Horse and Cattle Nutrition Internship

Ready to put your classroom knowledge to work in the field? At Spikes & Houles, no two days are the same! One day you might be out on a farm setting up a feed trial, the next creating social media content, or helping customers in our retail store. This is a hands-on, fast-paced opportunity to gain real-world experience in animal nutrition, farm management, and customer engagement.

Duration: May - August 2027

Schedule: Up to 40 hours/week

Location: This internship can be based from any of these Store Locations: Maple Plain, Elk River, Forest Lake, and Stillwater, MN

What You'll Do:

Farm Gate Calls: Join sales reps on farm visits, research barns in the area, and practice your selling skills

Feed Trials: Partner with product specialists to set up and track customer feed trials

Product Research: Deepen your knowledge of feed brands, attend trainings, and become a go-to resource

Pasture Consultations: Collect and analyze samples for soil, hay, and forage testing, then provide recommendations

Social Media Impact: Create Facebook Live videos and collaborate with marketing to boost online presence

Retail Experience: Learn store operations-cashiering, stocking, seasonal changes, and even assisting with live chick sales

Capstone Presentation: Wrap up your internship by presenting what you've learned and accomplished

Who We're Looking For:

• Junior or Senior pursuing Agribusiness, Veterinary Studies, Animal Sciences, or related degrees (Associate's or Certificate programs also welcome)
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and thrive in a dynamic environment
• Curious, motivated, and ready to get hands-on experience-from the retail floor to the pasture

Why Join Us?

• Gain practical, real-world experience that complements your coursework
• Work alongside seasoned professionals in animal nutrition and sales
• Develop versatile skills in research, sales, marketing, and consulting
• Make meaningful contributions that impact customers and their animals

Benefits & Perks May Include:

Competitive wages

Flexible schedules (day, evening, weekend)

Tuition Assistance & Scholarship Opportunities

️ Employee discounts & referral bonus

Health & Welfare insurance

401k savings with company match

Paid Internship Program

Application Window Closes: October 18, 2026

E-Verify:

Gertens Family of Businesses participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program in all facilities located in the United States. The E-Verify program is an Internet-based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Gertens Family of Businesses is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer