Takeaways
- The CAES Congressional Agricultural Fellowship gives students firsthand experience with agricultural policy and federal government through a 12-week internship on Capitol Hill.
- Six CAES students worked in congressional offices, attended agricultural committee hearings, and engaged with lawmakers, policy experts, and constituents in Washington, D.C.
- Through real-world policy experience, fellows built leadership skills and deepened their understanding of national agricultural issues and the policymaking process.
This summer, six students from the University of Georgia stepped onto Capitol Hill for a 12-week immersive experience in Washington, D.C. As Congressional Agricultural Fellows representing the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), these students gained an insider’s perspective on federal governance and agricultural policy.
During the program, fellows took on daily responsibilities in congressional offices, attending high-level agricultural committee hearings, drafting policy briefings, conducting critical industry research and engaging directly with visiting constituents. The fast-paced environment offered participants a comprehensive view of how agricultural decisions impact communities nationwide.
Meet the 2026 Congressional Agricultural Fellows
Selected from a competitive pool of applicants, the 2026 cohort featured Luke Cody, Jesse Cronic, Madeline Elliott, Rebecca Evans, J.R. Goodman and Emma Pastor.
Luke Cody, Office of Rep. Sanford Bishop
Cody is a fourth-year student pursuing dual degrees in agribusiness and agricultural and applied economics with a minor in environmental law.
One highlight was attending a U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service roundtable on issues affecting American agriculture.
“Serving as a Congressional Agricultural Fellow in Congressman Sanford Bishop’s office was one of the most formative chapters of my education. I researched agricultural issues, attended hearings, and watched the concerns of producers travel from the farm gate to the halls of Congress.”
Luke Cody
Madeline Elliott, Office of Rep. Brian Jack
Elliott, a fourth-year student majoring in agribusiness and agricultural and applied economics, with minors in political science and food and fiber marketing and a certificate in sustainability, served as a liaison in Rep. Jack’s office.
“My experience as a Congressional Agricultural Fellow was one of the best decisions I have ever made because it pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me grow both personally and professionally. The experience gave me legislative skills and a level of understanding of the political process that I never could have gained from a classroom alone.”
Madeline Elliott
Rebecca Evans, Office of Rep. Rick Allen
Evans, a fourth-year student majoring in poultry science, gained direct insight into legislative operations and civic outreach while serving in Rep. Allen’s office.
“I loved seeing firsthand how a congressional office works and how policy decisions are made. The biggest thing I learned was the importance of stepping outside my comfort zone. I became much more confident communicating with constituents and taking on new responsibilities.”
Rebecca Evans
J.R. Goodman, Office of Rep. Austin Scott
Goodman, a fifth-year student majoring in agribusiness and agricultural and applied economics with a minor in political science, found that observing day-to-day interactions provided insight into effective governance. He also appreciated the chance to share his own perspective, noting that Scott took time to listen to both interns and fellows, making them feel included on the staff.
“Rep. Scott would talk to his interns and me and ask for our opinions on political issues, both in Georgia and abroad.”
J.R. Goodman
Emma Pastor, Office of Sen. Jon Ossoff
Pastor, a fourth-year student double-majoring in political science and agricultural and environmental science communication, said the experience she gained extended beyond agricultural issues.
“Having an opportunity to witness the policymaking process from a firsthand viewpoint was extremely insightful. It gave me more confidence in our legislative process.”
Emma Pastor
About the fellowship
“This program has a long history of providing our CAES students with rich experiences on Capitol Hill in ag policy and the legislative process,” said Dean Kopsell, associate dean for academic and faculty affairs at CAES. “We are proud of these students and grateful for these partners providing their excellent mentorship.”
Supported by Georgia Farm Bureau, Georgia EMC and Georgia Agribusiness Council, the CAES Congressional Agricultural Fellowship is open to high-achieving undergraduate students with a strong dedication to agricultural, food and natural resources policy. To be eligible for selection, applicants must:
- Be enrolled in a UGA degree program with a CAES major.
- Have completed at least 60 semester hours, with the most recent 15 hours completed within the University System of Georgia.
- Maintain good academic standing.
- Demonstrate strong interpersonal and public relations skills.
Applications for the upcoming fellowship cycle are open until Dec. 2. The 2027 cohort will mark the 30th year of the prestigious program.
