What are the responsibilities and job description for the Production Intern position at Beck's Superior Hybrids?
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.
- Base Hours MON-FRI 7:30-5:00, SAT 7:30-NOON (Approx. 45-60 hours per week).
** 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.