By Tanner Hood

The Alabama Farmers Federation welcomed three summer interns May 15 who are working with and learning from Federation staff as they serve Alabama farmers. Caleb Currie, Alyssa Kirk and Helen Oglesby will work through the organization’s Farm & Land Expo in August. 

Currie, 28, is part of the Ag Law Pathway program in the External Affairs Department. He is conducting legal research, analyzing legislation and regulations, and updating 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 at Jones School of Law. Before beginning law courses at the Faulkner University school, Currie served in the U.S. Marines, earning the rank of sergeant. He graduated from American Military University with a bachelor’s degree in political science.

During high school, the Florida native was involved in FFA. He and wife Jillian have a 1-year-old son, Declan.

Montgomery native Kirk, 20, is working with the Federation’s Alfa Health subsidiary. Alfa Health helps members navigate the health insurance marketplace.

“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 is helping implement the final phase of Alfa Health’s new electronic record-keeping project. Additionally, she’ll learn about prescriptions, in-patient and out-patient care, copays and coinsurance. 

Kirk is a junior at the University of Alabama (UA), where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology with minors in addiction and recovery and criminal justice. Kirk is a member of Phi Mu social sorority and volunteers at shelters and daycares while working with community assistance and support groups. She has also worked for the UA Registrar’s Office.

Fellow intern Oglesby, 21, is a senior at Mississippi State University (MSU) and is working with the Governmental & Agricultural Programs Department. This summer, she is crafting a new playbook for Federation youth livestock shows and helping enhance membership data records. Oglesby is also helping plan the Farm & Land Expo, in addition to vetting annual Rittenour and Duncan awards winners.

Oglesby is pursuing a double major in agriculture education, leadership and communication and animal and dairy sciences. She is a member of MSU’s Collegiate Cattlemen’s Association and Livestock Judging Team.

A native of Lowndesboro, Oglesby grew up on her family’s poultry and cattle farm.

“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.”

Federation President Jimmy Parnell said the organization’s internship program helps teach real-world experience critical to life after graduation.

“These young people are our future, and we believe it’s important to help them develop strong leadership skills and a good work ethic,” Parnell said. “We’re excited to see what they will accomplish.”