Swine Intern

Description

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.

What You'll Gain

• Real-world experience in the swine and feed industry working alongside experienced sales, nutrition, and production professionals
• Well-rounded exposure to feed sales, swine nutrition, farm management, and feed manufacturing
• A dedicated mentor to guide your learning and support your professional growth
• The chance to present your projects and results directly to CFE leadership
• Valuable industry connections and insight into agricultural career opportunities

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

• Research & Development – Help with the daily care of pigs while collecting accurate data to present.
• Swine Management – Assist with grading, troubleshooting, marketing, farm audits, training, and biosecurity checks.
• Feed Sales – Learn the sales process, share product knowledge and usage with customers, and build lasting relationships.
• Swine Nutrition – Learn the fundamentals of feed formulation and ration balancing.
• Feed Manufacturing – Help produce feed supplements and complete feeds in HACCP-approved facilities and support Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) compliance activities at feed milling locations.
• Training & Teamwork – Work with the CFE feed sales staff and help prepare for and participate in feed training meetings.
• Records & Traceability – Learn traceability and record-keeping programs, including but not limited to MetaFarms.
• Customer Insights – Create and conduct a customer questionnaire and report your findings to CFE staff at the end of your internship.
• Final Presentation – Prepare and deliver a presentation summarizing your projects, research data, and questionnaire results to CFE leadership.
• Mentorship & Feedback – Participate in mid-point and final evaluations with your mentor to review progress, goals, and feedback.

Reporting

• Inform your supervisor of discrepancies in your reports as soon as you are aware of them
• Inform your supervisor of potential problems or potential new business opportunities directly or indirectly related to your department
• Report any unsafe equipment or working conditions to your supervisor
• Report any needed repairs or special maintenance to your supervisor immediately

Safety and Compliance

• Uphold cooperative policies 
• Follow and comply with all laws and regulations both State and Federal
• Attend employee safety meetings, etc. held as required or scheduled in conjunction with Safety Director or location
• Follow all farm biosecurity protocols, including shower-in/shower-out procedures and required downtime between site visits

Other Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned by management 
• Collaboratively work with location, departmental personnel 
• Attitude consistently mirrors the company image and promotes fellow employee teamwork
• Present a professional image through words, actions, and personal appearance

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in Animal Science, Agricultural Business, Agronomy, or a related field
• Junior or senior standing preferred; other class levels will be considered
• GPA of 3.0 or higher preferred
• Genuine interest in the swine industry and eagerness to learn
• Livestock experience preferred but not required
• Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects at a time
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint
• Self-motivated team player who is comfortable working in barns, feed mills, and on the farm
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation

Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed in basic qualifications are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand, sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions, in livestock barns and feed mill environments with exposure to dust, odors, noise, and moving equipment. Personal protective equipment is required as directed.

Cooperative Farmers Elevator is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Interested candidates may apply through Paylocity.