Midway Co-op
OSBORNE, KS - As agriculture continues to evolve, developing the next generation of agricultural professionals has never been more important. This summer, Midway Co-op is helping do just that by providing hands-on learning opportunities for two Kansas State University agronomy students through its summer internship program.
Morgan Ourada of Amherst, Nebraska, and Aiden Conrad of Osborne, Kansas, are spending the summer working alongside Midway's agronomy team, gaining practical experience while learning firsthand how a farmer-owned cooperative serves producers throughout North Central Kansas.
The backgrounds of the two interns have complemented one another throughout the summer. While Ourada brings experience from Nebraska and plans to make North Central Kansas her home after graduation, Conrad grew up in Osborne and hopes to return to his rural community following college. Together, they represent two important goals for Midway - attracting talented young professionals to rural Kansas while encouraging local students to build careers close to home.
Ourada, who will be a senior at Kansas State University this fall, is studying Agronomy in the Production and Consulting program. After graduation, she hopes to work in agriculture while continuing to grow her crop consulting and sampling business.
Conrad is majoring in Agronomy with the Business and Industry option and will receive a minor in Ag Business at Kansas State University. He is expected to graduate in May 2027 and plans to return to rural Kansas to pursue a career in agriculture.
Throughout the internship, both students have worked under the guidance of Midway agronomists Tanner Gasper, Brynn Boxberger, Joe Princ, and Jeff Hammer, gaining hands-on experience in crop scouting, agronomic recommendations, customer service, and cooperative operations.
For Ourada, one of the highlights of the summer was attending the Kansas Cooperative Council (KCC) Conference in Salina. At the conference, the interns were able to learn more about how cooperatives work and how they help the community. Conrad says his favorite experience has been scouting fields and making post-emergence herbicide recommendations for local producers.
Ron Sothers, Vice President of Agronomy, says internship programs play an important role in strengthening the future of agriculture while also benefiting Midway. "Providing internship opportunities is an investment in the future of agriculture. Recruiting talented young professionals to rural Kansas - and encouraging students who grew up here to return home - is critical to the future of our cooperative and the communities we serve. At the same time, these internships benefit Midway. Agriculture continues to evolve rapidly, especially through technology, and today's students bring fresh perspectives and a comfort level with technology that helps all of us continue learning and growing."
Craig Mans, General Manager of Midway Co-op, says investing in students reflects the cooperative's long-term commitment to agriculture and the communities it serves. "One of the greatest strengths of a cooperative is the willingness to invest in people. Morgan and Aiden have been outstanding additions to our agronomy team this summer, and we're grateful to our agronomists for sharing their knowledge and experience. By helping develop future agricultural professionals, we're investing not only in Midway, but in the future of rural Kansas."
As the internships continue, Midway Co-op remains committed to providing opportunities that connect classroom learning with real-world experience while helping prepare the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Headquartered in Osborne, Kansas, Midway Co-op has served producers throughout North Central Kansas since 1908. In addition to providing agronomy, grain, feed, and energy services, Midway is committed to investing in future agricultural leaders through internships, career development, and community partnerships.
Learn more about Midway Co-op and career opportunities at www.midwaycoop.com/careers