COLUMBUS, Ohio (RFD NEWS) — For Oklahoma State University student Chloe Bomgardner, a nine-week summer internship in Washington, D.C., offered a firsthand look at how agricultural policy is shaped on Capitol Hill. She joined us for Market Day Report Weekend to share more about the experience and how her background in agriculture helped her achieve such a big step toward her future career.
Bomgardner, who grew up on a Pennsylvania dairy farm, interned with Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson and supported the House Agriculture Committee. Thompson chairs the committee.
During her internship, Bomgardner worked on legislative research, constituent correspondence and communications. She also helped draft legislative materials and floor speeches and participated in committee hearings and briefings.
One highlight, she says, was seeing lawmakers debate legislation affecting farmers and ranchers across the country.
Bomgardner grew up showing dairy cattle through 4-H and later served as the 2024-2025 Pennsylvania FFA State President. She says those experiences helped prepare her for the fast-paced environment in Washington and gave her the confidence to network with policymakers and agricultural leaders.
Her FFA experience also connected her with a broader network in Washington, including other former state officers and leaders from agricultural and career-focused youth organizations.
Now studying animal science, pre-law, and agribusiness at Oklahoma State University, Bomgardner is considering several paths after graduation. She may return to Pennsylvania to pursue a career in agriculture and potentially start her own farm, attend law school focused on helping farmers, or return to Washington to work in agricultural policy.
Whatever path she chooses, Bomgardner says she hopes to continue supporting the agricultural industry and helping farmers navigate the challenges facing the next generation.
