgSouth, the people made all the difference.”
“During my internship at AgSouth, I gained so much more than just professional experience! It is a supportive and welcoming environment where people genuinely cared. Everyone was always willing to help, checking in on us regularly and making sure we had what we needed to succeed. I love how family-oriented the company is and it’s clear that AgSouth values its people just as much as its mission. Through this experience, I also learned the full scope of what AgSouth does, and it opened my eyes to the many ways they support farmers, families, and rural communities. I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity to be part of this team, to learn from such kind and knowledgeable people, and to grow both personally and professionally. This internship has left a lasting impression, and I’ll carry these lessons with me wherever I go.” – Sara Thomas, Lending Intern
“This internship not only strengthened my interest in agricultural finance but also reinforced the importance of building strong relationships.”
“This summer, interning at AgSouth Farm Credit as a Loan Officer intern at the Rural Hall branch has given me a comprehensive view of agricultural finance and rural lending. Through hands-on experiences like attending farm visits and participating in loan closings, I developed a deeper understanding of how lending decisions directly impact farming operations and rural communities. By shadowing credit analysts, loan officers, processors, and even legal teams, I gained valuable insight into the entire loan process, from initial application to final disbursement. This internship not only strengthened my interest in agricultural finance but also reinforced the importance of building strong relationships with clients to support sustainable farming practices and rural economic growth.” – Aristotle Verrios, Lending Intern
“My time with AgSouth has promoted professional and personal growth.”
“Interning with AgSouth has been an amazing experience and I have greatly enjoyed being part of the AgSouth Family this summer. My biggest takeaway from this internship is to take every opportunity to learn something new. Over the past three months, I have been able to gain hands-on experience and have acquired a new understanding of the lending industry. My time with AgSouth has promoted professional and personal growth and it has given me a new set of skills that will benefit me for years to come.” – Rachel Wood, Lending Intern
For information on our careers and internships, click here.
About AgSouth:
AgSouth Farm Credit provides loans for land, equipment, and production agriculture; crop insurance; leasing; and home mortgages. The Association serves counties in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina and is headquartered in Statesville, North Carolina. AgSouth is an equal housing lender and an equal opportunity provider.