Our Agriculture Communications Intern, Sydney Ivey, recently had the opportunity to attend the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) Intern Retreat in St. Louis, Missouri. During the three-day retreat, Sydney visited the USSEC headquarters, where she deepened her understanding of soybean exports and global trade. One of the highlights of her experience included a visit to the Melvin Price Locks and Dam in Illinois. Located on the Mississippi River along the Illinois-Missouri border, this site is a critical hub for agricultural transportation. Sydney had the unique opportunity to tour the dam, walk on the structure itself, and learn about its historical significance and role in the river navigation system.
Another key part of the retreat was a tour of Bayer Crop Science’s Research and Development Campus in Chesterfield, Missouri. There, Sydney gained insight into Bayer’s cutting-edge work in agricultural biotechnology, plant breeding, and sustainability. She explored their greenhouses, laboratories, and innovation spaces, learning how Bayer supports global food systems through research and science.
Sydney also had the chance to visit ADM Grain in St. Louis. She and her fellow interns toured the facility’s rail and barge systems, gaining firsthand knowledge about grain transportation, storage logistics, and ADM’s extensive distribution network. One fun fact Sydney learned was that ADM’s St. Louis site can store approximately one million bushels of grain at a time.
While each experience was enriching, Sydney especially appreciated the time spent at the USSEC office collaborating with fellow interns and engaging with staff. She valued the opportunity to expand her knowledge of soybean exports, build her professional network, and further her career development.
Sydney is grateful to USSEC for hosting the retreat and for the chance to explore the many facets of agricultural trade, research, and infrastructure in St. Louis.
The Soybean Checkoff Board is grateful to sponsor the next generation of agricultural leaders through the NC Soy Internship Program!
