Agriculture Business Internships: Cultivating the Next Generation of Leaders

Careers in agriculture are diverse, rewarding, and in demand. To foster the growth of future agricultural professionals, numerous internship programs and opportunities are available. These programs provide invaluable hands-on experience, skill development, and networking opportunities for students and recent graduates interested in pursuing careers in agriculture, science, technology, math, environmental management, business, and related fields.

Federal Government Internship and Employment Opportunities

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers a variety of federal internship and employment opportunities designed to attract and develop talent. These programs cater to current students, recent graduates, recent veterans, and those with advanced degrees, providing pathways to federal careers.

USDA Pathways Program

The USDA Pathways Program offers several avenues for students and recent graduates to gain experience in the federal government:

Pathways Internship Program: This program provides year-round, paid work experiences for students pursuing degrees at the high school, undergraduate, and graduate levels. Interns can work during the summer, fall, spring, or year-round, and upon successful completion of the program, they may be eligible for non-competitive conversion to a permanent position.
Pathways Recent Graduates Program: This program is designed for individuals who have graduated within the past two years with a degree or certificate. Veterans have up to six years from obtaining their degree to be eligible. Participants engage in a one-year career development program, with the potential for non-competitive conversion to a permanent position upon meeting program requirements.
Presidential Management Fellows Program: This prestigious program is geared towards advanced degree candidates and serves as a flagship leadership development initiative. Fellows receive a two-year appointment, in addition to salary and benefits, which may be converted to a permanent position.

USDA Leadership and Policy Internship

This internship offers eligible applicants the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in offices across all USDA mission areas, supporting work that shapes agriculture, rural communities, nutrition, conservation, and more.

USDA Scholarship Programs

In addition to internships, the USDA offers scholarship programs to support students pursuing degrees in agriculture and related fields.

1890 National Scholars Program

This program is a partnership between the USDA and the 1890 historically Black land-grant colleges and universities. It provides full tuition, fees, books, room, and board to selected students pursuing a bachelor's degree in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or related academic disciplines at one of the 19 designated 1890 land-grant universities. Upon completion of the academic and summer work requirements, the USDA may, at its discretion, convert the student to a permanent employee without further competition.

1994 Tribal Scholars Program

The USDA 1994 Tribal Scholars Program aims to increase the number of American Indian and Alaska Native students studying agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, and related disciplines. Eligible students are those who plan to attend, are currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from a Tribal College or University. The program provides full tuition, employment, housing or a living stipend, employee benefits, fees, and books each year for up to 4 years to selected students at one of 35 federally recognized Tribal Colleges and Universities and continuing at other higher education institutions.

American Climate Corps

As part of historic efforts to combat climate change, advance environmental justice, and build the clean energy economy, USDA is excited to announce its participation in the American Climate Corps. The American Climate Corps (ACC), is a groundbreaking, workforce training and service initiative that will prepare tens of thousands of young people for good-paying jobs in the clean economy and for climate resilience. In year one, American Climate Corps will put more than 20,000 young people on career pathways in the growing fields of clean energy, conservation and climate resilience.

Other Government Programs

Several other government programs offer valuable experience in agriculture and related fields:

American Climate Corps: As part of historic efforts to combat climate change, advance environmental justice, and build the clean energy economy, USDA is excited to announce its participation in the American Climate Corps. The American Climate Corps (ACC), is a groundbreaking, workforce training and service initiative that will prepare tens of thousands of young people for good-paying jobs in the clean economy and for climate resilience. In year one, American Climate Corps will put more than 20,000 young people on career pathways in the growing fields of clean energy, conservation and climate resilience.
Indian Youth Service Corps (IYSC): This Department of the Interior (DOI) initiative engages Native youth in meaningful public service projects on federal and Tribal lands, benefiting Native communities. Participants work on projects related to natural resources; parks and recreation; environmental conservation and restoration; infrastructure and construction; energy; and a broad range of cultural, historic, and archaeological resources. The IYSC provides education, employment, and training to Native American and Alaska Native individuals ages 16-30 (or veterans up to the age of 35) and can serve as an invaluable community resource and hiring pipeline to careers in several critical fields.
Public Lands Corps: This program provides meaningful, paid work experience for young adults between 16 and 30 to advance conservation and stewardship of public lands through wildfire risk reduction, trails and recreation management, habitat restoration, research, visitor services, and more, developing skills necessary to join the next generation of conservation leaders.
Resource Assistants Program (RAP): This rigorous, immersive, paid internship is for individuals 17 years and older who are interested in natural and cultural resources careers. Participants work alongside Forest Service staff to complete mission-critical projects that develop leadership, critical thinking, and strategic communication skills.
Youth Conservation Corps (YCC): This summer youth employment program engages young people, ages 15 to 18, in meaningful work experiences in national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and fish hatcheries. Youth are engaged in fun, exciting work projects designed to develop an ethic of environmental stewardship and civic responsibility. Projects include building and repairing trails; preserving and repairing historic buildings; removing invasive species; helping with wildlife and land research; and leading environmental education.
Forest Service Job Corps: The Forest Service Job Corps is a residential career training program for young people ages 16 to 24 to conserve the nation’s natural resources while helping them complete their high school education, train them for meaningful careers, and assist them with obtaining employment.

