By Blake Jackson
Pennsylvania dairy organizations are accepting applications for two internship programs that will give students practical experience in the dairy industry during the summer of 2027.
High school graduates and undergraduate students can apply for on-farm internships, while qualified college students can pursue a Dairy Education, Programs and Communications Internship. Dairy producers interested in mentoring students can also submit applications to serve as host farms.
The Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association, and Dairy Excellence Foundation collaborate on the On-Farm Internship program.
The Center for Dairy Excellence sponsors the Dairy Education, Programs and Communications Internship. Applications for students and host farms are available online, with deadlines in November.
“These internship opportunities are a great way for students to take their personal interests in dairy science, animal science, or even agricultural communications, and expand on their knowledge through real-world experience,” said Michelle Shearer, Workforce Development Manager at the Dairy Excellence Foundation.
“At the farm level, these are competitive internships that help expose students to new management styles, different herd sizes, new technology, and different work environments. Students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in dairy production, while the dairy producers who participate in the program have the opportunity to mentor a young dairy professional and lighten the workload of other team members during the summer months,” Shearer added.
The On-Farm Internship runs for 10 to 12 weeks and provides students with direct exposure to dairy production. Participants receive a $3,000 stipend in addition to compensation from their host farms.
Applicants must be enrolled in or recently graduated from a Pennsylvania college or university, be Pennsylvania residents attending an out-of-state institution, or be Pennsylvania residents ages 18 to 25 with a high school diploma, agricultural experience, and an interest in dairy farming.
Applicants should study animal science or a related agricultural discipline or have experience in production agriculture. Interns will be matched with dairy farms, participate in discussion groups, establish summer goals, and complete a research project.
Host farms may be located inside or outside Pennsylvania but must provide exposure to the major components of a progressive dairy operation.
The Dairy Education, Programs and Communications Internship runs from May through August 2027. Candidates must be entering at least their sophomore year at an accredited college or university.
The paid, 10- to 12-week position requires 40 hours per week and includes work on educational programs, communications and marketing materials, and youth events.
Student applications are due November 1, 2026, while host farm applications must be submitted by November 15, 2026.
More information is available at the Center for Dairy Excellence website. Questions can be directed to Michelle Shearer at mshearer@centerfordairyexcellence.org or 570-768-8316.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: Pennsylvania, Education, Livestock, Dairy Cattle