June 15 2017 04:39 PM

Two college students are benefitting from Minnesota Milk Producers Association’s investment in summer internships in 2017.

The information below has been supplied by dairy marketers and other industry organizations. It has not been edited, verified or endorsed by Hoard’s Dairyman.

Kayla Leiding, Fountain, is the organization’s 2017 summer intern serving on the Industry Relations team to organize and plan events for producers and legislators, as well as assist with activities at the Minnesota State Fair. She is based in St. Paul. Loren Dauer, New Ulm, is serving in Washington, D.C., as an intern for the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, by way of an internship supported by Minnesota Milk’s $10,000 investment in the University of Minnesota Internship program.

Leiding is pursuing a degree in agricultural communication and marketing with a minor in animal science at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, where she will be a junior this fall. She is a member of the Agricultural Education Club, the Gopher Dairy Club, the CFANS Mentor Program, and part of the University of Minnesota’s dairy judging team. She’s also very involved in the Minnesota Junior Holstein Association.

Leiding is the fourth generation on her family’s dairy farm in southeastern Minnesota. She’s been involved in the dairy industry since a young age, and her passion has grown strong ever since. Some of her favorite activities include showing cattle, dairy judging and dairy project bowl. Leiding was a Princess Kay of the Milky Way finalist in 2016.

“I’m looking forward to learning more about Minnesota Milk while planning fun events and connecting with farmers and legislators across the state of Minnesota,” Leiding says.

Dauer is also an incoming junior at the University of Minnesota, studying political science and applied economics. He’s involved in Gopher Dairy Club, FarmHouse Fraternity, National Agricultural Marketing Association and as a Greek Ambassador for the Interfraternity Council.

Dauer is working under the supervision of Congressman Collin Peterson. His role is to help with any policy and administrative work the staff might assign. His position will end July 31.

Dauer says he has enjoyed networking with staff, legislators, and individuals from other organizations during his internship.

ABOUT THE MINNESOTA MILK PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION
Minnesota Milk Producers Association is a membership organization representing grassroots dairy farmers through policy work, education and membership development. Our work is vital to the future of Minnesota’s dairy industry and is directed by a board of dairy farmers elected by their peers. For more information, visit www.mnmilk.org