See How Brianna Croft, First South's Scholarship Winner, Is Doing

First South is committed to raising up the next generation of agricultural leaders and pioneers. This commitment drives First South to equip students with the tools to succeed. During the summer of 2024, First South awarded a scholarship to Brianna Croft to study and work in our nation’s capital. Croft had an in-depth look at how agricultural policies are created and passed. Croft described her experience in her own words below.

My name is Brianna Croft, and I am a senior majoring in Agricultural Economics with a Policy and Law concentration at Mississippi State University. I am originally from Central Illinois and the first person from my high school to go to Mississippi State. While here, I have had the opportunity to be involved in a variety of organizations on campus. Some of these include being the President of the Agricultural Economics Club, a member of Alumni Delegates, the National Agri-Marketing Association collegiate member, and a member of Greek life.

I developed a passion for agriculture, policy, and understanding the intricacies of how the government works, but never knew how to intertwine the three into something that I would enjoy doing until I came to State. Last year, I was presented with the opportunity to intern in Washington, D.C. through the Demmer Scholars Program. The Demmer Scholars Program aims to inform students about the role that policy plays in natural resources and conservation efforts because our coordinator, the Honorable Mark Rey, previously served as the Undersecretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and Conservation. This program chooses a small cohort of students from Mississippi State University, Michigan State University, and the University of Montana and places them in internships across Washington, D.C. based on their interests. My interests include understanding the policy and economic impacts on agriculture and so I was placed at the National Cotton Council (NCC).

My experience in the nation’s capital was nothing short of transformative, offering a first-hand look at the intersection of agriculture and policy. One of the core components of my internship was meeting with members of Congress and their staff. These meetings provided insights into the legislative process and the challenges faced by policymakers as they navigate the complex issues surrounding agriculture. Another major aspect of my internship was to work closely with the President and CEO of NCC, Gary Adams, to compile UDSA data and calculate the percentage of cotton land that has been taken out of production from 1997 through 2022. We identified counties using U.S. Census Metropolitan Statistical Area Reference Map in correlation to where there were higher amounts of cotton production within the cotton belt. This process was important because, in some cases, we found where agricultural land has been taken out of production due to urban development or other various factors.

Further, I had the opportunity to attend House Agriculture Committee hearings. One that specifically stands out was a hearing on Farm Financial Conditions. The NCC had a producer from North Carolina testify in front of the full committee and having the opportunity to help with preparation and listening to the testimonies from the witnesses was very impactful. I was in D.C. during the thick of Farm Bill conversations. Although the Farm Bill did not advance while I was there, the opportunity to listen to five different testimonies on how their financial situations are being impacted was very eye opening.

Overall, the opportunity to intern in Washington, D.C. is something for which I will forever be grateful. I could not have been successful without the support from my family, the University, and First South Farm Credit. I grew my passion for agricultural policy and want nothing more than to represent what’s best for the industry through economics and policy initiatives. I am thankful to be a student at Mississippi State University and for all the opportunities provided and look forward to what’s next!