2027 Crop Scout & Farm Operations Intern

Lanehaven Farms, Inc.; Waterloo, Northern (IA, KY); Hybrid; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Lanehaven Farms, a Northeast Iowa farm, is seeking a Crop Scout & Farm Operations Intern for summer 2027. You will conduct field scouting, assist with farm operations, and work on special projects.

The role involves field inspections, pest/disease scouting, data collection for R&D plots, drone scouting, and collaboration with the agronomy team. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment are required.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an Ag related field.
• Desire and ability to work in a fast-paced environment, be innovative and adapt to change.
• Excellent leadership, problem solving, organization, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular field inspections to assess crop condition.
• Identify and report signs of pests, diseases, weeds, or other issues affecting crop health.
• Communicate findings to the agronomy manager and collaborate on crop management decisions.
• Utilize crop scouting software/weekly reports to document observations.
• Assist with drone crop scouting and data collection for R&D plots.
• Provide support for operations and summer farm projects as needed.

Skills

Field scouting

Pest/disease identification

Data collection

Communication

Education

Pursuing agricultural-related degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Lanehaven Farms is a progressive seed corn, commercial crop, organic crop and hog farm based inNortheast Iowa. The farm has been early adopters of leading-edge technologies that improve the efficiency, quality, and overall effectiveness of processes. Core values characterize how the farm lives and conducts business daily.

We are hiring a Crop Scout & Farm Operations Intern for the summer of 2027. In this role, you’ll do field scouting, farm operations and work on special projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES

FIELD SCOUTING AND PROBLEM SOLVING

• Conduct regular field inspections to assess the overall condition of crops, including growth stage, pest and disease presence, and weed infestations.
• Identify and report any signs of pests, diseases, weeds, or other potential issues affecting crop health.
• Communicate findings and observations to the agronomy manager and collaborate on decision‑making related to crop management.
• Utilize crop scouting software/weekly reports to document and share observations with the agronomy manager.
• Assist in the collection of crop samples for laboratory analysis when necessary.
• Assist with drone crop scouting and application projects along with broader precision farming projects.
• Participate in data collection of R&D test plots, and evaluation of on‑farm research.
• Provide support for operations as needed. This could include field operations or summer farm projects.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Currently enrolled in an Ag related field
• Desire and ability to work in a fast‑paced environment, be innovative and adapt to change.
• Excellent leadership, problem solving, organization, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software

We offer a very competitive hourly wage with overtime based on experience and qualifications.