Third-Party Internship Programs

The USDA partners with various organizations to offer students opportunities to work with its 29 agencies and offices, gaining practical experience in different fields. Recruitment and selection are managed by the host programs.

Read also: ML Applications in Agriculture

HEP/CAMP Internship Program: The USDA offers a paid 10-week internship program for students from migrant and farmworker backgrounds. Interns gain work experience and learn about career opportunities within the USDA while working at its headquarters in Washington, D.C. The program is run in partnership with the National HEP/CAMP Association, comprised of universities, colleges, and nonprofit organizations that administer a High School Equivalency Program (HEP) and/or a College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP). Participating interns will be current or former participants of HEP and/or CAMP programs at their respective institutions. This internship program is administered by USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE). Eligible students are current CAMP students, alumni, and HEP graduates attending a post-secondary institution.
Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) National Internship Program: HACU is a nonprofit organization that advocates on behalf of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), representing more than 500 member institutions across the United States. The HACU National Internship Program places students in federal and corporate internships. The USDA has partnered with HACU for more than 28 years to provide over 3,000 college students with paid spring, summer, or fall internships at various USDA offices in Washington, D.C., as well as field offices. The program gives undergraduate and graduate students valuable professional experience in the federal sector.
NextGen Program: USDA made a historic $262.5 million investment in 2023 in over 60 minority-serving institutions across the United States and Insular Areas to recruit, train, and retain the next generation of leaders in food, agricultural, natural resources and human sciences fields.
Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates (REEU): The Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates (REEU) Program Area Priority promotes experiential learning opportunities for undergraduate students at two- and four-year institutions such that upon graduation they may enter the agricultural workforce with exceptional skills. This grant program allows colleges and universities to design paid internships programs that provide undergraduate students with research and extension/outreach opportunities components in the food and agricultural sciences. Each project funded has its own timeline, disciplines supported, and selection process.
Thurgood Marshall College Fund Internship Program: TMCF supports students in the fields of science, technology, engineering, agricultural, mathematics, and business at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This program accepts undergraduate students with at least a sophomore standing, graduate, and professional students. Applicants must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA with strong verbal and written communication skills.
Wallace-Carver Fellowship Program: Working with the World Food Prize, USDA offers college students the opportunity to collaborate with scientists and policymakers through paid fellowships at USDA research centers and offices across the United States. Fellows help analyze agricultural and economic policy; assist in the management of food, nutrition and rural development programs; and take part in groundbreaking field and laboratory-based research. Fellows also participate in a weeklong symposium hosted by the USDA in Washington, D.C. Named for Henry A. Wallace and George Washington Carver, two of American leaders in agricultural science and policy who made significant strides toward ending hunger, the Wallace-Carver Fellowship seeks to educate, inspire, and train the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Career Development Programs

These programs offer participating students opportunities for professional growth and career exploration by providing opportunities to develop their skills through real-world experiences at USDA agencies and increase their professional network and awareness of careers at USDA and the agricultural sector.

Agricultural Scholars: The Farm Foundation Agricultural Scholars program engages graduate student scholars working in agricultural economics or related agricultural policy work with a year-long series of learning experiences focused on gaining a deeper understanding of production agriculture, agribusiness, and government, in hopes of inspiring and training the next generation of agricultural economists interested agricultural policy, commodity market analysis, agricultural finance, and other applied fields of economics.
Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program: The Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program is a locally funded initiative that provides District of Columbia youth ages 14 to 24 with enriching and constructive summer work experiences in the private and government sectors. Eligible youth will have the opportunity to earn money and gain meaningful work experience; learn and develop the skills, attitudes and commitment necessary to succeed in today’s world of work; and gain exposure to various career industries.

Private Sector Internship Examples

Beyond government programs, numerous private sector internships offer diverse experiences in agriculture. Some examples include:

Crop Technician Internships: These internships are ideal for individuals who enjoy working outdoors. Responsibilities include scouting fields, reporting problems, sharing wins with a team, and connecting with a network of fellow weed watchers.
Business Internships: These internships focus on areas such as creative marketing, swine and animal nutrition, ag technology, seed and agronomy, and operations. The opportunities are diverse and catered to the applicant’s talents and interests.

