Position Summary
As a Purina Feed Sales Intern, you will be employed by Land O’Lakes, Inc. and placed with a participating Purina Animal Nutrition dealer or cooperative. You’ll work alongside sales representatives and the Purina team to gain hands-on experience in feed sales, customer engagement, and dealer operations.
Internship placements are available across multiple regions of the U.S., with species-specific sales tracks such as Adult Dairy, Young Animal Dairy, Beef, Equine, and Lifestyle species. Interns will be provided with training through Purina Animal Nutrition, and the working location is dependent on those of our dealers.
Internship Duration
May – August 2026 (flexible start and end dates)
Dairy-Focused Internships Locations May Include:
• Houston, MN
• Sterling, OH
Internship Duties
• SALES STRATEGY & EXECUTION – Interns will lead targeted summer sales initiatives designed to expand Purina’s reach and impact in local markets. These projects may include launching feed trials, build prospect pipelines, and driving adoption of species-specific nutrition solutions.
• CUSTOMER INSIGHTS & FIELD ENGAGEMENT – Through farm visits and market surveys, interns will gather firsthand insights into producer needs and challenges. They’ll apply this knowledge to recommend tailored feed programs and follow through with measurable solutions.
• MARKET INTELLIGENCE & GROWTH PLANNING – Interns will analyze customer data, identify growth opportunities, and support territory development strategies. This includes mapping competitive landscapes and assisting dealers in refining their outreach.
• EVENTS & COMMUNITY ACTIVATION – Interns will plan and execute producer-facing events such as appreciation days, educational clinics, and open houses. These experiences are designed to deepen customer relationships and showcase Purina’s value.
• RETAIL EXPERIENCE & SALES SKILLS DEVELOPMENT – Interns will gain exposure to the daily operations of farm supply dealers, supporting in-store merchandising, customer service, and feed order management. They’ll build foundational selling skills and learn how to navigate both walk-in and phone-in customer interactions.
Program Structure & Support
• Interns are Land O’Lakes employees and receive training, mentorship, and support from Purina Animal Nutrition experts.
• Placement is determined by our participating dealer/co-op locations.
• Interns spend majority of their time on sales activities, with structured projects designed to support business growth and talent evaluation.
Competencies And Qualifications
• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Agriculture, Agribusiness, or related field (Sophomore, Junior, or Senior status preferred).
• Demonstrated leadership in school, academic, and industry related clubs
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and work in farm environments.
• Valid, unrestricted driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
• Must be able to live within commuting range of assigned dealer/co-op location.
Preferences
• Understanding of animal husbandry, nutrition, and feed management practices.
• Previous sales or customer-facing experience preferred.
• Strong communication, writing, and critical thinking abilities.
• Ability to manage time, prioritize tasks, and implement projects independently.
• Collaborative mindset with openness to feedback and learning.
• Adaptability to changing business environments and customer needs.
About Land O’Lakes, Inc.
Join us and be part of a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and to the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.
Benefits for most full-time roles include medical, dental, vision, PTO, life & disability insurance, education assistance, a 401k and a variety of well-being resources. Most part-time employees are eligible for prorated PTO, holiday pay, employee development programs, prorated education assistance, and a 401(k).
Land O’Lakes, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) M/F/Vets/Disabled. The company maintains a drug-free workforce, including post-employment substance abuse testing pursuant to a Drug and Alcohol Policy.
Neither Land O’Lakes, nor its search firms, will ever contact you and ask for confidential information over the phone or in email. If you receive a call or email like this, please do not provide the information being requested.