Prairie Valley Seeds and Agronomy Intern
My name is Gracie Nuss, and I’m originally from Sutton, Nebraska. I’m currently a senior at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, majoring in Agricultural and Environmental Science Communication. This fall, I’ll return to UNL to complete my final year, but this summer, I’ve had the privilege of interning with Aurora Cooperative—an experience that has already played a significant role in shaping my professional journey.
At Aurora Cooperative, I’m gaining hands-on experience working across three key departments: Agronomy, Prairie Valley Seeds Sales, and Marketing. I’ve been fortunate to learn under the guidance of dedicated mentors: Beau Simmons in Agronomy, Chris Cielocha in Seed Sales, and Tessa Burgener in Marketing. Each has contributed uniquely to my growth, offering insight, support, and real-world perspective. I was drawn to Aurora Cooperative because of the values it represents—community, integrity, and a deep-rooted commitment to agriculture. As someone with a strong passion for the agricultural industry, I saw this internship as a valuable opportunity to immerse myself in the professional world of ag, while also giving back to the rural communities that shape Nebraska. Aurora offered exactly what I was looking for: a place where I could grow both professionally and personally, while being challenged and supported every step of the way.
Even though I didn’t grow up on a farm, agriculture has always been close to my heart. Through my involvement in FFA, I discovered a deep interest in ag production and rural community development. I took every opportunity to learn, whether through ag classes, community events, or hands-on experiences. Starting without a production background only motivated me to work harder, ask more questions, and appreciate every opportunity to grow in knowledge. That drive continues to push me today.
My internship role is a blend of agronomy, seed sales, and marketing—an intersection that allows me to explore both the science and the business of agriculture. A typical day might include scouting fields, evaluating crop performance, or helping a grower troubleshoot an issue. On the marketing side, I’ve helped communicate product benefits, coordinate field trials, and support events and promotions. It’s a dynamic role that reinforces the importance of connecting technical agronomic knowledge with effective communication and customer service.
So far, my time at Aurora Cooperative has exceeded my expectations. I’ve developed practical skills in agronomy and sales, learned how to communicate confidently with growers, and gained a deeper understanding of how cooperatives support their members and rural communities. Whether it’s crop staging in the field or planning a promotional event, every day has offered something new and valuable.
Most of all, I’m thankful for the culture at Aurora—a team that truly values learning, hard work, and investing in future leaders. This internship has reaffirmed my passion for agriculture and strengthened my desire to contribute to the industry in meaningful ways. I’m proud to be part of a company that not only supports local producers but also helps young professionals like me take our first steps toward making an impact.