Farm Internship Examples

There are many opportunities to work directly on farms:

Seasonal Farm Crew Member: Farm crew full and part time positions available. Seasonal farm crew members are vital to the success of the farm. As a member of the team you will primarily harvest, wash and pack weekly vegetable orders in a team setting. We will train you on our high quality, cleanliness and consistency standards for our veggie products.
Diversified Vegetable Farm Worker: Working with us involves all aspects of a diversified vegetable farm. Transplanting, cultivating, harvesting, weeding, irrigation, hoophouses, washing, packing, weed eating, market, cattle duties, chicken duties, mowing, seeding, and repeat. Workers rotate working Saturdays twice a month. We very much work as a team to grow, harvest, and deliver fresh healthy food to our community.
Full-Time Farm Crew Lead: Work five days/week - schedule based on farm needs, but always two days off in a row.
Farm Apprentice: Apprentices will participate in and gain skills in the following areas: Goats- milking, herding to pasture, pasture management, general maintenance, hoof trimming, basic cheese making, harvesting and processing Poultry- general maintenance, pasturing/fence moving, chick rearing, harvesting and processing Fruit and Nut Tree and shrub- establishment, maintenance, and harvesting, understory plantings Firewood Harvesting and Processing/Tree Felling. Basic chainsaw use.
Farm Hand: Job Overview We are seeking a dedicated and hardworking Farm Hand to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for farming and a willingness to learn various aspects of farm operations. This role involves hands-on work with sheep, cattle, and poultry, ensuring the smooth functioning of daily farm activities.
Vegetable Grower & Tractor Operator: Job description: Our Vegetable Grower & Tractor Operators help implement the seeding, planting, cultivation, and maintenance of all the crops on the farm. Help us grow over 100 acres of organic crops to feed the community! Work outside and enjoy the fields and all the good food you help make.
Farm Manager: Red Fire Farm is looking for a new Farm Manager to oversee our Granby farm! This location is our home farm, and is a large part of the community we try so hard to foster.
Farmer Training Program: Intensive learning. One month minimum stay. Skills taught; Sustainable organic and biodynamic soil care. Tractor and tool use. Planting. and all aspects of plant care. Weeding using specialized efficient technique.
Field manager/farmer: Full time field manager/farmer to work in 2-5 acre market farm with orchard. We are a biodynamic, organic farm producing all main vegetables for a farmers market and wholesale. We use small tractors, progressive and ancient techniques and tools, minimal plastic.
Animal Husbandry Intern: Interns will learn and participate in every aspect of regenerative animal husbandry, as well as marketing and butchering. You will be working 4-5 days a week. Some days will be very simple; feeding animals in the morning and night, checking waterers, checking fences, cleaning animal enclosures, and moving chicken tractors. Other days will be harder and longer.
Farm Apprentice: The farm is tucked in a hollow in the mountains of South Central Pennsylvania. We enjoy a beautiful remote, rural setting for growing produce, while staying connected to the city through our markets. This location limits apprentices ability to participate in off farm social activities and life during the height of the growing season(June-September).
Vegetable Farm Manager: -Manage a 1-acre vegetable farm near Fayetteville, NC with 1-3 part-time helpers -Farm experience a plus but not required -Spanish a plus but not required -Veteran preferred -Responsibilities: -Harvest 1-2x/week for deliveries to local grocery stores & restaurants. -Keep records for organic & food safety certifications. -Keeping crops healthy- planting, weeding, pruning, irrigation & fertilizing.
Farm Crew Member: We are seeking to fill full time farm crew positions for the year. These positions will be part of a small team responsible for most day-to-day operations of the farm. Primary Duties: Perform day to day field operations, including propagation, field preparation, planting, weeding and cultivation, pest and disease management, and harvest.
Organic Farming/Gardening with inner development intern: The Twining Vines Program provides a unique integrated experience for students to investigate the rich interplay between organic farming/gardening with inner development, spiritual practice and community building. The program offers a 26 week residential apprenticeship May-Oct and a 12 week part time summer internship Jun - Sept.
Farm Intern: Interns will work 20-25 hours per week, Monday - Friday.
R Farm Intern: As an intern at R Farm, you will be exposed to a wide range of daily farm activities plus gain a big picture understanding of how our model fits into the local economy. Learn how a small farm can operate in the wholesale & non-profit sector, without doing farmers markets and still able to make a profit.
Flower Farm Intern: I am seeking an early-career farmer to help establish a new flower farm. An intern who is in final year of education can participate in a small-scale pilot will begin. And then transition to a full ownership when we go into formal business. This role involves full responsibility for planning, cultivating, and maintaining the farm.
Organic No-Till Vegetable and Flower Farm Intern: Join us in growing great food while living and learning on our organic no-till vegetable and flower farm. You will be immersed in the work and life of the farm, and can expect to gain experience in the following areas as they relate to a wide variety of crops.
Small Scale Farm Intern: Off Grid -Human Powered- Nutrient Dense- Small Scale- Beyond Organic Farm and Homestead. Seeking motivated and experienced individuals passionate about growing regeneratively and putting up food, learning new skills, and working hard. Most skills require lots of repetition; others don't.