Nicole Chance is a sophomore studying agricultural communications at University of Illinois. This past summer, she worked as an intern for Gale Cunningham (WYXY-FM, Champaign, IL). About Gale, Nicole said. “His passion for the agriculture industry is one that is hard to put into words. His unceasing dedication to FFA and 4-H clubs is just the beginning of many contributions he has made to the youth in both Illinois and Indiana.” Nicole continued, “Gale cares about each and every one of the people he interviews and his goal is to provide content that will allow listeners to be excited and encouraged about the industry they represent.”
Nicole, Gale, and another intern, Taylor Hardy, traveled to different county fairs throughout the summer and interviewed 4-H’ers as well as members of Extension and the fair board. Also, they provided hourly market reports throughout the week.“My favorite part was staying back in the studio doing the hourly market reports and analysis,” she said. “While reading and analyzing the numbers from the Chicago Board of Trade, I saw how quickly commodities can shift. I remember a specific day when the bean market shot up a whopping 60 cents after the monthly June USDA report came out.” June had been a bad month for east central Illinois as well as west central Indiana with rain that just seemed to never stop. “Those numbers on that report reflected those conditions and what happened in the marketplace at that specific time. It was that day that I began to realize how important Gale’s job really is.” She concludes, “I am so appreciative that I had the opportunity to intern with Gale and WYXY Classic this summer.Through this experience I have gained a deep respect and admiration for a man who is not just another radio personality, but the heart and soul of the Region’s Ag Force.”
Raised on a swine and crops farm near Lebanon, IN, Nicole’s background in raising and showing pigs included participation in both 4-H and FFA. Presently, at University of Illinois, she works as an assistant in communications to the College of ACES (Agriculture/Consumer/Education/Studies). Upon graduation, she aspires to pursue a career with the National Swine Registry or a breed association. “Her love and passion for agriculture is very evident in her appetite to share the story of the livestock industry and the rural lifestyle that she grew up in and continues to thrive in. She represents what an NAFB Internship is all about, and hopefully she will be able to attend National NAFB Convention in November as a student member,” Gale said.
