Two Different Backgrounds, One Shared Experience | NBGC Summer Internship Program

• Clara Taylor
• September 02, 2026
• Media Article

Two NBGC summer interns entered agriculture from different backgrounds and left with new perspectives, valuable connections, and a greater appreciation for the diverse career opportunities across the industry.

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The NBGC (National Black Growers Council) Summer Internship Program is doing more than introducing students to agriculture. It’s helping them discover new career paths, build meaningful connections, and better appreciate the people who keep the industry moving forward.

 

This past summer, interns Tyson Reed-Grier and Kamryn Johnson came from very different backgrounds. Still, both left the experience with a transformed perspective on agriculture and the opportunities it offers.

 

Learning Agriculture from the Ground Up

For Tyson Reed-Grier, a food science student from central Florida, agriculture wasn't originally part of the plan. While in college and aspiring to pursue pharmacy, a conversation at a career fair sparked an interest in food science and ultimately led him to the NBGC Summer Internship Program.

 

Placed on a produce farm in Louisiana, Reed-Grier quickly discovered that farming involved far more than working in the field.

 

“I learned that farming is really a gamble,” he said. “You can't control the weather, equipment breaks down, and every day is different. Farmers have to be mechanics, businesspeople, problem-solvers, and community leaders all at once.”

 

Throughout the summer, he helped with everything from harvesting and processing produce to assisting customers at the farm market and observing the business side of farming. One day might involve working alongside producers in the field, while the next could be spent learning about farm operations and management.

 

The experience also highlighted the strong sense of community within agriculture.

 

“Everybody helps each other,” Reed-Grier said. “Seeing farmers come together when someone needed help really showed me how connected the agricultural community is.”

 

Coming from a non-farm background, he was especially inspired by how much knowledge local producers and even younger members of farm families possessed about the industry. The experience gave him a new appreciation for the work required to produce food and strengthened his understanding of the agriculture sector.

 

His advice for future interns?

“Go in with an open mind. Agriculture is more than farming. There’s a business side, a technology side, and a community side. Be willing to learn and build connections.”

 

Telling the Stories of Agriculture

Kamryn Johnson entered the program from a different angle. A University of Louisiana Monroe graduate with a degree in Health Science, she brought strengths in photography, social media, and storytelling rather than traditional production agriculture experience.

 

“I've always had an interest in photography, social media, and storytelling,” Johnson said. “I wanted to step outside of my usual environment, learn more about the agricultural industry, and help tell the stories of Black farmers.”

 

As a member of the inaugural NBGC intern cohort, Johnson worked directly with farmers, attended field days, captured photos and videos, and created social media and newsletter content showcasing the impact of Black farmers and agricultural producers.

 

Her time in the field reinforced that agriculture requires far more knowledge, planning, and expertise than many people realize.

 

“The biggest lesson I learned is that there is so much more to farming than what people see from the outside,” she said. “I gained a greater appreciation for the knowledge, dedication, and decision-making that goes into producing a crop.”

 

Growing up in an area where agriculture was a familiar part of the landscape, Johnson thought she understood the industry. The internship revealed a deeper reality.

 

“I got to see firsthand how much science, technology, planning, and decision-making goes into modern agriculture,” she explained. “It gave me a much deeper appreciation for the farmers and the work that goes into producing the crops we depend on.”

 

Beyond expanding her knowledge of agriculture, the internship strengthened her communication, networking, and professional skills while giving her confidence to step into unfamiliar situations and adapt quickly.

 

A Transformative Experience

Although their paths into agriculture looked different, both interns shared a common takeaway: growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone.

 

When asked to describe her experience in one word, Johnson chose “transformative.” Reed-Grier selected “gamble,” reflecting the uncertainty and resilience he witnessed throughout the farming season.

 

Together, their stories highlight the value of experiential learning and the many opportunities available within agriculture. Whether through production, communications, business, science, or technology, the NBGC Summer Internship Program continues to expose students to the diverse careers that support the industry while connecting them with the producers shaping its future.

 

For students considering applying, both interns offer a similar message: don't let a nontraditional background hold you back. Agriculture needs a wide range of talents, perspectives, and skill sets, and sometimes the most rewarding opportunities begin with simply saying yes.

 

Learn more about internship opportunities and specifically the NBGC Summer Internship Program.