About

Summer Internships

The California Dairy Farms Internship program is different. There may be multiple local dairies hosting interns at the same time and each will have the opportunity to visit the other farms and learn from each other's experiences. Interns explore a wide variety of dairy skills and techniques that may include milking, feeding, cow comfort, breeding, heifer and calf management, computer systems, and more.

FAQs:
Who should apply? Dairy science and management majors with sophomore, junior or senior status who are interested in developing the skills and experience to manage large-scale California dairy operations. You must have the legal right to work in the United States.

What are the expectations? The program goal is to improve dairy management skills and interns are expected to be part of the dairy work team. Interns may work up to 60 hours per week.

Will I have time off? Interns will have one day off per week and additional time to explore California.

How much does the internship pay? Interns are paid a minimum of $15 per/hour. Internships may also be extended beyond the ten weeks.

Where do I live during the internship? Housing and utilities are provided at no cost to the intern. Each dairy has different housing arrangements. You may have your own bedroom, but share a house with other interns, or you may live independently in a home, depending on availability.

Is transportation provided? Interns will be reimbursed up to $500 for travel to the internship location. You may want your own vehicle during your internship; however, housing is usually on the dairy farm or nearby.

Any suggestions to prepare? Many of the dairy employees speak Spanish. We strongly suggest that you learn dairy terms and phrases before your internship.