Standing in a patchwork of Nebraska farmland, Hastings College senior Brock Karr is spending his summer digging deeper into the roots of agriculture — this time, not just as a farm kid from Bladen, Nebraska, but as an agronomy intern helping farmers maximize their yields.
Karr has always wanted to dive deeper into the business side of agriculture, and this summer’s internship, with Loup-Platte Agronomics Inc., is giving him more experience as he works toward his planned career as an agronomist.
“I’ve always wanted to pursue a business degree in agriculture so I decided to minor in agribusiness to learn more about it,” Karr said.
Karr saw this internship posted online by the company, which is based in Grand Island, Nebraska. He applied and had one interview over the phone and another in-person.
Karr spends most of his time scouting and monitoring fields so Loup-Platte Agronomics can make recommendations to help give farmers the best opportunity for the highest yields.
“We check for plant health and soil health. Every week there is something new to check: weeds, chemicals, insects and more. I’ve learned a lot of new identifications for weeds and insects,” Karr said. “This summer, I’ve been trying to learn more about all types and kinds of pests that are in the fields.”
Karr said he believes agriculture is important in many ways. He grew up around agriculture and he said it’s all he’s ever known. Agricultural communities are very important to him and he sees how vital it is for everyone and he wants to contribute.
“I grew up around agriculture so I feel like I know how to do it pretty well, but want to expand my knowledge. There is a constant and increasing demand for it. I believe it’s really important that there are good agronomists who can help farmers, and I’m glad to have the opportunity to learn and work alongside some great agronomists this summer,” Karr said.
Karr said business classes at Hastings College helped prepare him for the internship. After he graduates, he originally planned to work for an established agriculture company, but an entrepreneurial class and his internships have him thinking about starting his own business.
“I’ve been taking a summer entrepreneurship class that got me thinking I could do this,” Karr said. “This is a private agronomy business, and my class has opened my eyes to maybe starting my own business.”
