As part of her agribusiness internship with Wehmeyer Seed Company in Mascoutah, Illinois, Lainey Canning didn’t just learn about agriculture, she lived it. From walking fields to capturing the stories of local farmers, Lainey immersed herself in the day-to-day farm life. In her role as a marketing and communications intern, she designed flyers and thank-you letters, created TikToks, and captured video content at farm visits and company events. Each day of her internship pushed her to take on new challenges and trust her skills in real time. 

It was exactly the kind of experience-driven learning SEMO students are known for—hands-on, high-impact, and deeply connected to the communities that keep agriculture moving forward. 

But what stood out most weren’t the designs or the deadlines. It was the people. 

“Farm visits became my favorite part of the summer,” she said. “Every farm, every family, every operation was different. I learned so much just by listening about the work, the land, and the passion behind it all.” 

Those visits weren’t just educational; they were empowering. They offered true hands-on learning, giving her a clearer view of the business behind the fields and helping her build meaningful connections with producers and professionals. 

Later in the summer, she helped coordinate Wehmeyer’s annual Kick-Off Meeting at the Ozarks, a large-scale event that brought together family farmers and company partners. She designed materials, organized activities, and watched her work come to life in real-time. 

By the time the summer wrapped up, she wasn’t just more skilled; she was more certain. 

“This internship confirmed everything for me,” she said. “I found confidence in what I’m good at, and I found people who believed in me. Wehmeyer Seed felt like home.” 

At SEMO, fearless futures are built through bold experiences and real connections. For Lainey, the journey has only just begun. 

APPLY TO SEMO