Intern reflection: Katelyn Silva

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity serve as the Fall 2025 Stephen Haterius Public Policy intern for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. I first learned about NASDA during my time in Washington, D.C. a few summers ago, through the D.C. Ag Intern Network. I was immediately drawn to NASDA’s non-partisan approach, representing all of American agriculture.

Growing up on a ranch in California, I developed an early appreciation for the agriculture industry. From serving on my county’s Agricultural Advisory Committee to earning my agribusiness degree from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, I saw firsthand how advocacy for the industry is essential for it to prosper. Through my internship with NASDA, I had the opportunity to gain firsthand experience advocating for policies that serve the animal agriculture and natural resources industries.

During my internship, I worked across the entire policy team on projects such as compiling policy books for the NASDA Annual Meeting and Tri-National Agricultural Accord, researching various government programs and creating a comprehensive list of regulatory responsibilities for every state’s department of agriculture. Some issues I was able to engage with include highly pathogenic avian influenza in dairy cattle and poultry, New World screwworm, an updated Waters of the U.S. definition, the Make America Healthy Again strategy and various disaster assistance programs. I attended meetings with USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, Food and Nutrition Service, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, as well as congressional staff and international delegates where I was able to grow my network.

Additionally, I assisted with the execution of the NASDA Annual Meeting in Rogers, Arkansas and NASDA’s December board meeting and strategic planning session, providing valuable experience and insight into how NASDA accomplishes its mission. These experiences enabled me to develop skills in communications, research and analysis, while also enhancing my ability to think critically and collaborate with other team members.

My time at NASDA deepened my understanding of the necessary cooperation between states and the federal government. Engaging in high-level meetings with Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and international delegates highlighted how decisions at the federal level impact the states, other industry stakeholders and the global agricultural system.

The last five months with NASDA truly solidified my desire to pursue a career in agricultural policy and advocacy. NASDA has left me inspired and equipped with practical skills, new perspectives, and a renewed commitment to advocating for the advancement of the agricultural industry. I am looking forward to applying these experiences in future endeavors and continuing to serve the industry that shaped my personal and professional life.

I am immensely grateful to the policy team for welcoming me, mentoring me and providing opportunities to contribute to NASDA’s mission. The entire NASDA staff has made me feel supported and encouraged throughout my internship, and I will carry their wisdom and advice with me as I continue my professional journey in Washington D.C.