Sow Intern

Iowa Select Farm’s internship program was designed for students studying animal science, Ag studies or any other Ag-related field. The program is intended to prepare students for a successful career in pork production management.  Internship programs may last anywhere from 8 weeks – 4 months and will provide excellent, hands-on training in a variety of areas including commercial pork production. Currently, there are two different options for internship program duration:1) Spring internship2) Summer internship (includes free housing)  Qualified candidates must have the ability to work on a team, be accountable for reaching performance goals and possess a strong work ethic and desire to learn and understand the operational aspects, science, technology, and leadership qualities needed to be a production manager within a commercial swine system. Many members of our production management team began their career path with Iowa Select Farms as an intern or directly out of a community college or university. While they all have their own unique timeline for growth and learning experience, Iowa Select Farms has helped them exponentially increase their job skills, developed them into managers and outstanding leaders and then opened doors for them to advance upward. Most commonly, students are placed in on-farm, production-based internship experiences either in breed-to-wean production   SKILLS ACQUIRED THROUGHOUT A SOW FARM INTERNSHIP MAY INCLUDE, BUT WILL NOT BE LIMITED TO: Principles of breeding, including body condition scoring, heat detection, artificial insemination, and pregnancy checksPrinciples of farrowing and early-piglet care including cross-fostering, colostrum management, processing, vaccination, and castration Monitoring and overseeing farm and equipment sanitation, supply orders, inventory and record keeping Employee management, personnel development, and the importance of employee engagement   LEADERSHIP AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (SUMMER INTERNS ONLY): Throughout a summer internship with Iowa Select Farms, interns will have the opportunity for leadership and professional development opportunities including but not limited to: Leadership Panels“Ride-alongs” to explore other areas of companyParticipation in Iowa Select Farms “PeopleCare Leadership Program” Opportunity to engage and network with all employment tiers through company summer events  ADDITIONAL INTERNSHIP DETAILS:Animal science or related degrees and/or experience preferredPaid internship: $14/hour Housing provided and included in internship at Ellsworth Community College (summer only)Internship duration: late May – early August 2025Two-year community college or four-year university students are eligibleAll work locations in IowaPotential college credit – Iowa Select Farms will work to accommodate collegiate internship requirementsAll interns must interview for the position and complete a background check and Predictive Index Assessment Iowa Select Farms encourages all students who are seriously considering a career in swine production management to apply for a spot in our summer internship program.  Please apply by clicking APPLY TO THIS POSITION below or contact Judith Gonzalez at 641-316-3235.