Q&A with Intern Roy Grant
Jul 29, 2021
Name: Roy Grant 
Title: Groveland Operations Intern
MKC Location: Groveland, KS
Hometown: Muskogee, OK
Education: will be a junior at Oklahoma State University studying agricultural business with a minor in agronomy
Why did you choose to pursue an internship with MKC/TMA?
I was raised on my family's farm and developed a passion for agriculture at a young age. After heading off to college, my eyes were opened to the various careers agriculture offers. When I learned that I would be working to serve local farmers in Kansas through MKC’s internship program, I knew that it would be the perfect opportunity to gain experience in the industry.
What does a day in your life look like this summer?
A day in my life begins when I arrive at MKC’s Groveland location at 7:30am and develop a plan for the day with my mentor, Adam Butler. My day is often a combination of what I want to experience and what Adam needs help with. During harvest, I helped at the dump pit in the elevator, making sure trucks got in and out as quickly as possible. Other times, I help by loading tender trucks with water and chemical to keep our applicators running. I often clock out at 5, but farming is not a consistent 8-5 job, and a few workdays lasted until midnight during wheat harvest.
What has been the most exciting part of your internship?
I think the most exciting part of my internship is getting to see and learn how various MKC locations operate. My first day at Groveland, I toured the facilities and went to the top of the elevator. I got to see the top of the leg, the distributer and learned how grain travels into different bins. Over time, I learned how to operate the Groveland elevator, due to Armando and Brent taking the time to explain how it all worked. As I continue to visit more MKC locations, I am able to recognize similarities and understand how each location works and I am excited to have that knowledge for the rest of my life.
What motivates you most about getting up to start a new day as an intern?
My motivation comes from knowing that I will get to experience something new each day. There is always a learning opportunity, a new person to meet or a new problem to solve. No day is the same as an operations intern and that is what I look forward to experiencing.
When did you realize you were interested in the career you’re pursuing?
As a young boy, I grew up playing in the dirt and loved every minute of it. As I began helping my dad and grandpa on the farm, I developed respect for the ground that supported me and my family. The more time I spend away from the farm learning new things, the more I want to go back to the family farm and implement what I have learned into our operation.
One thing you can’t leave the house without in the morning and why?
I never leave the house without my Case pocketknife. It is a tool that has many uses and is very dependable. I also try to always leave the house with a smile on my face as a positive attitude can benefit everyone around you.
Title: Groveland Operations Intern
MKC Location: Groveland, KS
Hometown: Muskogee, OK
Education: will be a junior at Oklahoma State University studying agricultural business with a minor in agronomy
Why did you choose to pursue an internship with MKC/TMA?
I was raised on my family's farm and developed a passion for agriculture at a young age. After heading off to college, my eyes were opened to the various careers agriculture offers. When I learned that I would be working to serve local farmers in Kansas through MKC’s internship program, I knew that it would be the perfect opportunity to gain experience in the industry.
What does a day in your life look like this summer?
A day in my life begins when I arrive at MKC’s Groveland location at 7:30am and develop a plan for the day with my mentor, Adam Butler. My day is often a combination of what I want to experience and what Adam needs help with. During harvest, I helped at the dump pit in the elevator, making sure trucks got in and out as quickly as possible. Other times, I help by loading tender trucks with water and chemical to keep our applicators running. I often clock out at 5, but farming is not a consistent 8-5 job, and a few workdays lasted until midnight during wheat harvest.
What has been the most exciting part of your internship?
I think the most exciting part of my internship is getting to see and learn how various MKC locations operate. My first day at Groveland, I toured the facilities and went to the top of the elevator. I got to see the top of the leg, the distributer and learned how grain travels into different bins. Over time, I learned how to operate the Groveland elevator, due to Armando and Brent taking the time to explain how it all worked. As I continue to visit more MKC locations, I am able to recognize similarities and understand how each location works and I am excited to have that knowledge for the rest of my life.
What motivates you most about getting up to start a new day as an intern?
My motivation comes from knowing that I will get to experience something new each day. There is always a learning opportunity, a new person to meet or a new problem to solve. No day is the same as an operations intern and that is what I look forward to experiencing.
When did you realize you were interested in the career you’re pursuing?
As a young boy, I grew up playing in the dirt and loved every minute of it. As I began helping my dad and grandpa on the farm, I developed respect for the ground that supported me and my family. The more time I spend away from the farm learning new things, the more I want to go back to the family farm and implement what I have learned into our operation.
One thing you can’t leave the house without in the morning and why?
I never leave the house without my Case pocketknife. It is a tool that has many uses and is very dependable. I also try to always leave the house with a smile on my face as a positive attitude can benefit everyone around you.