INTERNSHIPS
Internships and apprenticeships play a vital role in Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) programs, offering students hands-on experience to build their skills and explore career pathways. This resource is designed to simplify the process of finding opportunities across our region. Listings are organized by AFNR Career Pathways but may overlap depending on the experiences offered. Be sure to share this guide with anyone who could benefit from these valuable connections to industry partners. Opportunities will be added as we are made aware of them – please reach out to us by contacting Nathan Hanel.
ADM – Not every career provides you with the opportunity to do rewarding work that helps enrich the lives of people all around the world. At ADM, that’s kind of our thing. Whether it’s finding new opportunities for renewable products, developing the next flavor trend, or ensuring crops get to markets where they’re needed, the problems we solve are making a real difference.
We are committed to recruiting and hiring early career talent. Our offer for young talent includes impactful internship programs and traineeships.
AgCountry – AgCountry rewards the performance and commitment each team member brings to ensure our customers achieve their goals. Our compensation programs are extremely competitive. Our development programming is deep and full of opportunities to learn and grow. Our culture is one that supports flexibility and commitment to family. And our workplace is dedicated to your success. All positions are within the excitement of a growing company, the stability of an industry leader and a professional, respectful and fun work environment.
Compeer Financial – An internship at Compeer Financial is a learning experience like no other. You’ll build connections and life-long relationships, while gaining on-the-job, professional experience that prioritizes your individual growth. Our interns enjoy a flexible, collaborative model and are empowered to make meaningful contributions during their time with Compeer.
CHS – Our team helped us become the largest farmer-owned cooperative in the United States. Now, we’re more than 10,000 employees strong and provide energy, agronomy and grains processing services to businesses and consumers worldwide. Everything we do is focused on creating deeper connections with our farmer owners.
DFA – DFA interns get more than just school credit; they get experiences, connections and a paycheck. Interns will learn the ins and outs of the business, attend company conferences and events and participate in department meetings and team brainstorming sessions. Intern positions are available in a variety of office settings as well as manufacturing plants, labs and field positions throughout the United States, including southern Minnesota.
Environmental Tillage Systems – Environmental Tillage Systems, Inc. has been dedicated to defending the land and leading the charge since beginning on a farm in Southeastern Minnesota in 2004. ETS is a leading manufacturer of conservation tillage and nutrient management equipment. Our equipment is designed to enhance soil productivity and farm profitability. Our products set the standard for in-field performance, machine durability, and ease of operation.
Farmamerica – At Farmamerica, you will explore, discover, and connect with the evolving story of agriculture through sensory experiences like guided walking tours of historic sites, field trips, family fun events, day camps, farm animal interactions, interactive exhibits, and crop research plots. You’ll gain a better understanding of how agriculture shaped Minnesota’s past and how it continues to provide our communities with food, fiber, renewable fuels, and jobs in a more sustainable manner than ever before.
Kahler Automation – At Kahler Automation we design and automate control systems for dry fertilizer automation, bulk liquid fertilizer handling, grain handling equipment, truck traffic control, and industrial control innovations. Begin your story with us through an internship.
MAELC – Minnesota is proud to offer an exciting internship opportunity for those interested in becoming future agriculture teachers. This paid internship is made possible by generous donations from AgCountry Farm Credit Services, Christensen Farms, Compeer Financial and MAELC. The purpose of the Agricultural Education Internship is to spark an interest in current collegiate students to consider entering the teacher profession, and to provide Agricultural Education students with hands-on experience in the teaching profession.
Midwest Dairy – Come spend your summer working with Midwest Dairy! We are offering several summer internships to college-age students who are pursuing degrees in communications, public relations, marketing, food science or agribusiness. The internships offer students unique learning experiences, including behind-the-scenes access of princess programs, independent project management, portfolio building opportunities, a taste of managing aspects of the checkoff’s state fair involvement, and more. A background in agriculture or dairy farming is not required. The deadline for these applications is January 6th.
Minnesota FFA Alumni and Supporters – The Minnesota FFA Alumni and Supporters is now hiring for the 2026–2027 Communications Internship. Please see the job description for more information and the Google Form to apply. Applications will close on January 31, 2026, with interviews to follow.
Minnesota Farm Bureau – The mission of Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) is to ensure Minnesota’s agricultural vitality. By engaging members, advocating at the grassroots level and spreading awareness about agriculture, we support farmers and ranchers. Examples of internships include communications internship, program marketing internship and public policy internship.
