We participate in The Ohio University Agricultural Intern Program. Every year we have the pleasure of hosted young interns from foreign countries who want a farming experience in the U.S.
Our interns in 2025 are:
Nayeli Xiomara Apolo Conrado
Nayeli is from La Maná, Ecuador. She enjoys cultivating and innovating, knowing that her work contributes to global food production and makes a positive impact. Her goal is to manage an organic farm, applying sustainable techniques to produce healthy food and improve agricultural efficiency.
During her time at Coonamessett Farm, she hopes to expand her knowledge of greenhouses, hydroponic systems, and blueberry cultivation, gaining key skills for her agricultural career.
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Marialy Valencia Barzola
Marialy is from Peru and is fascinated by how agriculture spans so many different fields of science, offering endless opportunities to learn and make an impact. Whether it's plant breeding, soil science, or technological innovations that make farming more sustainable, she appreciates the dynamic nature of the field. She also enjoys being surrounded by nature and working outdoors.
Her goal in agriculture is to contribute to sustainable food systems that improve food security and public health. She hopes to be part of innovations that make farming more efficient and eco-friendly while ensuring that high-quality food remains accessible to those who need it most. During her time at Coonamessett Farm, she is eager to learn about hydroponic systems and their role in growing food with minimal resources. She is also excited to explore organic farming techniques, soil health, and crop diversity, as well as how these practices integrate into the broader food system.
Jacob Thiong Manyok Adhuong
Jacob is from Bor, South Sudan. What he enjoys most about agriculture is the Integrated Farming System (IFS) because it creates a balance between productivity and sustainability. He enjoys applying environmental practices like waste recycling, composting, and resource optimization to ensure that nothing goes to waste. Seeing how different elements like plants, animals, and microorganisms support each other makes farming both rewarding and environmentally responsible. Producing food while reducing waste and improving soil health is what drives his passion for agriculture. His aspiration is to learn sustainable farming practices that balance productivity with environmental conservation. He hopes to run an agribusiness focused on greenhouse and tropical crop production to make fresh, locally grown food more accessible to communities. Through this, he aims to contribute to food security, empower smallholder farmers, and improve agricultural productivity in South Sudan. During his time at Coonamessett Farm, he is eager to learn more about CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) operations, farm-to-market strategies, and innovative techniques for maximizing crop yields in controlled environments. He also wants to understand the day-to-day challenges of running a farm and how to build strong connections between farmers and the community.