The Alabama Farmers Federation welcomed Auburn University seniors Michelle Bufkin and Marlee Moore and University of Alabama graduate student Caroline Chapman as summer interns May 11.

Bufkin, an agricultural communications student, is the Organization Department’s first intern. 

“I’m excited about being able to network with industry through Ag in the Classroom and all the events Organization does,” said Bufkin.  

Kim Ramsey, director of the Women’s Leadership Division, called Bufkin an engaging self-starter and said she is excited to welcome her to the Federation. 

“I know she is enthusiastic about agriculture and is someone we can depend on,” said Ramsey.

The Autaugaville native is producing Ag Mags, which highlight Alabama’s commodities through educational activity sheets for students. She is also working on Ag in the Classroom curriculum development. 

Bufkin has spent two years at Auburn involved with Sigma Alpha, the professional agriculture sorority that’s national philanthropy is Ag in the Classroom. She is also involved in the Block and Bridle Club, where she served as president, and is an Ag Ambassador. 

Moore, also an agricultural communications student, works in the Public Relations and Communications Department where her duties include writing, copy editing and photography. 

“Working with the Federation is the experience of a lifetime,” said the Thomasville native. “I can’t wait to interact with farmers and share their stories with the rest of Alabama.”

Jeff Helms, department director, said Moore’s enthusiasm for telling farmers’ stories is encouraging.

“Marlee already has proven her commitment to communicating the importance of agriculture through her work with Ag Ambassadors at Auburn and as a student leader,” said Helms. “We look forward to working with Marlee as she broadens her experience and sharpens her communication skills.”

Moore’s dedication to the agriculture industry has shown through her work with the College of Agriculture’s Ag Council and Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow.

Chapman is interning with Destinations, the Federation’s in-house travel and event team. She is working on pre-event planning and on-site preparations for Federation and Alfa Insurance events. 

Shane Watkins, director of Destinations, said Chapman is aiding Destinations’ project manager and meeting planners. 

“She’s a really positive, intelligent person. Plus, she’s our first intern, so we’re excited about that,” said Watkins. He added his team is learning from Chapman, whose bachelor’s degree is in hospitality, while giving her practical, hands-on experience in event coordination.

While at the University of Alabama, the Brewton native was involved in Meetings Professional International and the Hotel and Restaurant and Convention Association. She previously interned with Shelton State University’s culinary department and a wedding planning company in Destin, Florida. 

“I’m excited to see how the real world works,” said Chapman. “I’m putting the knowledge I gained in the classroom to good use.”