Thirteen college students will work beside KDA employees to gain experience, insight

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 26, 2026) – Thirteen college students are interning this summer at the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) assisting KDA employees and Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell help residents across the state with agricultural needs.

“The best way to really learn about a career is to work side-by-side with the employees doing the job each and every day,” Commissioner Shell said. “This is exactly what KDA’s internship program offers college students. Interns gain a unique learning experience that could launch a lifelong career in a variety of ag-related fields. It’s a great stepping stone and that we are excited to provide.”

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s summer internship program provides opportunities for students to gain first-hand experience, knowledge, and understanding of the governmental process through pre-professional work in various occupational fields. KDA offers internships for students studying majors both directly and indirectly relating to agriculture. Career paths of current and former interns include, but are not limited to, agriculture, education, computer science, marketing, public relations, and pre-law.

KDA interns work with KDA employees learning the various programs of the departments that make up KDA, allowing them to gain insight into considering a future career within the ag industry.

During their internships, students attend livestock shows, proclamations, conferences, and travel with the Commissioner to a variety of events. In addition, interns work closely with employees to develop social media promotions, help teach the public about farm safety, and work with the senior’s market and the junior chef programs.

This year’s interns are:

•  Savannah Anderson, Owen County, attending Berea College

•  Zoie Anglin, Frankfort, attending University of Kentucky

•  Jenna Diaz, Lawrenceburg, attending University of Kentucky

•  Matthew Estes, Cave City, attending University of Kentucky

•  Emma Filiatreau, Bardstown, attending Oklahoma State University

•  Jesse Fulkerson, Upton, attending University of Kentucky

•  Benton Hayes, Liberty, attending Yale University

•  Stephen Lemon, Frankfort, attending University of Kentucky

•  Sierra Morris, Franklin County, attending Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College

•  Olivia Raybourne, Woodford County, University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law

•  Kayleigh Thomas, Elizabethtown, University of Kentucky

•  Laken White, Princeton, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine

•  Madison Wright, Owenton, University of Kentucky

*For images of the interns, click here.