PORTLAND, OREGON (SEPTEMBER 2023) — National Teach Ag Day, on September 21st, is a day to celebrate agriculture teachers and thank them for shaping the minds of the agricultural leaders of tomorrow. Columbia Grain International (CGI), a global company that operates grain elevators, processing plants, and agronomy centers across the northern tier of the U.S., is excited to join the #teachagday movement. They celebrated by visiting local high schools and colleges and stepping into the role of ag educator for the day to discuss the importance, excitement, and rewards of pursuing a career in agriculture. They also shared information about current part-time and full-time job opportunities at CGI and hosted Q&A sessions with the students.
“Agriculture teachers play a crucial role in our schools and communities,” said the President & CEO of Columbia Grain, Jeff Van Pevenage. “They teach by doing, not just telling, they share their passion for agriculture, and they reach students, including those that might not thrive in the traditional classroom. We hope that we can extend their hard, dedicated work on Teach Ag Day to connect with students and show them the real world career opportunities that are available to them.”
CGI’s General Manager Matthew Franks and Grain Originator Wyatt Obergfell from the Plentywood, MT facility visited students at Plentywood High School to share the benefits of working in agriculture. CGI’s Manager of the Chester, MT facility Chet Wolery, Manager of the Rudyard, MT facility Cole Loboy, and Grain Buyer & Clerk at the Harlem, MT facility Shandel Fouts visited juniors and seniors at CJI High School in Chester, MT. CGI’s Location Manager for the Arvilla, ND facility Tyler Kieffer spoke about CGI and opportunities in the ag industry with students at May-Port CG High School in Mayville, ND. CGI’s South Camas Prairie Manager Brandon Rehder visited two classes at Grangeville High School in Grangeville, Idaho. CGI Buyer Ben Nuss, Location Manager Cody Michael, Operations Manager Derek Ikeogu, and Location Manager Jeff Knudson, all from North Dakota facilities, spoke with students about careers in ag at the University of North Dakota.
“Teach Ag Day is a great opportunity to celebrate school-based agricultural education,” said CGI Locations Manger Tyler Kieffer. “It’s nice to be able to thank ag teachers and FFA advisors not only for their dedication, but for helping students find their niche and preparing them for life in general. They contribute so much to our industry.”
Watch the Cultivate Your Career Movie to learn more and explore CGI job opportunities, here.
