Live Production Intern - Feedmill

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with over $12 billion in annual revenue. Its brands include PLANTERS®, SKIPPY®, SPAM®, HORMEL® NATURAL CHOICE®, APPLEGATE®, WHOLLY®, HORMEL® BLACK LABEL®, COLUMBUS®, JENNIE-O® and more than 30 other beloved brands. The Company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of the best companies to work for by U.S. News & World Report and one of America’s most responsible companies by Newsweek, was recognized by TIME magazine as one of the World’s Best Companies and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. For more information, visitwww.hormelfoods.com. 

Job Title

Live Production Intern – Feedmill 

Job Purpose: As a Feedmill Intern, you will gain hands-on experience within a modern feed manufacturing operation that supports a vertically integrated turkey production system. Interns will work alongside feed mill managers, nutritionists, operations teams, and production leaders to gain a comprehensive understanding of feed manufacturing, ingredient management, quality assurance, and operational leadership.

This internship is designed for students interested in feed production, agricultural operations, manufacturing management, animal nutrition, and supply chain management. 

Responsibilities:

• Gain exposure to all aspects of feed mill operations, including receiving, manufacturing, quality control, maintenance, inventory management, and feed delivery logistics.
• Work alongside feed mill leadership to understand production planning, labor management, and operational efficiency.
• Monitor feed manufacturing processes to ensure quality, consistency, and compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
• Learn the role of feed formulation and nutrition in supporting bird health, welfare, and production performance.
• Assist with inventory management of ingredients, finished feed, and other mill supplies.
• Participate in quality assurance programs, including feed sampling, testing procedures, and recordkeeping.
• Analyze production data and key performance indicators to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Gain exposure to preventive maintenance programs and equipment operation within a manufacturing environment.
• Collaborate with feed mill personnel, live production teams, nutritionists, and corporate support staff to support operational goals.
• Design, execute, and present an independent project based on business needs and personal interests. Projects may focus on process improvement, operational efficiency, quality assurance, cost management, safety initiatives, or production analytics.
• Present project findings and recommendations to feed mill and production leadership at the conclusion of the internship.

Required Qualifications:

• Must graduate in August 2027, December 2027, or May 2028 and major in Agriculture, Animal Science, Poultry Science, Agribusiness, Business, or a related field

• Demonstrated analytical, problem-solving, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

• Strong work ethic, initiative, and desire to learn within a manufacturing and agricultural environment.

• Ability to work safely around industrial equipment and in a production setting.

• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation to and from assigned work locations.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Applicants must not now, or at any time in the future, require employer sponsorship for a work visa
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer

 Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7.
• Previous agricultural, manufacturing, feed mill, grain handling, livestock, or production experience.
• Experience with data analysis, process improvement, or operational projects.
• Interest in feed manufacturing, operations leadership, animal nutrition, or agricultural production management.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools.

What You'll Gain

• Hands-on experience in feed manufacturing and agricultural operations management.
• Exposure to animal nutrition, ingredient procurement, inventory control, quality assurance, and production planning.
• Mentorship from experienced feed mill managers and industry professionals.
• Opportunities to develop leadership, analytical, and project management skills.
• A deeper understanding of how feed production impacts bird health, welfare, and overall production performance.
• Professional experience that prepares you for future careers in operations management, feed manufacturing, supply chain management, animal nutrition, agricultural production, or agribusiness leadership.

Hormel Foods does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas. 

About Our Internship Program

The Hormel Foods internship program is designed with your growth in mind. As an intern, you'll gain hands-on experience working on meaningful projects that support real business initiatives while developing the skills and confidence needed to launch your career.

In addition to day-to-day responsibilities, you'll have opportunities to connect with fellow interns, build your professional network, participate in development and learning sessions, and interact with leaders across the organization. You'll leave the summer with valuable experience, lasting connections, and a deeper understanding of what it's like to work for a Fortune 500 company.

We're proud to be recognized among the nation's Top 150 Internship Programs by Vault.

Duration

Our summer internship program runs 10-12 weeks and starts in late May and ends in early August.

Co-ops may be available depending on our business needs. The co-op program duration is typically 6-8 months and can run from early January through early August OR late May through early December.

Hours

This is a temporary, full-time, hourly position. Interns can expect to work approximately 40 hours per week and may be eligible for overtime based on business needs. 

Location(s) 

• This is an on-site position based out of one of our feedmills:
  • Atwater, MN
  • Medford, MN
  • Barron, WI
• Hormel Foods does not currently offer remote internship opportunities.

Compensation/Benefits

• Competitive hourly pay of $24.00 paid on a weekly basis
• Housing assistance through either a housing stipend or company-provided housing, depending on location
• Reimbursement of eligible relocation expenses
• Reimbursement for approved business-related expenses 
• Opportunity to participate in a 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match 
• Paid time off (PTO) accrual
• Hands-on experience with a Fortune 500 company 
• Professional development opportunities and networking experiences 
• Potential consideration for future internships, co-ops, or full-time employment opportunities

At Hormel we invite difference and diversity in all aspects.  We offer a space of support, understanding, and community.  We are committed to the journey!  Learn more about our progress here: Inclusion and Belonging - About - Hormel Foods

Hormel Foods provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.