The University of Wyoming’s GrowinG Internship Program is now accepting applications for 2025.

The program connects beginning farmers and ranchers with host farms and ranches, providing interns with hands-on agricultural experience. For hosts, the program offers an opportunity to mentor the next generation of Wyoming farmers and ranchers.

Eligible intern applicants are 18 years or older and have less than 10 years of experience managing their own farms or ranches.

“I’ve loved every minute of (my internship),” says Ronni Owens, a 2024 GrowinG intern. “It’s a lot of long days and early mornings, but it shows what you can do.”

The program provides a $5,000 stipend for a 10-week work experience, which is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Beginning Farmers and Ranchers grant. Host farms and ranches must be located in Wyoming.

Selected interns spend 10 weeks on a host farm or ranch, helping with daily activities and learning from the site host. Accepted candidates work with hosts to establish specific start and end dates.

Hosts provide room and board as well as safe educational experiences.

“Being on-site provides invaluable, real-world insights into farm and ranch management. The mentorship and hands-on learning make a big impact,” says Ben Rashford, co-director of the GrowinG program.

The GrowinG program aims to place interns with hosts whose daily work encompasses activities interns are interested in, which could include herding cattle on horseback or arranging cut flowers.

During their internships, interns write a weekly work summary and take part in at least one agriculture educational event, such as a Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station field day or the Wyoming Sheep and Wool Festival.

GrowinG interns who also are degree-seeking students are encouraged to seek academic credit for participating in the GrowinG Internship Program. Academic credit must be arranged in advance between the student and an academic adviser within the granting educational institution.

Online application forms for 2025 hosts and interns are available at www.GrowinG-WY.org/apply. Applications must be submitted by Friday, Feb. 7.

For more information, email the GrowinG Internship Program at coordinator@growing-wy.org or visit www.GrowinG-WY.org.

About the UW College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources

UW’s College of Agriculture, Life Sciences and Natural Resources serves students and communities through innovative scholarship, research and outreach. Guided by the land-grant principles of discovery and experiential learning, the college facilitates meaningful educational opportunities in the classroom, laboratory and community. The college offers degrees in agricultural and applied economics, animal science, botany, ecosystem science and management, family and consumer sciences, molecular biology, plant sciences, veterinary sciences, and zoology and physiology. The college also offers degree programs in agricultural communications, microbiology, ranch management and agricultural leadership. To learn more, visit www.uwyo.edu/uwag or call (307) 766-4133.