Dairy Herd Health Intern

Applications Reviewed Starting: January 15, 2027

Job Title: Dairy Herd Health Intern
Company: Darlington Ridge Farms
Location: Darlington, WI
Job Type: Full-time, seasonal internship (summer 2027)

About Us: Established in 2008, Darlington Ridge Farms LLC is a 4,500-cow dairy operation in Southwest Wisconsin in Lafayette County. Managing partners Jim and Katie DiGangi oversee the daily operations and are committed to providing the cows with the best environment to produce milk and go the extra mile to make sure all of the animals, employees and local ecosystem are healthy. The farm embraces the philosophies of “keeping it simple” and feels that TEAMWORK is crucial for success. While individual efforts matter, a cohesive team and a cooperative culture can achieve remarkable results. We have a team of tenured employees who demonstrate commitment, experience, and trust.

Darlington Ridge Farms is forward-thinking in its dairy management practices and recognizes the benefits of embracing innovation. For the past 10 years, the farm has used genomic technology to inform selective breeding for healthier, more productive cows, and it was an early innovator in beef-on-dairy. With CowManager installed in 2024, the farm is now focused on using sensor technology to optimize fertility, create new labor efficiencies, and catch health issues early enough to reduce their impact on cows.

This summer internship gives college students with a dairy background a hands-on look at the day-to-day work of running a 4,500-cow dairy. Whether you plan to return to the farm or build a career as a consultant, nutritionist, or other industry professional, understanding how a dairy operates is critical. You’ll work alongside our experienced herd team, with a focus on cow health and fresh cow management, and you’ll have the option to spend time with our show heifers.

If you have a passion for cow health, a curiosity about how technology is changing dairy farming, and a willingness to learn and work as part of a team, we want to hear from you!

What You’ll Do:

Primary Focus: Cow Health and Fresh Cow Management

• Learn how to monitor and care for fresh cows following calving, following established protocols to support a healthy start to lactation.
• Learn to identify sick cows early, communicate findings, and assist with timely, appropriate treatment.
• Participate in dry-off procedures, mastitis treatments, and general cow treatments alongside the herd team.
• Learn about cow movements across the farm and how to work efficiently and productively, making the best use of your time.
• See how sensor data, such as CowManager, is used alongside daily observations to catch health issues early.
• Have the opportunity to explore other areas of the dairy based on your interests. We’ll adapt and adjust the experience to fit.

Daily Operations

• Work closely with the herd team to complete key tasks throughout the day. Be comfortable working at a quick pace and capable of physical work in all weather conditions.
• Gain exposure to milking procedures, milk quality, and herd management on a large-scale dairy.
• Pitch-in wherever the farm needs help, which can include grounds upkeep like mowing, weed trimming, and painting fences, as well as running for parts and supplies. Whether you’re solving unique challenges, working alongside team members, or adapting to changing circumstances, each day brings something different, and we work as a team to get it all done.
• Perform other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

Optional: Show Heifers

• Interns interested in the show side of the business can work with our show heifer program, including daily care, show preparation, and attending shows.

Qualifications:

• Dairy background required, through family farm experience, farm work, internships, or hands-on coursework.
• Currently enrolled in a college or university program, preferably in dairy science, animal science, or a related field, with an interest in a career in dairy or livestock.
• Team player who communicates well with colleagues and supervisors and can work independently or assist others, depending on the task.
• Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn and take on any task, big or small.
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to lift 50 pounds routinely and heavier lifts less frequently, with assistance available.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. We are not able to offer visa sponsorship for this position.

Compensation and Benefits:

• $20.00 per hour
• Housing provided if needed
• Hands-on training and mentorship from an experienced herd team

Schedule:

• Summer 2027, with a flexible start date and scheduling to work around your school’s summer schedule
• Full-time, including extended hours and weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

To Apply: Applications will be reviewed starting January 15, 2027.

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Work Location: In person