Practical Farm Research Intern

Beck's Hybrids; El Paso (IL); On-site; USD 16,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Furnished housing

Housing stipend

Job summary

Beck’s Hybrids is seeking a paid summer intern to join our Research Learning Modules in Illinois from May through August 2027. The internship offers hands-on experience in planting, data collection, plot identification, and production support, with housing furnished or a stipend provided.

Interns will gain exposure to real-world agronomic issues and diagnostic skills in a production agriculture setting. Qualified candidates should be pursuing undergraduate studies in agriculture, hold a valid

Qualifications

• Undergrad coursework in agricultural field.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and insurable driving record.
• This is a safety‑sensitive position.

Responsibilities

• Participate in planting module activities including setup, planting and plot flagging.
• Engage in data collection and thinning; analyze stand counts and treatment effects.
• Assist with plot identification, mapping, and sign/stake placement on plots.
• Support production module activities and accompany sales staff on calls to evaluate product performance.

Education

Undergraduate coursework in agriculture

Job description

Duration: Paid Internship from May - August 2027.

Housing: Furnished housing or stipend provided.

What to expect: Valuable experience related to the agriculture industry, professional development, summer project, etc.

Purpose and Scope

Interns will be involved in several Research Learning Modules throughout the internship, including planting, data collection and thinning, plot identification, and production. Each experience will provide education and work experience in a different facet of research.

Responsibilities

• Planting Module
  • Interns may learn how to setup and plant various types of research studies at the PFR farm site. This will include organizing seed, planting, cleaning out meter units, and flagging or staking plots as they are planted.
• Data Collection and Thinning Module
  • Interns will learn how to collect, report, and analyze stand count data, as well as thin plots to desired populations. Stand counts will be taken to compare fungicide treatments/insecticide treatments and many additional agronomic variables.
• Plot Identification Module
  • Interns will learn how test plots are designed and mapped as well as the proper identification of varieties and technologies by numbering and installing signs and stakes on plots.
• Production Module
  • Interns will learn various aspects of production agriculture through agronomic support of Beck’s Hybrids sales staff in the marketing area. Opportunities will be available to ride along with the PFR Location Lead on customer calls to evaluate product performance.

This provides an excellent opportunity to learn how to diagnose agronomic issues and how to evaluate hybrid performance in real world production agriculture.

Job Requirements

Education And Training

• Undergraduate course work in agricultural related field.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and insurable driving record as determined by Beck’s automobile insurance policy.
• This is a safety-sensitive position.

Technical Knowledge

• Chauffer license or equivalent may be required.

Experience

• Farm background and general farm knowledge helpful.

Other

• Start work in early May and work through early August.
• In an effort to provide a safer, drug-free workplace for employees, all full-time applicants to whom offers of employment are made must submit to a drug test and background check, subject to applicable local, state, or federal laws or regulations. Employment at Beck's is contingent upon passing these pre-employment screenings.