Producers Blog

My name is Laura Klaes and I am the Marketing and Communications intern for Producers Hybrids this summer. My internship is unique, as it allows me to spend time in all six regions of Producers Hybrids country. My travel blogs will give you the opportunity to explore with me as I travel the Midwest learning about everything from sales to agronomy to photography.

I spent the first week of my internship with nine other interns that will also be working for Producers Hybrids this summer. We began our internships in the same place that Producers Hybrids began their business: Battle Creek, NE. It was both exciting and intimidating to meet the well-accomplished individuals that would soon be our mentors for twelve weeks. While in Battle Creek, we learned about the company’s policies and traditions, and we were given all the tools we needed for a successful summer.

During the second week of my internship I made my way back to Battle Creek so I could increase my agronomy knowledge. Bob Kleinschmit, the Producers Hybrids Product Manager, and I discussed pests and diseases that are affecting the region and how the cool, wet planting season is influencing pest and disease pressure. After that, I got the opportunity to help Michael Byers, an agronomy intern, and Bob plant a bean test plot. While I have plenty of experience helping plant on my family’s farm, I had never experienced the process of planting a test plot. It was intriguing to watch the care and consistency that went into getting the plot planted.

The next day was spent exploring Eastern Nebraska and all it has to offer. District Sales Manager Jordan Pfeifer and Sales Intern McKenna Frevert graciously let me tag along with them as they delivered seed and picked up seed returns.

Throughout the day we talked to many farmers about their planting progress, and much of the conversations turned towards the seemingly never-ending rain. With towns in the region collecting up to six inches of rain in only four or five days, fields were looking wet and farmers were feeling frustrated. However, nearly every farmer we talked to was pleased with the way their corn was coming up and had high hopes for their beans in the near future, even despite the less-than-ideal weather conditions.

After we had completed seed returns and deliveries, we made our way to a P3 trial plot where Jordan showed McKenna and I different corn varieties and how they compared to each other. Being the Eastern-Iowa native that I am, I was most intrigued by the sandy soil and the talk of irrigation practices. This will be something I have to get used to as I spend more time in diverse farming climates this summer.

All-in-all, I had a great time in Nebraska learning about sales techniques, agronomical issues and the company as a whole. I am #ready4more, so stay tuned as I head to Kansas, Missouri and back to Nebraska in the near future!