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Farm Progress Show staff recruit a little extra help from student interns. Here’s how this year’s intern landed the job and what she’ll bring to the role.

August 17, 2021

3 Min Read
Molly Schempp
FRESH START: Atlanta, Ill., native and past state FFA officer Molly Schempp will put her skills to work this year as the FPS intern, writing stories and handling social media for the show. Courtesy of Molly Schempp

The Farm Progress Show is quickly approaching, and excitement for the annual event is growing for both attendees and the folks behind the scenes making it happen. Each year, show staff recruit extra help with social media, in the form of an intern. This year, Molly Schempp, a sophomore in agricultural education at the University of Illinois, will visit booths from behind the camera and showcase Farm Progress Show highlights on social media. Here’s a look at Molly’s background:

Where do you call home? I was born and raised in Atlanta, Ill., in Logan County. I grew up around livestock, which included poultry, beef cattle and meat goats. I entered the University of Illinois in 2019 as a freshman and have since found a second home in 4-H House Cooperative Sorority. 

What led you to be the FPS intern? I found out about the internship from Hannah Spangler after she shared the information on Facebook. After talking to previous interns, Kaity Spangler [2017] and Nick Bickett [2019], it seemed like a great fit! I look forward to connecting with so many people and learning from them. 

What are you doing in the summer leading up to the show? This summer, I am living in Champaign while taking online classes at Parkland. In addition, I am working at the First United Methodist Church in Urbana as the summer secretary intern, but I spent the early part of my summer wrapping up my year as Illinois state FFA vice president. The FPS internship began in July, and I will be working with [Prairie Farmer editor] Holly Spangler to promote the show, leading up to its opening.

Could you share some of your 4-H and FFA background? I was an active member in the Atlanta Ag 4-H Club and volunteered with Logan County 4-H Extension for different camps and tours. I credit a lot to Logan County 4-H and its outstanding program of engaging members in a capacity beyond the club level. FFA is where I found my passion for agriculture education. I enjoyed working with alumni, growing skills through contests and conferences, and serving in leadership roles. In my time as a state officer, I learned to create virtual content and engage with FFA members virtually and in person, so I’m excited to put those skills into action again for the FPS.

What have you enjoyed most in attending the Farm Progress Show? I attended the FPS as a junior at Olympia High School and definitely needed more than one day to see everything at the show! My favorite part was the product and equipment demos. The show does an incredible job of bringing new and innovative ideas to the farmers, while bursting with pride for our roots in agriculture. You can feel the joy, curiosity and excitement the moment you enter the grounds. 

Where will you be during the show? Leading up to the show I will be working with Holly to write articles and promote the show. During the show, you can find me behind the camera, capturing photos and using social media to share what is happening each day. I am excited to be on-site showcasing the 2021 Farm Progress Show, so if you see me, please say hello!

This year's Farm Progress Show is Aug. 31 to Sept. 2 in Decatur, Ill. Learn more at FarmProgressShow.com.

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