Internships and Part-Time Jobs That Prepare You for a Career in Farming
Why Internships and Part-Time Jobs Matter in Farming
Unlike some careers where a degree alone opens doors, farming requires hands-on experience. Working the land, understanding how weather affects crops, and learning how to operate machinery or care for animals can’t be learned from books alone. Here’s why internships and part-time jobs matter:
- Skill development: Gain experience in planting, harvesting, equipment operation, irrigation, pest control, and more.
- Decision-making: Understand how and why farmers make certain choices throughout the year.
- Exposure: Explore different types of agriculture — organic, commercial, livestock, horticulture, etc.
- Networking: Meet farmers, agronomists, suppliers, and others who can guide your career.
- Resume-building: Demonstrate your initiative and practical knowledge to future employers or schools.
Types of Internships in Agriculture and Farming
Internships are structured, often educational work experiences that can be full- or part-time. They might be paid or unpaid, depending on the farm or organization. Some last a few months; others are year-round or seasonal. Here are the most common types:
1. Farm Internships
What You’ll Do: General farm internships expose you to all aspects of farming life. You might do anything from planting and irrigating crops to helping with livestock and learning about farm management.
Where to Find Them:
- Local family farms
- Agricultural cooperatives
- CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) programs
- Farm incubator programs
Tip: Look for programs that provide housing and meals — many rural farms offer these perks to attract workers.
2. Organic or Sustainable Farming Internships
What You’ll Do: These internships focus on natural farming methods — no synthetic pesticides or GMOs. Expect to learn about crop rotation, composting, soil health, and eco-friendly pest control.
Best For: Aspiring farmers interested in sustainability, environmental science, or health and wellness.
Where to Find Them:
- WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms)
- Local organic farms
- Permaculture centers
- Sustainable agriculture NGOs
3. Agribusiness or Agricultural Science Internships
What You’ll Do: If you’re more interested in the business or science behind farming, these internships might include lab work, farm finance, supply chain management, or sales of agricultural equipment and seeds.
Best For: Students studying agricultural economics, agronomy, plant science, or business.
Where to Find Them:
- Seed and fertilizer companies
- Government agricultural departments
- Universities or research institutions
Part-Time Jobs That Prepare You for a Career in Farming
Part-time work is a great option during high school or college. These jobs might not always look like traditional “farming,” but they teach vital skills and build your understanding of the food system.
1. Farmhand or Farm Laborer
Job Description: Assist in planting, weeding, irrigating, harvesting, and packing produce. May also include feeding livestock, maintaining fences, or cleaning equipment.
Benefits:
- Learn essential labor skills
- Experience the rhythm of a real working farm
- Often seasonal — great for summer jobs
2. Greenhouse or Nursery Assistant
Job Description: Work in plant nurseries or greenhouses growing vegetables, flowers, and shrubs. Tasks may include potting, watering, and pest management.
Benefits:
- Gain experience with controlled environments
- Learn about plant growth and health
- Understand the nursery business model
3. Farmers Market Staff
Job Description: Sell produce or products at local markets. You’ll set up booths, handle money, talk to customers, and sometimes help with inventory or deliveries.
Benefits:
- Learn about customer service and marketing
- See how direct-to-consumer sales work
- Great networking opportunities
4. Landscaping or Groundskeeping
Job Description: Mow lawns, trim trees, plant flowers, and maintain gardens. While it’s not traditional farming, it teaches you about soil, plants, and outdoor labor.
Benefits:
- Learn basic plant care and equipment use
- Work independently or in a crew
- Improve your physical fitness
5. Working at a Feed Store or Agricultural Supply Business
Job Description: Sell seeds, feed, tools, and other farm essentials. Help customers find products, stock shelves, and learn about inventory management.
Benefits:
- Understand the tools and materials farmers use
- Learn about animal nutrition, fertilizers, and seeds
- Build customer service and business skills
How to Find These Opportunities
There are many places to find farm-related internships and jobs. Here are some useful methods and platforms:
Online Job Boards
- Indeed: Search for “farm internship” or “agriculture jobs” by location.
- AgCareers.com: Industry-specific site for agriculture and food careers.
- Good Food Jobs: Focuses on sustainable food systems and farms.
- WWOOF.net: Connects volunteers with organic farms worldwide.
Local Resources
- County extension offices
- High school agriculture programs (like FFA or 4-H)
- Community bulletin boards at feed stores or co-ops
- Farmers markets — ask farmers directly!
College Career Centers
Many universities with agriculture programs offer internship placement services or co-op programs. Visit your school’s agriculture department or career services office.
What Skills Will You Gain?
Through these internships and jobs, you’ll develop a wide range of transferable skills that are valuable in any farming or ag-related career:
- Time management: Farming is time-sensitive and season-based.
- Problem-solving: Weather, pests, and machinery failures are everyday challenges.
- Physical endurance: Farming is physically demanding work.
- Teamwork: You’ll often work alongside a team in fast-paced conditions.
- Basic mechanics and equipment use: Learn how to operate and repair tools and machines.
Long-Term Career Benefits
These early work experiences set the stage for a successful career in agriculture. Here’s how:
- Clearer career goals: Firsthand experience helps you determine what type of farming (organic, livestock, permaculture, etc.) appeals to you.
- Better college applications: Admissions officers value real-world experience, especially if you’re applying to ag schools or programs.
- Strong job applications: Employers often prefer candidates who’ve done the hard work before.
- Networking: The farming community is tight-knit; one good internship can lead to lifelong mentorship and future jobs.
Final Tips for Landing an Opportunity
- Start Early: Apply in winter or early spring for summer internships — spots fill fast.
- Be Honest: Even if you’ve never worked on a farm before, your enthusiasm, work ethic, and willingness to learn go a long way.
- Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask what kind of tasks you’ll do or what you’ll learn.
- Be Reliable: Show up on time, work hard, and maintain a positive attitude — farming relies on dependability.
- Document Your Work: Keep a journal, take photos, and note what you learn. This will help you later when applying to schools or jobs.
Conclusion
A farming career isn’t just about planting seeds — it’s about cultivating experience, resilience, and passion. Internships and part-time jobs provide an essential entry point into the agricultural world, offering real-world insights that no textbook can match.
Whether you work on an organic vegetable farm, sell produce at a farmers market, or manage inventory at an ag supply store, each experience builds toward a future in farming. The journey may be dirty, sweaty, and demanding — but for those who love working with the land, it’s also deeply rewarding.
If you’re serious about a farming career, start by getting your hands dirty. That’s where all the best stories — and the most meaningful careers — begin.
