ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation is excited to welcome three summer interns Colby Brandt, Allison Deplazes, and Montana Martinson to its state office for the summer of 2026. Beginning their internships on May 26, they will support the Minnesota Farm Bureau’s mission of advocating Minnesota agriculture through communications and policy.

Colby Brandt, Minnesota Farm Bureau Public Policy Intern, is a rising senior at Iowa State University, where he is studying agriculture and rural policy.

Originally from Le Sueur, Brandt grew up on his family’s fourth-generation corn and soybean farm, where he developed a strong appreciation for agriculture and rural communities. At Iowa State, he has been actively involved in leadership and advocacy organizations. He is also involved with Agriculture Future of America Ambassadors and serves as a CALS Ambassador. Through these experiences, he has developed a passion for agricultural policy, leadership, and serving rural communities.

“I am excited to get to know the great farmers from across Minnesota while working to enhance agriculture and life in rural communities,” Brandt said. “I look forward to gaining hands-on experience and continuing to grow my understanding of agricultural policy and advocacy through this internship.”

Allison Deplazes, Program Marketing Intern, recently completed her freshman year at South Dakota State University, where she is studying agricultural communications with minors in public relations and media.

Although Deplazes did not grow up on a farm or ranch, she became involved in agriculture at a young age through 4-H and FFA, which sparked her passion for advocating for the industry. At SDSU, Deplazes is active in Agriculture Communicators of Tomorrow, Alpha Xi Delta and serves on the College Panhellenic Board. Through these organizations, she has developed leadership, communication and advocacy skills that align with her passion for agriculture and public engagement.

“I am so excited for the opportunity to work alongside Minnesota Farm Bureau members, help develop agricultural literacy and programming, and continue growing professionally in an industry that means so much to me,” Deplazes said. “Being an advocate for agriculture is a role that has always been close to my heart, and I cannot wait to fulfill that this summer.”

Montana Martinson, Communications Intern, recently completed her junior year at North Dakota State University, where she is pursuing a degree in agricultural economics with minors in strategic communications and business administration.

Martinson comes from a registered and commercial Hereford cattle and horse farm, where agriculture has played a central role in her life from a young age. In addition to her academic involvement, she competes as a barrel racer and goat tyer on the NDSU Rodeo Team. She is also passionate about advocating for the rodeo and agricultural communities through rodeo queening and public engagement opportunities.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Minnesota Farm Bureau members and continue strengthening my agricultural communications experience,” Martinson said. “Agriculture and rodeo have shaped who I am, and I’m excited to share the stories, values and experiences that make these communities so meaningful. I look forward to growing as a communicator while advocating for the people and industries I care deeply about.”