Swine Research Intern

Hord Farms is now looking for students passionate about swine nutrition and production to join our research team for summer 2025!  Spend time learning about the basics of swine research, production, data collection, and analysis.  This position will work closely with both research and production teams to answer questions for producers and farm leadership regarding animal nutrition, new technologies, and production management strategies; and will assist in managing the implementation and data collection for an assigned summer trial.  Interested candidates must be committed to high standards of quality and accuracy.   

What to Expect:

This internship opportunity is a roughly a 12-week program running from the middle of May through early August; however, flexibility on this timing may be discussed.  Please note: Interns must not currently own or have contact with non-Hord pigs for the duration of the internship.  Interns will:

• Conduct one main research project in the sow production focus area and present findings at the conclusion of the internship
• Assist with current research projects in nursery and finishing facilities as needed
• Work alongside others on the research team developing and implementing effective protocols
• Provide daily care and management of animals to ensure they have proper nutrition and hydration
• Ensure consistent evaluation of animal conditions so that proper treatment for/removal of any sick animals is provided in a timely manner
• Actively participate in data collection, including pig weighing, tagging, observational scoring, feed measurements etc. and subsequent data entry and analysis of research trials
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as defined by leadership and according to SOP standards, ultimately helping take “ownership” of studies and trials to ensure integrity of the findings
• Engage in professional and personal development opportunities to broaden your communication, interpersonal, and technical skills

Candidates will earn $17/hour and should be prepared to work a flexible schedule.  Hours each week will range from 40-50, including working every 3rd weekend and some evening assignments. 

What we’re looking for: 

• Incoming junior or senior college students currently pursuing a degree in agriculture/animal science, who are interested in swine production, nutrition, or research
• Candidates who have had 1-2 years of swine and/or research experience
• The desire and ability to work in a fast-paced, physically strenuous environment in swine facilities multiple days per week
• A high level of respect shown to team members and animals
• Willingness to learn and carry out complex instructions effectively
• Familiarity with Microsoft Excel and Outlook
• Impeccable record of reliability/dependability 
• Excellent communication and analytical skills to handle sophisticated and confidential data
• Superior attention to detail and data integrity

Apply today, so we can talk more about the opportunities with Hord Farms!