Have you ever wondered how policy works in Washington, D.C., and wanted to truly experience it? I sure did, and that’s where my interest in the Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy Internship Program at Texas A&M University began. Policy first became an apparent interest during my time in high school in Levelland, Texas. It stemmed from my keen interest in agriculture and the effects that policy has on the industry.
During my time at Texas A&M, this interest only continued to grow as I took classes in the Department of Agricultural Economics. The department is full of industry professionals who have direct experience in the areas of agricultural economics that they teach. My interest came from my roots, but was spurred by Dr. Fischer’s 429 Agricultural Policy class, which covers the Farm Bill and other components affecting the agricultural industry. During this class, I started to realize I wanted to get up-close, real experience in the agricultural policy field.
I discovered the ANRP program through a presentation they gave in that class, and I soon realized this was an opportunity I had to take to truly immerse myself in agricultural policy and learn more.
So far through my internship in Congressman Ronny Jackson’s office, I have been exposed directly to agricultural policy through the most recent Farm Bill markup. During the markup, I listened as legislators debated amendments that directly affect the agriculture industry at all levels. These included changes to titles such as nutrition and credit, as well as important changes to crop insurance and commodities. Seeing this process firsthand showed me what it takes to pass legislation as significant as a Farm Bill, which exists to help and aid our farmers and ranchers.
Through this experience in the committee room, I saw the different issues important to both sides and realized how much work is done to get a bill from committee to the floor. Through this experience in our nation’s capital, I have learned not only a lot about agriculture policy but also a lot about the legislative process. This experience has shown me I was a bit naïve about our government and how it works. But spend a semester immersed in it and not only will you grow as a person, but you’ll also learn more than you’d ever expect.
Trace Dearmond
Office of Congressman Ronny Jackson
Washington, D.C. | spring 2026