Minnesota State – There are numerous opportunities within Minnesota State that offer internships in AFNR career pathways. A couple examples include the Minnesota Department of Agriculture as well as the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Simply visit the Minnesota State link above and type in “internship” into the search jobs field.
Seneca – Looking for a new career? Whether you’re new to the job market, looking to advance your career or are a seasoned professional, Seneca Foods Corporation offers an array of rewarding Career Opportunities across a variety of functions, from Operations Management, Agriculture, Information Technology, Sales and Marketing, Human Resources, Finance and more.
Brush Prairie Ranch – Brush Prairie Ranch is a 240-acre bison ranch, near Roseau, located in northwestern Minnesota owned by a husband and wife that live on the ranch. It is in search of a Bison Ranch Intern. Learn more by visiting Brush Prairie Ranch.
Christensen Farms – Christensen Farms offers college students the opportunity to complete a summer internship with one of the industry’s leading companies. Students specialize in a variety of areas while working with CF managers across the company. Interns receive training and guidance as they learn and grow as a CF team member through hands-on work experience. We offer internships in a variety of areas of our business including Swine Production, Accounting, Agronomy, Finance, Information Technology, Human Resources, Communications, and Construction Management and many more.
Minnesota Zoo – The Minnesota Zoo employs people from a wide variety of backgrounds. In addition to typical “zoo jobs” such as veterinary technicians, interpretive naturalists, zookeepers, zoologists, and veterinarians, the business end of the Zoo requires people with many different skills, from accountants and marketing staff, to carpenters and guest services staff.
Minnesota Beef – Are you a college student that’s passionate about the beef industry? Consider applying for our summer 2026 internship! The summer intern will work to implement beef education, communication, and promotion activities throughout the summer. Applications due December 1, 2025.
New Fashion Pork – New Fashion Pork offers engaging and exciting comprehensive production internships for students who are interested in pursuing a career in animal production. We are looking for individuals with a strong work ethic and leadership qualities to experience our internship program.
PIPESTONE – While our priority at PIPESTONE is healthy pigs, our best asset to accomplish that is our people. Our internship program is one of the best ways to help us find individuals who are ready to pursue a career in the swine industry. 8-10 week internship opportunities exist in many forms throughout PIPESTONE.
Schwartz Farms – SFI takes pride in its mission statement: “Producing quality pork and creating opportunities for rural communities”. The development of an internship program is just another avenue for creating opportunities for rural communities; in this case, by awarding a “real life” experience to college students by having them experience the various employment opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Spikes and Houles – Discover your passion from the ground up with Spikes & Houles internships. Whether you’re interested in studying animal nutrition, learning about supply chain management, coordinating warehouse operations, providing exceptional customer service, exploring social media strategies, or diving into other areas of our feed store operations, Spikes & Houles is here to support you every step of the way. We offer internships in various departments across our business, including opportunities within our feed stores and corporate office. Grow with us and gain the skills, experience, and connections to build a successful career in the industry!
Wakefield Pork – We are passionate about the work we do at Wakefield Pork and love to share our passion with the next generation of leaders. With our 360-degree Internship Experience, you’ll get a unique opportunity to work in all areas of production, including boar stud, farrowing, wean-to-finish and office support. You’ll also learn the principles of the National Pork Board’s We Care Initiative and be able to put them into action daily. Our interns work closely with barn managers, department leads, and veterinarians to conduct production-based projects on exciting, current industry trends. Examples of projects include colostrum intake studies, feed efficiency studies, product evaluation and more.
Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota – If you are enrolled in a veterinary college, pursuing a vet tech degree, or have other vet med experience, and looking for an intense, hands-on experience with sick, injured and orphaned wildlife, you’ve come to the right place. As the world’s busiest independent wildlife hospital, we treat more than 21,000 animals each year. From North America’s largest waterfowl, the Trumpeter Swan, to tiny hummingbirds, squirrels, rabbits, mergansers and robins, you’ll have the opportunity to work with approximately 200 different species of animals.
POET – Over the past 30 years of bioprocessing leadership, we’ve assembled the industry’s strongest team of engineers, scientists, financial analysts and more. Along the way, we’ve carefully selected team members who share our core values and pride in everything we do.
Conservation Corps – Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa offers a wide range of year-long and seasonal opportunities for youth and young adults interested in a meaningful service experience, leadership development, and environmental stewardship.
