Communication Is Key in Agriculture

Communication is an important part of everyday life, especially in the agriculture industry. In week five of the nonproduction agriculture career series, Megan Kuhn is in the spotlight. She is the communications director for Indiana Soybean Alliance, Indiana Corn Marketing Council and the Indiana Corn Growers Assn.

1. What is your position and how does it relate to the agriculture industry?

"Communications director for Indiana Soybean Alliance, Indiana Corn Marketing Council and Indiana Corn Growers Assn. I manage the communications efforts for Indiana's soybean and corn checkoff and policy organizations."

2. What is your background with agriculture?

"I grew up on a hog and grain farm in Shelby County. I have worked in the industry for the last 15 years in several different roles, including positions at Iowa State University, Cape Cod Cranberry Growers Assn. in Massachusetts, and Farm World Newspaper."

3. What educational path brought you to your current role related to agriculture?

"After participating in 4-H for 10 years, I received a degree in agricultural communications from Purdue University."

4. What education is required for your field of work?

"Most people working in my field have degrees in communications, marketing, public relations and similar fields."

5. What are the benefits/salary/pay for your line of work?

"Salaries vary greatly between non-profit organizations and for-profit companies and years of experience. Could be anything from $25,000 in a small non-profit for recent college graduates to well over $100,000 in a corporate setting for someone with several years of experience. Most full-time positions in this area include benefits like insurance and retirement."

6. Why did you choose to work in the agriculture field?

"My mother was a high school English teacher and my dad was a farmer when I was growing up, so I felt drawn to agricultural communications as a way to meld those two. I love working for farmers and supporting an industry that is so important to my family, community, state and beyond."