Feed Sales Intern - East Region

Feed Sales Intern - East Region Position Summary:

As a Purina Feed Sales Intern, you will be employed by Land O'Lakes, Inc. and placed in a market with participating dealers and cooperatives. This is a field-based sales internship built for students who want to turn animal nutrition knowledge into real customer conversations, measurable market growth, and a stronger understanding of the dealer/co-op business model.

You will work alongside local sales representatives, dealer/co-op leaders, and Purina team members to support customer engagement, territory growth, and species-specific nutrition solutions.

Interns will be provided with training through Purina Animal Nutrition, and the working location is dependent on those of our dealers.

Compensation:   $22/hr

Internship Duration:

May – August 2027 (flexible start and end dates)

Internship opportunities are available throughout the East Region. Potential locations may include Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida.

Preferred species focus areas for this region include Beef and Equine candidates. Internship assignments will be based on business needs, market demand, candidate interests, and must have available dealer/cooperative partnerships within the region.

What You Will Do:

• Drive Customer Growth - Partner with a Purina dealer or cooperative to identify opportunities for growth within existing customer accounts. You may help introduce new products, expand species offerings, reactivate dormant customers, or support other initiatives designed to increase customer engagement and business performance.
• Build a New Business Pipeline - Identify, research, and engage prospective customers within a targeted species segment such as beef, dairy, equine, swine, or lifestyle. Through ride-alongs and customer interactions, you'll help build a qualified sales pipeline and contribute to new business development efforts.
• Increase Adoption of Priority Product Solutions - Work with customers and sales teams to identify opportunities for expanded use of key Purina nutrition solutions. You'll analyze customer buying patterns, develop recommendations, and support initiatives that drive greater product adoption and customer success.
• Identify Market Growth Opportunities - Evaluate local markets, customer trends, and competitive activity to help uncover untapped opportunities within a territory. You'll develop recommendations and insights that support future growth strategies for sales teams, dealers, and cooperatives.
• Engage Directly with Producers and Customers - Participate in farm visits, customer meetings, educational events, feed trials, and producer programs. You'll gain firsthand experience understanding customer needs while learning how nutrition solutions contribute to animal performance and producer profitability.
• Program Structure & Support: Interns are Land O’Lakes employees and receive training, mentorship, and support from Purina Animal Nutrition experts.
• Placement is determined by business-driven needs and market demand. Certain placements may involve more than one dealer and cooperative partner.
• Interns spend most of their time on sales activities, with structured projects designed to support business growth and develop sales skills.
• Competencies and Qualifications: Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Agriculture, Agribusiness, or related field (Junior 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.