United States Department of Agriculture (includes the NRCS) – Careers at USDA are diverse, rewarding, and in demand. USDA offers employment opportunities for students and recent graduates to work in agriculture, science, technology, math, nutrition, food systems, management, business, and managing the impacts of climate change. From the classroom to the workplace, USDA supports student engagement, recruitment, retention, and agricultural workforce development.
University of Minnesota Southern Research and Outreach Center – The Southern Research and Outreach Center conducts innovative basic and applied research in the areas of agricultural production, human health, renewable energy, and the environment. We are committed to contributing to sustained social and economic development, the wise use of natural resources, and an enhanced quality of life in communities across Minnesota and around the world.
AMPI – An internship at AMPI is a learning experience like no other. You become a valued part of the AMPI team. No matter the role or location, you will have the chance to do important work and gain professional experience in your field. You’ll also gain new insight into the dairy and food manufacturing industry as well as the many ways in which AMPI supports our dairy farmer owners and the communities in which we live and work.
Cargill – Right from the start, you’ll be an important part of the Cargill team. We provide students and recent graduates many amazing opportunities to learn from the best our industry has to offer. From internships to co-ops, you’ll work in a professional setting gaining valuable experience. The skills you learn during your time at Cargill will follow you throughout your career and help you create a name for yourself. The length of our internships varies by country: In the United States, the average is about 12 weeks. Type in “internship” in the keyword search.
General Mills – In your professional life, you’re just starting to make a name for yourself. Joining a company whose brands are well-established and world-renowned makes sense. And choosing to build your experience with us puts you on the leading edge of the consumer products industry. Here, you’ll work with other exceptional individuals in an innovative, collaborative environment. We offer full-time roles and internships for people looking to turn their college education into career excellence, with opportunities in multiple locations across the globe. Our largest program is in the US and includes locations at our Corporate Headquarters, Manufacturing Facilities and Sales Offices.
Hormel Foods – Gain hands-on experience. Earn good money. Make connections that could lead to a job after graduation. Completing an internship at Hormel Foods could be the best career decision you’ll ever make. Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders. At Hormel Foods, we offer meaningful paid internship opportunities to help them get started.
KLN Family Brands – We believe in creating a space for our interns to grow as they learn firsthand the knowledge & skills they’ll need to be successful in their careers. We challenge them to think outside the box and incorporate fresh & innovative ideas. Hand in hand, we inspire one another. You can join KLN Family Brands for the summer, as a full-time intern from June to August. Opportunities are available at both our Perham and Delano, MN locations.
Land O’Lakes – We have been named a 2023 Campus Forward Award Winner for our impactful internship and early talent programs. Based in our Twin Cities headquarters or at one of more than 100 locations nationwide, your internship will last 10-11 weeks and help you successfully transition into a full-time role.
Michael Foods – Michael Foods is serious about helping grow leaders. Interns gain on-the-job experience working and learning with seasoned leaders, but they create a platform from which to launch their career. Many of our interns choose to continue their employment with Michael Foods after their internship ends. Industrial Maintenance Development Program sponsored students focused on robotics, automation or industrial maintenance receive up to $7,500 per year for reimbursement of tuition, fees and books. We also have Summer Work Programs for 16-18 year olds.
Post Consumer Brands – We are in the food business and have been for more than 125 years. When you’ve been feeding families and their beloved pets for as long as we have, you get a clear vision of the ways food can make lives better. Happier. More secure. More delicious. That’s true whether they’re enjoying our breakfast cereals, peanut butter, pet foods or whatever innovative new products we have on the horizon. Type “internship” into the keyword search.
RCIS – We’re looking for high caliber, customer-oriented people who want to put their skills and abilities to work for one of the largest crop insurance providers in the country. RCIS has a number of career opportunities in claims, underwriting, accounting, training, technology and sales and service. We have a nationwide team of approximately 1,500 individuals, including around 1,000 claims professionals. Our apprenticeship program allows participants to simultaneously gain the education and experience to launch a rewarding career with one of the leading crop insurance providers in the United States.
Schwan’s – Experience hands-on learning and real-world impact at Schwan’s. Our internship program empowers students to dive into projects that matter, with support from experienced professionals every step of the way. Ready to launch your career?
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources – The DNR, one of Minnesota’s largest state agencies, offers a broad range of paid internships for college students. Internships are available at locations across the state. As an intern you’ll work with dedicated professionals to create a healthy, sustainable, livable Minnesota for generations to come.
