Delaware Farm Bureau internship applications due March 31

The Delaware Farm Bureau is currently accepting applications from students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the field of marketing/business or agriculture for its 2023 summer internship program. Applications are due Friday, March 31.

For more information and to apply, go to defb.org/contact-us/careers.

Farm bureau interns gain hands-on experiences including farm visits, content creation and local advocacy.

Marketing interns Hannah O’Hara (Milford, 2020), Kyle Spillane (Harrington, 2021), Abby Edwards (Felton, 2021) and Jaiden Cain (Harrington, 2022) each worked hard to benefit agriculture in the First State and their own education as they learned effective advocacy techniques, understood diverse farming practices and brought fresh ideas to the organization. Edwards was also a Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation intern for 2022. 

“The marketing intern pertains more to the ‘promote Delaware agriculture’ portion of the mission statement. They go out and visit with members in an effort to encourage consumers to shop locally by visiting local farm stands and farmers markets in their area. They do a lot with connecting consumers to where they can purchase fresh and local products. They also help educate the public at various events such as the Delaware State Fair,” said Mikayla Paul, marketing coordinator.

O’Hara promoted the Book Barn campaign and produced videos of farm bureau members reading materials that promote ag literacy, which can be found on the DFB Foundation YouTube channel. She also worked to advance the organization’s digital presence, helping advocate for farmers and ranchers using modern technology. She now works for the Delaware State Fair as administrative assistant and premiums manager.

She said the program was very effective in helping prepare her for the future. “The Delaware Farm Bureau offers an internship that is like no other. It will widen the horizons of any aspiring marketing professional. My knowledge of agriculture, technology, traditional marketing and social media have expanded immensely,” said O’Hara. “Meeting farmers and being personable is key for this organization and internship. While most programs have you design or promote from behind a desk, the Delaware Farm Bureau takes you throughout the state to farm stands, member farms and the Delaware State Fair. I highly recommend applying for this experience.”

Other DFB student interns have found success as well.

Spillane graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in marketing in 2022 and spent much of his time as an intern working with digital design, content creation and promoting the livestock survey. He now works as a land acquisition analyst with K. Hovnanian Homes.

Edwards will be a teacher in the Milford School District after she graduates from Delaware State University with a degree in agronomy and ag education. She led the Our Delaware Farmer campaign help share local farms’ stories directly with consumers through social media.

Cain is set to graduate from Virginia Tech this spring with a degree in agribusiness and a minor in dairy science; she is excited to bring her expertise to her own field – literally – at the family farm. During her internship, she worked on digital content creation. She also advocated for Delaware farmers and worked with the foundation’s Mobile Ag Lab.

“This internship solidified my decision that I want to pursue a career in agricultural marketing/communications. I am currently interning at the SOAR Foundation in communications and advocacy. What I learned in my internship with the Delaware Farm Bureau helped me secure this internship and be successful,” Cain said.