Swine Intern

Cooperative Farmers Elevator•Rock Rapids, IA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Gain hands-on experience working alongside the CFE feed sales team and feed department. As a Swine Feed Intern, you will help attract and retain swine feed customers while learning how Cooperative Farmers Elevator's systems and processes work. The internship offers real-world experience in the swine and feed industry alongside sales, nutrition, and production professionals; exposure to feed sales, swine nutrition, farm management, and feed manufacturing; a dedicated mentor; opportunities to present project results to CFE leadership; and connections and insight into agricultural career opportunities.

Requirements

Currently pursuing a degree in Animal Science, Agricultural Business, Agronomy, or a related field.
Genuine interest in the swine industry and eagerness to learn.
Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects at a time.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint.
Self-motivated team player comfortable working in barns, feed mills, and on the farm.
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
Ability to perform the essential duties, with reasonable accommodation as appropriate; duties include occasional lifting and/or moving of up to 50 pounds and the physical activities described in the posting.

Nice To Haves

Junior or senior standing; other class levels will be considered.
GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Livestock experience.

Responsibilities

Help with the daily care of pigs and collect accurate research and development data for presentation.
Assist with grading, troubleshooting, marketing, farm audits, training, and biosecurity checks.
Learn the feed sales process, share product knowledge and usage with customers, and build lasting customer relationships.
Learn the fundamentals of feed formulation and ration balancing.
Help produce feed supplements and complete feeds in HACCP-approved facilities, and support HACCP compliance activities at feed milling locations.
Work with CFE feed sales staff and help prepare for and participate in feed training meetings.
Learn traceability and record-keeping programs, including MetaFarms.
Create and conduct a customer questionnaire and report findings to CFE staff at the end of the internship.
Prepare and deliver a presentation to CFE leadership summarizing projects, research data, and questionnaire results.
Participate in midpoint and final evaluations with a mentor to review progress, goals, and feedback.
Inform a supervisor promptly of report discrepancies, potential problems or business opportunities, unsafe equipment or working conditions, and needed repairs or special maintenance.
Uphold cooperative policies and comply with state and federal laws and regulations.
Attend employee safety meetings as required or scheduled.
Follow farm biosecurity protocols, including shower-in/shower-out procedures and required downtime between site visits.
Perform other duties assigned by management and collaborate with location and departmental personnel.
Promote teamwork and consistently present a professional image through words, actions, and personal appearance.