Agronomy Sales & Service Intern
Hi, my name is Blake Frink, and I will be a senior at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. I am studying agriculture economics with a minor in agronomy. I am also involved in the commodity marketing club, Ducks Unlimited club, and the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. I am working out of Doniphan under Matt Jurgensmier and Brian Urbom in agronomy sales and service.
I grew up on a family farm outside of Hastings, NE where I helped with all aspects of life on the farm. I grew up participating in 4-H and FFA. I went to Adams Central High School where I was an FFA officer and played football. I have been interested in the agriculture field since I was a child. I became interested in agronomy specifically after taking some agronomy classes at UNL. I plan to have a long career in agriculture whether it involves working for another company after college or returning to my family farm.
Throughout this summer, my activities have primarily revolved around field scouting, sprayer loading, and transportation of fertilizer and anhydrous. Field inspections have involved assessing the growth stage, monitoring weed pressure, identifying diseases, and detecting insects. In addition, I have addressed complaint fields in collaboration with chemical representatives and attended field day events. Fertilizer tank delivery has also been part of my responsibilities. Finally, I have been involved in taking stand counts as well as collecting tissue and soil samples.
So far this summer I have gained knowledge of crop diseases, pests, and weed ID. I have also learned about the different herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides and how they work. I look forward to continuing to learn about agronomy but more specifically I look forward to learning more about all the different herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides and how they work. I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in this internship, and for my mentors who have taught me about agronomy and the day-to-day work at Aurora Coop. Overall I have had a great experience at the coop, and I am excited to continue to work and learn for the rest of the summer!