Farm interns play a vital role in the day-to-day operation of farming practices on our 100-acre farm in Mount Olive, NC. During the 1-year time commitment, interns will have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of livestock farming, livestock breeding, and a variety of farm maintenance skills.

Kornegay Hereford Farms has been a family business since 1949 and is currently operated by 5th generation farmer, Karen Scalf. For the past 70 years, Hereford cattle has been the passion of KH Farms. We have sold breeding bulls, bred cows, and replacement heifers to build the herds of other cattlemen across the Southeast. In the last 5 years, we have opened our direct-to-consumer beef retail operation.

Karen and her family opened the farm to the public for tours, events, and activities while still maintaining year-round meat production in 100% grass-fed beef. Since few other regional farms operate as both a production facility and agritourism model, this is a unique opportunity for interns to see how business and farming intertwine. Kornegay Hereford Farms is also one of the leading pioneers in sustainable farming, rotational grazing, and regenerative agriculture practices in the Southeast Region.

1 YEAR FARM INTERNSHIP MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Feeding cows, chickens, and pigs as needed
• Fence repair and pasture/fence line mowing
• Assisting with calving
• General livestock care as needed
• Farmers market sales
• Pruning fruit trees and berry bushes
• Equipment maintenance and repairs
• Repairing water lines and electric fencing
• Operation of equipment such as tractors and skid steer
• Hauling livestock
• General landscaping duties such as mowing, weed eating, mulching, etc.
• Application of pest control measures for organic produce
• Greenhouse management
• Leading field trips and tours
• Daily animal feeding chores

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Ability to accept responsibility for one’s actions and remain accountable
• Demonstrates strong initiative of projects and assignments ensuring duties are carried out to completion in a responsible manner
• Is punctual, arriving on-time, every time. Punctuality is crucial for livestock to thrive.
• Maintains a positive attitude. Accepts changing tasks and assignments with a friendly, positive demeanor and adopts a “can-do” attitude
• Ask lots of questions- this is a learning opportunity, we expect lots of questions.
• Willingness to ask for clarity in confusing situations
• Demonstrates a strong curiosity
• Willingness to try new things
• Demonstrates a level of contagious team spirit
• Possesses a mature behavior
• Demonstrates good decision making
• Ability to communicate effectively and efficiently

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical demands for the 1-year farm internship position are high. There is considerable walking, lifting, bending, operation of machinery, animal coordination, and the like on a consistent daily basis. Applicants should be in good physical health with the ability to perform physical tasks at a moderate to a high level.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Interns work primarily outdoors in all types of weather and should be expected to perform duties rain or shine. Interns are granted access to various farm equipment and will be trained on the safe use of proper operating practices prior to entrusting with unsupervised usage.

Avery Shelton

Avery is 19 years old and a senior at the University of Mount Olive. She is working towards her bachelor's in Agribusiness and plans to operate her own beef cattle operation in the future.

Says Avery, “I am really looking forward to all the knowledge and experience I will no doubt, gain from my time at KHFarm.”