Auburn University students Caleb Hicks and Rebecca Oliver have joined the Alabama Farmers Federation as summer interns. They began work May 9.

Hicks and Oliver will further their education in the agricultural industry by gaining experience at the state’s largest agricultural organization. 

Oliver, a senior agricultural communications student, will work in the Public Relations and Communications Department where she will be writing for Neighbors magazine, copy editing, and taking photographs.

“I feel honored to have this opportunity,” Oliver said. “As someone who grew up on a family farm, I know how important the work of farmers is, and I’m eager to expand my writing skills in this position.”

Oliver, a native of New Site, Alabama previously wrote for The Auburn Plainsman, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the Auburn University Office of Sustainability. She has been involved in Agriculture Future of America and served as a 2015 National Ag Day representative in Washington D.C. for the organization.

Federation Public Relations and Communications Department Director Jeff Helms said Oliver’s writing experience and agricultural background prepared her for the Federation internship.

“Rebecca’s farm background and previous work with Auburn’s student newspaper have prepared her to immediately contribute to Neighbors magazine and other Federation communications channels,” Helms said. “We look forward to helping her further develop her writing and public relations skills as she works to tell our farmers’ stories.”

Hicks, an agricultural communications major, will be assisting with promotions for the Federation’s Soybean & Wheat and Feed Grains Division.

The Ramer native is a junior at Auburn University. He serves as an Ag Ambassador, chairs the Ag Council Public Relations Committee and is Secretary of Auburn Young Farmers.

“I am excited about working for the Federation this summer,” Hicks said. “I know I’ll learn a lot and meet some fantastic people in the farming industry.”

Soybean and Wheat & Feed Grains Divisions Director Carla Hornady, said Hicks will help raise awareness of crops funded by producer checkoff dollars.

“Caleb brings communications expertise to our department that will allow us to develop creative ideas to promote soybeans and wheat, corn and other grains,” said Hornady.