At R.D. Offutt Farms, internship opportunities are more than a summer job — they are a chance to explore meaningful work in agriculture and get hands-on experience with this season’s crop.
“Our goal is for interns to walk away with more than just job experience,” said Kara Dietz, HR Generalist for R.D. Offutt Farms. “We want to give them the opportunity to play an active part in the growing season and understand what a career in agronomy could look like.”
Each summer, RDOF welcomes a small group of interns who work in roles like crop scouting, data collection and special projects tailored to current field needs. Interns gain exposure to real agronomy work like analyzing stand counts, monitoring pests and disease, collecting field samples and more.
“They get to see the impact of their work in real time,” Kara said. “They’re helping make decisions that directly impact the crop.”
What interns can expect
The internship program typically runs from late May to early August and is designed to support students studying agriculture. In addition to hourly pay, interns are eligible for a scholarship each summer they complete an internship.
Throughout the program, students work closely with RDOF agronomy and farm staff, learning technical agronomy skills, how to collaborate with team members, manage responsibility and make recommendations based on what they’re seeing in the field.
“We aim to give them a true look at what a career in agronomy is like, not just the rewarding moments, but the real-world challenges that come with the job,” Kara said.
From intern to agronomist
For Katelyn Mack, that exposure was exactly what made her internship with RDOF stand out.
“It gave me a better idea of what I wanted to do after school. The support and trust I had during my internship made me want to come back,” she said.
Now working full-time as an Agronomist at R.D. Offutt Farms, Katelyn works alongside the same teams she learned from during her internship. Her advice for future interns? “Take ownership of your role. Ask questions, pay attention and don’t be afraid to speak up. The more you put into it, the more you’ll get out of it.”
Investing in the future of agronomy
Internship programs like this one are part of RDOF’s broader commitment to developing the next generation of ag professionals. Beyond field experience, the program offers students a chance to build confidence, see the impact of their work and become part of a team.
“It’s about helping students find their place in this field,” Kara said. “If we can give someone the spark that leads to a career in agriculture, that’s a win for all of us.”