University of Minnesota – In this paid internship program, interns work closely with Extension educators to learn how Extension translates science-based knowledge for use across Minnesota.
Ag Partners – Ag Partners is a strong member-owned cooperative serving producers, communities, homeowners and businesses across Southern Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. We are always looking for qualified individuals to fill a variety of positions so check our current job opportunities often. Join our growing team and find your career in ag with Ag Partners!
Bachman’s – Family-owned since its founding in 1885, Bachman’s is based in Minneapolis and is currently led by fifth-generation family members. Bachman’s operates retail locations throughout the Twin Cities, including six full-service Floral, Home and Garden Centers, and 28 floral departments within Lunds & Byerlys grocery stores.
Bayer – You’ve worked on your education, now put your education to work. Bayer is seeking talented undergraduate (BA, BS) and graduate (MS, MBA and PhD) students with passion for Health for All and Hunger for None. Students enrolled in a full-time degree program with an accredited college or university and who are at least 18 years of age are invited to apply for summer internships.
Centrol Crop Consulting – Centrol is a crop consulting company whose sole purpose is to maximize yields, increase grower profitability & improve environmental sustainability. We do this by working closely with our customers & giving unbiased recommendations for the growers’ & environment’s benefit.
Central Farm Service(CFS) – An agronomy internship will provide you with a wide range of hands-on experiences, developing key agronomic skills, and working alongside a CFS specialist to learn the industry, products, operations while interacting with growers.
Central United Cooperative – Central United Cooperative is committed to offering excellent employment opportunities to those excited and passionate about working in the agriculture industry. With that in mind, we strive to foster and promote career development and create opportunity for advancement within. We offer competitive wages and an outstanding benefit package.
Crystal Valley Coop – Crystal Valley has a variety of exciting internship opportunities to gain hands-on experience that will relate the classroom to the field! Depending upon your field of study and interests, we work with you to find the right match of Crystal Valley expertise with your educational goals. If this is how you would like to spend your summer, contact Human Resources to learn more about internship opportunities!
Farm at the Arb (Minnesota Landscape Arboretum) – The USDA defines a beginning farmer as someone who has ten years of experience or less — the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum helps individuals begin or continue their careers as food system leaders! This hands-on, technical training in vegetable growing is designed for beginning growers, skilled workers and those looking for a career change.
Over the course of 9 months, apprentices will receive a combination of classroom, lab and field experience, including a 14-week paid work experience at the Arboretum and partnering farms. Apprentices will leave the program with applicable skills to use in the industry.
The certification program is offered each year from February to October in collaboration with the University of Minnesota Department of Horticultural Sciences and Extension.
Gertens – Discover your passion from the first sprout to full bloom with Gertens internships. Whether you’re interested in studying plant growth and care, designing stunning landscapes, marketing beautiful flowers, learning the ins and outs of business operations, or exploring other aspects of the horticulture industry, Gertens is here to guide you every step of the way. We offer internships in multiple different departments of our business, with brands under our family of business & at our corporate office. Grow with us and gain the skills, experience, and connections to cultivate a thriving career!
KWS – Agricultural scientists, biologists, engineers, economists, legal experts and specialists in different professional areas—together we build the future. As a partner of agriculture, we make a specific contribution to feeding the growing world population with our innovative plant varieties. We value our freedom, finding new opportunities, and having a positive impact on the world. Our focus is not short-term success. Our goal is the development of sustainable and visionary solutions. We offer internships for students age 18 and older.
Nexus Cooperative – Nexus team members are dedicated to serving our customer needs through strong work ethics, collaboration, and reliability. Nexus offers a wide range of full-time positions in our Agronomy, Energy, Feed and Grain business areas. Develop your career, as a Leader or Team Member, in sales, operations, or administratively in customer service, accounting, marketing, or human resources. Nexus understands flexibility as well, offering part-time or seasonal opportunities in our convenient store, transportation, and in a variety of internships throughout our business areas and geographic regions.
New Vision Co-op – Are you looking for a career in an agriculture-related field? Look no further than New Vision Co-op. We have a variety of jobs, including internships, available in Agronomy, Grain and Feed.
Nutrien – Nutrien is the world’s largest provider of agricultural products (fertilizer, herbicides, etc.) and services (custom application, agronomic insights, etc.), so we play a critical role in helping growers around the globe increase food production in a sustainable manner.
From entry-level to director-level, you’ll find interesting and challenging opportunities at our production facilities, corporate offices and retail centers worldwide. To find internships, in the careers search, type “students” in the Department field.
