Production Intern

Beck's-Hybrid; Coon Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Furnished housing or stipend

Job summary

Beck's Hybrids in Coon Rapids, IA offers a Production Intern position for a part-time, paid internship from May through August 2027. Interns will participate in multiple learning segments across plant growth, pathology, entomology, nutrition, and weed control, gaining hands-on experience in seed production.

Housing options are furnished or stipend provided; start in May and conclude in August with a summer project and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Must have completed sophomore year in college and be majoring in Agronomy, Crop Science, Ag Systems Management, or Ag Economics.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and insurable driving record as determined by Beck’s automobile insurance policy.
• Production agriculture background and equipment knowledge are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Learn seed production basics for corn and soybeans.
• Assist in scouting for emergence, stand counts, and growth.
• Support IPM activities and insect trap monitoring.
• Participate in soil nitrate sampling and leaf tissue tests.
• Document project notes and participate in a research project.

Skills

Positive attitude

Outdoor work ability

Teamwork

Attention to safety

Adaptability

Education

Sophomore standing in Agronomy or related field

Tools

Class A CDL

Valid driver's license

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Production Intern

Intern Part-Time Coon Rapids, IA, Coon Rapids, IA, US 1 Attachments

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 Production Learning Segments throughout the internship program, including scouting relating to: Plant Growth and Development, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Plant Nutrition, and Weed Control. Individuals will receive training and work experience in each segment.

Duties and Responsibilities

Plant Growth and Development Segment

• Interns will learn the basics of corn and soybean seed production. Training and duties my include: Monitoring fields for emergence issues, recording and evaluating stand uniformity and populations, and recording overall plant growth and development throughout the growing season.
  • Plant Pathology Segment
• Interns will learn how to identify the most common diseases found in corn and soybeans relating to seed production. They will also help determine economic thresholds and evaluate management options for the crop.
  • Entomology and IPM (Integrated Pest Management) Segment
• Interns will learn to identify various life cycles of insects and their potential impacts on crop growth and development, grain yield and seed quality. They will learn the appropriate scouting and sampling techniques for the major insect pests affecting seed production. They will also participate in Beck’s IPM program by monitoring and recording insect trap levels at various locations.
  • Plant Nutrition Segment
• Interns will learn the basic mechanics of corn and soybean plant nutrition. They will participate in soil nitrate sampling and leaf tissue sampling for corn and soybeans, and they will learn to diagnose nutrient deficiencies based on tissue tests and visual symptoms.

Herbicide and Weed Control Segment

• Interns will identify weeds and evaluate herbicide effectiveness. They will also help evaluate, monitor, and recommend weed management options.
  • Pollination Segment
• Interns will participate in the detasseling process of seed corn production. They will take detailed notes of tassel counts, silk counts, pollen shed, and plant maturities during pollination.
  • Intern Project
• Interns will be assigned a research project relating to seed production.

Job Requirements

Education and Training:

• Must have completed sophomore year in college and be majoring in: Agronomy, Crop Science, Ag Systems Management, or Ag Economics
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and insurable driving record as determined by Beck’s automobile insurance policy.

Technical Knowledge:

• Extra Consideration will be given to individuals with a Production Agriculture background, working knowledge of agricultural equipment and a Class A Commercial Driver’s License

Desired Skills:

• Possess positive attitude
• Enjoy working outdoors in various conditions
• Agility to work independently or collaboratively in a group working to achieve deadlines

General Information and Work Schedule

• Summer interns must provide their own transportation to Beck’s facilities near Atlanta, Indiana.
• Ask about local housing availability.
• 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.