By Tanner Hood

The Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Health welcomed summer interns May 15. Helen Oglesby, Caleb Currie and Alyssa Kirk will work alongside and learn from Federation staff as they serve the needs of Alabama’s farmers. 

A senior at Mississippi State University (MSU), Oglesby, 21, will work with the Department of Governmental & Agricultural Programs to develop and execute new ideas and projects. She will work to craft a new playbook for Federation youth livestock shows and assist in enhancing membership data records. Oglesby will help plan and execute the Farm & Land Expo and vet and select the Rittenour and Duncan Awards winners. 

Oglesby is pursuing a double major in agriculture education, leadership and communication and animal and dairy sciences. While at MSU, she has participated in the Collegiate Cattlemen’s Association and is a member of the Livestock Judging Team and Camp. 

A native of Lowndesboro, Oglesby grew up on her family’s poultry and cattle farm. She also worked as an Alabama Senate page. 

“Being here gives me the opportunity to give back to the people of Alabama,” Oglesby said. “The Federation serves others on a daily basis, and I am here to serve.”

Montgomery native Kirk, 20, will work in Alfa Health to aid in membership services and gain valuable experience. 

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to join the Alfa Health team this summer,” Kirk said. “I am excited to gain more knowledge and experience working with this group while helping our members.”

Kirk will work to implement the final phase of a record-keeping project being undertaken by Alfa Health. In addition, she will learn about prescriptions, in-patient and out-patient care, copays, and coinsurance. 

Kirk is a junior at the University of Alabama (UA). She is pursuing a B.S. in psychology with minors in addiction and recovery and criminal justice. Kirk is involved on campus as a member of Phi Mu social sorority and volunteers at shelters and daycares while working with other community assistance and support groups. As a student, Kirk worked for the UA Registrar’s Office.  

Currie, 28, will serve as the Ag Law Pathway intern in the External Affairs Department. During the summer, Currie will conduct legal research, analyze legislation and regulations and update Federation legal resources. 

“Great things come from small beginnings,” Currie said. “This organization was started from a small group of farmers looking to make a difference, which is what I want from my own career.”

Currie is in his third year of the Jones School of Law’s Executive Juris Doctor program. Before beginning law courses at the Faulkner University school, Currie served in the U.S. Marines four years, attaining the rank of sergeant. He is a graduate of the American Military University with a B.S. in political science. 

Currie is from Dixie County, Florida, and was highly involved in FFA. He and wife, Jillian, have a 1-year-old son, Declan. 

Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell is a strong advocate for the internship program and believes interns can learn a great deal of real-world experience here. 

“These young people are our future, and we believe it’s important to help them develop strong leadership skills and a good work ethic while they are here as interns,” Parnell said. 

The interns will work through Farm & Land Expo in August.