Tahja Sims hired as AGDAILY’s 2025 Diversity In Ag intern

Tahja Sims, an agricultural economics major and senior at Texas A&M University, has been hired as AGDAILY’s 2025 diversity issues intern, covering a broad range of perspectives and news related to marginalized communities in agriculture. The internship, now in its fourth year and lasting through December 2025, is part of a partnership AGDAILY has with American Farmland Trust.

Sims was at the top of a highly qualified group of applicants for 2025 — arguably the most competitive ever. Sims is a member of the Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) organization, serving as chapter historian and social committee chair, and is an undergraduate research assistant in the Agricultural Economics Department at Texas A&M, where she analyzes policies influencing racial inequalities and misinformation in food and environmental policy and assists in conducting economic experiments through data-collection. Sims has been on the Dean’s List four times.

In recent years, Sims developed a heightened awareness of the growing food security crisis across the U.S., which has helped to fuel her interest in agricultural policy — with the ultimate goal of becoming an agricultural lobbyist. To further that, she has had roles with the U.S. House of Representatives as a legislative intern and with The Russell Group, a bipartisan government and industry relations firm focused exclusively on food and agriculture public policy, as a government affairs intern to help conduct research concerning changes in political positions, and agriculture industry statistics.

“During my time at AGDAILY, I hope to learn so much, not just about the average farmer’s hurdles, but how creative they are when it comes to finding a way over their hurdles. I hope to also get a deeper sense of how they may have a sense of caring for their communities,” Sims said. “I think it will be intriguing to observe how much community matters to diverse groups. Especially how they respond to helping one another given historical economic barriers. These are the reasons I hope to gain a deeper understanding from the perspectives of the dedicated workers of the food and fiber industry as it focused on marginalized communities!”

Sims’ new role, formally known as the American Farmland Trust Agriculture Communications Intern at AGDAILY, is part of a long effort to normalize industry discussions around race and other diverse communities in rural areas.

Sims said she is looking forward to connecting with farmers and getting a first-person perspective of the unique experiences that have inspired their dedication to provide a sustainable American livelihood. She is excited to be in a position where she can influence a forum for groups of people in the food and fiber industry that have been historically overlooked or underrepresented. Sims recognizes that producers often face obstacles including access to information and resources that may hinder capability to make a profit year to year.

“I believe that it is important to celebrate the diversity seen in these marginal groups that make up this community. While they are even less likely to have access to these resources many continue and this level of commitment inspires me,” she said.

Her work will be featured heavily on AGDAILY’s Diversity In Agriculture resource webpage — a destination that has helped to drive awareness about the historical and modern influence of racial minorities, LGBTQ+ communities, and native cultures in the American food system. The page is supported by American Farmland Trust, a national nonprofit that has spearheaded conservation in agriculture by focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work.

“American Farmland Trust’s goal is to help ensure the long-term viability of farms and ranches and to help enable farmers and ranchers to thrive in challenging times. Part of how we accomplish that mission is by amplifying the diverse voices within the agricultural community who work tirelessly across the country to provide our food, fiber, and fuel,” shared John Piotti, President and CEO of American Farmland Trust. “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with AGDAILY in supporting the Diversity in Agriculture intern to tell these inspiring stories that raise awareness, educate and expand perspectives.”

AGDAILY’s efforts to amplify diversity in agriculture in recent years have manifested themselves through its industry-defining exploration of race and agriculture and through other pieces that have been written about race and minority farmers, something that has helped make AGDAILY one of the most recognized and well-read ag publications worldwide. Past student leaders of the National FFA Organization and Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences have made valuable regular contributions in this space, and AGDAILY has highlighted several demographics that the U.S. Department of Agriculture classifies as “Historically Underserved Farmers & Ranchers,” including beginning farmers and veteran farmers, as well as women farmers.