Kansas Grain Sorghum Selects 2023 Collegiate Policy Fellow

Adelaide Easter, 2023 Kansas Grain Sorghum Collegiate Policy Fellow

COLWICH, KS— Adelaide Easter, a sophomore at Kansas State University studying agricultural economics and global food systems leadership, has been selected as Kansas Grain Sorghum’s collegiate policy fellow for the spring 2023 semester.

“Adelaide is a great addition to the Kansas Grain Sorghum team,” Kansas Grain Sorghum Director of Programs, Maddy Meier said. “We continue to be impressed with her leadership skills and passion for agriculture. Similar to the collegiate fellows that have come before her, there is no doubt she will leave a lasting mark on our organization.” 

The collegiate fellowship program is designed to give students relevant experience in regards to agricultural policy through efforts on behalf of Kansas Grain Sorghum and the National Sorghum Producers Association. During her time so far with Kansas Grain Sorghum, Adelaide has worked on research projects pertaining to international food aid, as well as assisting in representing Kansas sorghum producers during visits with district representatives in Topeka.

A Salina native, Easter’s interest in agricultural policy began with her involvement in local, district and state 4-H programs. She was a 12-year member of the Sunny Valley 4-H club and was later on elected as the Kansas 4-H youth leadership council president. Through this involvement, Easter presented to the National Institute for Food and Agriculture at the United States Department of Agriculture headquarters on the issue of feeding the estimated 10 billion people by 2050. This presentation put a spark in Easter’s mind about how policy can impact the food system.

“Working for Kansas Grain Sorghum has shown me how necessary policy efforts are at the state level, and not just federal. Through this internship I have been able to make connections to what I learn in class about economics, how that is played out in real life and how its effects are seen in all areas of agriculture.” Easter said.

With plans to graduate in the spring of 2025, Easter is extremely involved on Kansas State’s campus. She is a member of Food Security Scholars as well as the Student Alumni Board, and serves as an ambassador for the Staley School of Leadership Studies. 

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The Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association (KGSPA) gives growers a voice in legislative, regulatory and industry affairs through efforts funded by membership dues.