R.D. Offutt – R.D. Offutt Farms and Syngenta, agriculture leaders, are partnering to create a unique opportunity for college students pursuing a career in agriculture. During this internship, you will have a hands-on learning experience working on real projects and real solutions. You will see the vertically integrated farm experience, from seed production all the way through processing the raw product, working with industry experts from R.D. Offutt Farms, Syngenta and university professors who support the potato industry.
Syngenta – We help farmers grow healthy and affordable food, provide commercial flower growers with wonderful garden blooms that brighten our world, and care for public health with our solutions for professional pest managers. From helping to feed the world sustainably to keeping people safe, we work with a variety of professionals across the value chain to make people’s lives better. Our work matters.
Arnold’s – Are you motivated and passionate about agriculture? We’re looking for interns to join our Service and Precision Farming Departments, where you’ll gain hands-on experience working alongside our team. At Arnold’s, all internships are paid, and we also offer scholarship opportunities. Since 2013, 59 interns have been hired into full time positions, many of which are still employed today. If you’re excited to be part of a growing, family-owned company, we’d love to hear from you!
C & B Operations – C & B Operations Road to Success Program offers internship opportunities to students interested in applying what they learn during school to real-world experience. You will work side-by-side with industry professionals to gain experience you will not soon forget. We want your internship to be the first step in an exciting, long-term career with C & B Operations. Learn more about our internship programs in service, sales, and precision ag today and about our options for tuition assistance (opportunities for up to $25,000 in Diesel Technician tuition support are available.)
Kibble Equipment – Partner with Kibble Equipment and kick start your career! If you enjoy learning how things work and want to graduate from college debt-free, our John Deere Service Tech Internship program might be the right fit for you!
Knobelsdorff – At Knobelsdorff, we offer internships that provide real-world, hands-on experience in the electrical, construction, renewable energy, and industrial sectors. Our internships are designed for individuals eager to learn, contribute, and build a career in their chosen field. Whether you’re assisting with project coordination, estimating costs, or supporting our HR and IT teams, KE gives interns meaningful work and direct mentorship to help them grow.
Midwest Machinery – A paid internship at Midwest Machinery is where all your classroom time come together. At Midwest Machinery, you will learn from seasoned service technicians and assist real customers. You’ll put all you know about diesel engines, powertrains, electronics, and diagnostics to work. You’ll learn you really can fix a machine with a laptop as well as a wrench. And you’ll discover how your skills affect everyone you come into contact with, from customers to coworkers. As a bonus, Midwest Machinery offers an education reimbursement program if you agree to work for us full time after completing your degree from an accredited school.
Miller Sellner – An internship at Miller Sellner is designed to provide students with an on-the-job-training experience with seasoned mentors that will grow their skill set and serve to help them make informed career choices as well as enhance their formal education.
Our Fairmont and Slayton dealerships can accommodate one internship at each location, and our Bingham Lake and Sleepy Eye dealerships can accommodate up to two internships at each locations. All our internships are paid positions.
Palmer Bus Service – Start your career with our Early Careers Diesel Mechanic Program! Available at most of our locations across Minnesota, this hands-on program geared toward high school juniors and seniors pairs you with an experienced mentor to learn real-world skills in diesel maintenance and repair. As Minnesota’s largest privately owned school bus transportation company, we’re proud to help the next generation of technicians gain the experience and confidence to keep our fleet running safely and efficiently.
RDO – The Access Your Future Program at RDO Equipment Co. helps students build the foundation for a successful career in the heavy equipment industry through mentorships, internships and training. We offer programs for service, parts and sales. These programs provide the opportunity to become expert technicians, or customer-facing professionals, and learn the skills necessary to succeed in RDO’s agriculture, construction and industrial equipment stores.
Titan Machinery – Titan Machinery celebrates and invests in individuals seeking to develop their career trajectory, regardless of age! Whether you’re a parent or educator researching for your student, a soon-to-be graduate exploring your options, or a recently retired veteran looking to begin the next chapter – we’re here for you.
Ziegler – The Ziegler Apprenticeship Program offers on-the-job training with no prior experience or education required. As a Ziegler apprentice, you will build your skillset through hands-on and classroom training led by Ziegler technical instructors over the course of the 12-month program. The goal at the completion of the training period is for all apprentices to earn a career as a diesel repair technician at the Ziegler branch near them.