Nate Brunner received his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics and Minor in Business in 2014. Brunner has been employed by Consolidated Grain and Barge Co since graduation, holding multiple roles. Brunner currently is the Premium Grains Manager for CGB, where he holds a variety of duties related to logistics, commodities, and business development.

Q: Trends show that upon graduating, most professionals will change jobs several times. Have you stayed in the same position since graduating or moved into new ones? 

A: Upon graduation at the University of Kentucky in June of 2014, I began working at CGB. During my 8 ½ year span with CGB, I have held multiple different roles. Opportunity is everyone’s desire. CGB has provided consistent opportunity to new experiences that have continued to develop my knowledge within the Agriculture Industry. b. Early in my career, my experience consisted of facility operations and management. I began with CGB as an Operations Management Trainee at our Jeffersonville, IN location. Here, I began learning the “How and Why” we do things and had the opportunity very early to work as a facility superintendent supporting the second and third shift teams. From Jeffersonville, I transitioned into a facility manager role at our Louisville, KY location where we focus on specialty commodities for local markets such as the Equine industry and Distillery industry. This experience ultimately provided me with the knowledge and skill set to manage one of our companies primary Grain and Bulk Terminals focusing on the export grain market as well as the domestic salt, fertilizer, and aggregate industries. Recently, I was given the opportunity to learn and support CGB from a commercial aspect which is my current role today. Exposure to multiple facets of an industry or organization brings enormous value to everyone involved and greatly supports growth within a company such as CGB. 

Q: Is your current professional path where you would have envisioned yourself as an undergraduate? 

A: Not necessarily, I was unsure of exactly where I would land in the Agriculture Industry as an undergraduate. I participated in a few internships related to different sectors that fall under the broader Agriculture Industry and was struggling to find the best fit with what I felt had the most potential for growth and opportunity. Fortunately, I met CGB at a career fair and made the initial introduction. 

Q: How do you feel your undergraduate and/or graduate studies within the Agricultural Economics Department prepared you for your current position? 

A: The knowledge and exposure into the broader Agriculture Industry was extremely beneficial. Understanding global markets and the impact that agriculture ultimately has internationally was valuable information that I was able to carry into the professional workspace. 

Q: How have the relationships you formed within the Agricultural Economics Department contributed to your success? 

A: Relationships developed within the Agricultural Economics Department initiated my initial opportunity with CGB and provided me with the support necessary to meet CGB’s expectations as a new employee. In addition, I have continued to stay involved with recruiting for CGB as our business grows and we look to acquire and develop new talent. 

Q: What piece of advice do you have for undergraduates who are preparing for graduation? 

A: Stay engaged and continue communication with the Agricultural Economics faculty as they can support and provide opportunities within the Agriculture Industry based off of their great network. 

Q: Was there an influential faculty member, professor, or general class you feel affected your current professional path? 

A: No one in specific, but the entire faculty within the Agricultural Economics Department has always been very supportive and brings an enormous amount of value in regard to industry knowledge and networking capabilities.