Live Production Intern - Growout/Breeder Production

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 – Growout or Breeder Area

Job Purpose: As a Growout & Breeder Production Intern, you will gain hands-on experience in turkey production while working directly with industry professionals. This internship provides exposure to both commercial growout operations and breeder production, offering a comprehensive understanding of the poultry production lifecycle.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with the daily management and performance of growout and breeder flocks, including flock health, welfare, biosecurity, and production objectives.
• Monitor and analyze key production metrics, labor utilization, and operational expenses to support cost-effective flock management.
• Partner with farm managers and production leaders to identify opportunities for continuous improvement in bird performance, efficiency, and animal care.
• Participate in breeder flock activities, including production monitoring, egg collection processes, hatchability factors, and reproductive performance management.
• Gain exposure to production planning, inventory management, regulatory compliance, and industry best practices.
• Design, execute, and present an independent project based on business needs and personal interests. Projects may include production optimization, research trials, data analysis, process improvement, animal welfare initiatives, or operational efficiency studies.
• Present project findings and recommendations to 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 production environment.

• Ability to meet all biosecurity requirements and work comfortably in a farm/barn setting.

• This position will require a valid driver's license and reliable transportation to and from assigned work locations.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

• 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 livestock, poultry, agricultural, or farm experience.
• Experience with data analysis, research projects, or production-related coursework.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Interest in pursuing a career in animal agriculture, production management, or operations leadership.

What You'll Gain

• Hands-on experience managing both growout and breeder turkey operations.
• Mentorship from experienced production leaders.
• Exposure to commercial agriculture, animal welfare, and operational decision-making.
• Opportunities to develop leadership, project management, and analytical skills.
• Real-world experience that prepares you for future careers in production management, operations, animal agriculture, or agribusiness.

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 growout or breeder production areas:
  • Byron, MN/Dodge Center, MN/Rochester, MN area
  • Perham, MN area
  • Barron, WI/Rice Lake, WI area
• 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.