When it comes to finding internships in agriculture, the opportunities are as diverse as the field itself, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Dr. Tera Montgomery, Director of the School of Agriculture at UW-Platteville, notes that the internship process can vary significantly based on students’ individual goals and the type of employer they’re targeting. Given the wide range of sectors within agriculture, students have many avenues to explore, and the timeline for securing an internship can differ for each.

Some students might seek a formal program with big industry names, which has specific deadlines and a well-organized process. Others might connect with local businesses that don't have formalized programs, but still offer valuable experiences. "Students often find these opportunities through family, friends, or even holiday conversations," says Montgomery. She adds that formal internships typically have deadlines around November or December, but students can often find placements as late as March or April, depending on their goals and location preferences.