By Lydia East

The Alabama Farmers Federation welcomed three Auburn University (AU) students as summer interns May 19. Camilla Loard, Madison Thrailkill and Lydia East will improve their skill sets throughout work in different departments.

Montgomery County native Loard, 21, will work in the Federation’s in-house meeting management agency, Destinations.

Loard’s hospitality skills will benefit the organization well, said Destinations Department Director Shane Watkins. 

“Camilla is enthusiastic about everything she does,” Watkins said. “Her involvement in college and the community shows the depth of her character and commitment to service.” 

At AU, Loard is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in event management with a minor in business and is a War Eagle Girl, representing Auburn University students to faculty, administrators and the community. She was a Top 5 candidate for Miss Auburn 2026. 

Loard is the daughter of Wes and Jennifer Loard and the great-niece of the late Harold Bowen, who retired from Alfa Insurance as vice president of management practices. 

“The Federation is a special place for me,” Loard said. “I hope to curate meaningful experiences within the Federation that make people feel seen and valued, just like my great-uncle did.” 

Autauga County native Thrailkill, 21, will work in the Department of Organization. Thrailkill is set to help with Young Farmers Division programming; Ag in the Classroom Summer Institute; Women’s Leadership Division events at the Farm & Land Conference; and agricultural literacy projects, such as Ag Mags and a Careers in Ag brochure.

Thrailkill is a rising senior at AU pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business and economics with a double minor in agricultural leadership and poultry science. She is a member of numerous on-campus organizations, is incoming vice president of AU’s Agribusiness Club and works for the AU Agricultural Advancement Department.

A native of Autaugaville, Thrailkill grew up on her family’s farm, where she showed cattle. 

Thrailkill is familiar with the state’s largest farm organization, having interned with Alfa last summer. She is also a Federation scholarship recipient and the daughter of Autauga County Farmers Federation board member John Thrailkill.

“I am so grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow and be a part of an organization that invests so much into students and Alabama agriculture,” Thrailkill said. “From scholarships to internships, the Federation has given me so much, and being here allows me to give back.”  

Department of Organization Director Matthew Durdin said Thrailkill is an excellent addition to their team. 

“It is hard to find someone with the drive and love for agriculture Madison has,” Durdin said. “Madison is a great fit for this internship, and we look forward to seeing what she will do for this organization.”

Cherokee County native East will join the Communications Department, where she will write for Neighbors magazine, cover Federation events and serve Alabama farmers through special public relations projects.

East, 20, grew up on her family’s farm in Leesburg. She said her passion for agriculture and the Federation started when she was a little girl.

“Growing up on a farm, agriculture is a huge part of who I am,” East said. “Interning at the Federation will allow me to gain hands-on experience, make valuable connections and give back to agriculture.”

East is a rising senior at AU majoring in agricultural communications. She is involved in several AU organizations; is an AU College of Agriculture Ambassador; and is a student assistant for Dr. Art Appel, the College of Agriculture’s interim dean.  

Publications Director Marlee Jackson said East’s passion for agriculture and leadership gained at AU make her a strong addition to the department.

Her familiarity with the Federation is a bonus, Jackson added.

East is the granddaughter of Cherokee County Farmers Federation President John Bert East and daughter of Federation State Women’s Leadership Committee Member Shelley East. She is also a Federation scholarship recipient. 

“Lydia’s passion for agriculture is evident in everything she does,” Jackson said. “Her sweet spirit and special care for others will be evident in her work this summer. Lydia is excelling at Auburn, and I’m excited to see what she can do during her time at the Federation.”