Internships
At Pillen Family Farms/DNA Genetics, we're always looking for great people to join our dynamic team - and that includes internship positions! We're a family-owned, family-focused business that takes great care in everything we do, from raising highly productive pigs to fostering team member development.
Our internship program provides an in-depth, immersive experience into all areas of our business, from pig care to promoting our genetic program to customers. Each internship is well crafted to provide students of all majors and career goals with quality professional experiences. We have several unique opportunities available for students which vary in scope and location.
Become an Intern!
Submit your Application today. Application closes On Friday, Oct. 31, 2026.
AVAILABLE internship Experiences
Click on the internship title for more information on each specific opportunity.
Host: Pillen Family Farms & DNA Genetics
Location: Nebraska
Duration: Summer 2027
Open
Description
This internship allows students to be production interns within the production research farm flow. Students will gain experience in farrow-to-finish swine production and, in addition, will be exposed to and assist with research being conducted at multiple sites.
Host: Pillen Family Farms
Location: Nebraska
Duration: Summer, Winter & Midterm Break available
Open
Description
Through this commercial pig production internship through Pillen Family Farms, students will gain experience in commercial reproduction. Interns will also work in a commercial nursery/finish production system.
Host: DNA Genetics
Location: Nebraska
Duration: Summer, Winter & Midterm Break available
Open
Description
This internship provides students with experience in swine genetics. Students will spend time learning about our gene centers, reproduction units and nursery/finish facilities.
Host: Pillen Family Farms
Location: Nebraska
Duration: Summer, Winter & Midterm Break available
Open
Description
Students will gain experience in several aspects of mechanical and automotive services, including oil changes. auto services, tires, brakes, truck services and trailer equipment.
Host: Pillen Family Farms
Location: Nebraska
Duration: Summer, Winter & Midterm Break available
Open
Description
Pillen Family Farms purchases crops from local farmers to use at its feed mills. Through this internship, students will learn about the feed milling process. Interns will help inspect products for overall quality, manage inventory, meet production schedules and perform daily sanitation measures.
Host: Pillen Family Farms
Location: Nebraska
Duration: Summer, Winter & Midterm Break available
Open
Description
Through this agronomy experience, interns will gain a basic understanding of agronomic practices and will assist in field inspections of Pillen Family Farms’ sites and crops. Students may work around lagoons and deep pit barns, operate basic machinery and learn to fix or repair equipment.
Host: Pillen Family Farms & DNA Genetics
Location: Nebraska
Duration: Summer, Winter & Midterm Break available
Open
Description
Interns will obtain a working knowledge of the following:
- Exposure to swine production and swine veterinary practice.
- Exposure to genetic pyramid and structure.
- Hands-on training of technical skills including, but not limited to blood collection, necropsy, tissue collection and submission, production practices.
- Proficiency in biosecurity practices.
- Participate in disease workups, disease management, herd health strategy, health assurance and diagnostic interpretations.
- Opportunity to engage in applied research with option to submit to AASV.
Host: Pillen Family Farms & DNA Genetics
Location: Nebraska
Duration: Summer 2027
Closed
Description
This internship is designed for students interested in branding, design and strategic marketing. Interns will help strategize, design and execute consistent marketing materials and messaging through print and digital media.
past intern Testimonials
"My internship with Pillen Family Farms and DNA Genetics was an incredible learning experience that gave me a better understanding of the swine industry and the importance of genetics in production. I was able to gain hands-on experience, learn from industry professionals, and see how the decisions made in genetics can have a direct impact on herd performance. This internship helped me grow both professionally and personally by improving my communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Most importantly, it gave me valuable experience that I can carry forward as I continue pursuing a career in animal science and production agriculture. I am grateful to Pillen Family Farms and DNA Genetics for giving me the opportunity to learn, contribute, and grow throughout the summer."
“My internship with Pillen was more than I ever could have expected. When you sign up to be an intern with Pillen Family Farms, you’re joining a work family. Everyone who works in the barns and office is super friendly and never made me feel out of place. Besides the amazing coworkers, I also learned so much about the swine industry. With the help of everyone I worked with, I was able to gain experience across several areas of production, including farrowing, nursery, and finishing barns. After my experiences with each, I can confidently say that farrowing was my favorite stage of production, as you won’t find anything more adorable than a newborn piglet. Overall, working for Pillen was a very rewarding experience that piqued my interest in the swine industry and gave me some great new friends!”
"While looking for an internship, I was looking for a new experience with a great company - and I found that at Pillen Family Farms. Over the summer, I worked alongside the veterinary services team, helping farm personnel manage through health challenges as well as build and perform research projects that will benefit the entire system in the long run. As someone with little swine experience, it was an incredible opportunity to see an operation of this scale first-hand and become part of the team. If you’re looking for a great team to work with, a chance to grow your diagnostic and medicine skills, and an opportunity for research and mentorship, this is for you."