Producers Can Apply to Host an Intern Next Summer
Dairy producers from Pennsylvania and beyond are encouraged to apply to be a host farm in the 2027 On-Farm Internship Program. The program was designed to provide 10- to 12-week on-farm internships and create opportunities for Pennsylvania students to gain practical knowledge, information, and skills on progressive dairy operations. The Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania (PDMP), Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association, and Dairy Excellence Foundation partner each year to support this program. Host farm applications must be submitted by November 15, 2026.
“If you’re looking for an employee who has experience in dairy production and an interest in advancing their skills, this program allows you to help mentor and share your experience with a young professional,” said Michelle Shearer, Workforce Development Manager at the Center for Dairy Excellence. “Interns benefit from gaining hands-on experience and being exposed to all aspects of your operation while many host farms benefit from getting an outside perspective from a young person who is motivated to work hard, learn a lot, and pay attention to detail.”
During the On-Farm Internship, host farms will be expected to create goals and areas of focus for the student’s 10-12 week experience. As part of these goals, interns will participate in discussion groups and work closely with their host farm to complete an in-depth research project that benefits the dairy operation.
See how other dairy producers have benefited from serving as a host farm for the On-Farm Internship Program:
- Enhance the labor pool and provide learning opportunities. “When the internship program started over 15 years ago, we saw the need to have students get out onto progressive dairy farms and apply the classroom skills they were acquiring. We also thought it would be a great way to enhance the labor pool for future employees we would need on our farms. Through the program, the interns infuse a sense of enthusiasm to their host farms, and they bring their own unique interests and skills as well.” –Walt Moore, Walmoore Holsteins, West Grove, Pa.
- Lighten the workload of other team members. “Hosting an intern directly benefited our farm in one way by lightening the workload of other team members, giving more opportunity for time off. We also saw the benefits of giving an individual who is seeking a career in agriculture some real-world experience before entering their career.” –Josh Brubaker of Brubaker Farms in Mount Joy, Pa.
- Gain an outside perspective. “The on-farm internship program is a great way for us to bring someone new into our operation who can help provide a fresh perspective in areas of our farm. We can also help the interns gain valuable skills and knowledge they can use in the future.” –Jared Kurtz of Kurtland Farms in Elverson, Pa.
On-Farm Internship host farm applications are due by November 15, 2026 and can be submitted online. For more information about the expectations and requirements for farms that are accepted into the On-Farm Internship program, visit www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/internship.
Contact Michelle Shearer at mshearer@centerfordairyexcellence.org or 570-768-8316 with questions about the program.