Need an Internship? Experience Agriculture in the Ozarks with McCarthy Cattle Co.

By Kim Buddington

Happy October, everyone! Wow, where has this year gone? Whether or not you’re glad to see 2019 start to wind down, it’s time to look ahead and make plans for the coming year. During October (and probably into November and maybe even December), we’re hoping to have a series of posts devoted to AGRICULTURAL INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES.

So if you’re someone who is hunting for an internship in the world of agriculture, please stay tuned. If you’re not in the market, please share with any of your friends, family, or classmates who are! Without further ado, we’d like to shift the spotlight to our first farm.

McCarthy Cattle Company

Buffalo, Missouri

Now taking applications!

Number of positions available: 1

Position Start/End Dates: Mid February 2020 through Mid May 2020. (These dates are ideal, but there is room for flexibility for the right candidate)

Do you want real-life, hands-on experience in raising livestock? Betty and Sean McCarthy of McCarthy Cattle Company, located in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri, are looking for an intern with a passion for farming and enthusiasm to learn by doing.

“We are a commercial Angus cow/calf operation,” explains Betty McCarthy, “we have done genomic testing that proves we are in the top 8% of the Angus breed worldwide for the traits producing a great steak.”

Wow, what an opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business! In addition to cattle, the family has a flock of Shropshire sheep (about 40), which are bred for wool. They also raise meat goats (between 40-50), which are kept for natural brush control. The goats are bred to kid mainly in February, while the Shropshire lambs arrive during March and April. Calves are born during both the spring and fall.  

The intern will have practice with a diverse set of skills relating to livestock care and management. Tasks assigned to the intern will include jobs related to lambing, kidding, calving, weaning, vaccination, feeding, pasture rotation, and other miscellaneous chores required on a busy livestock operation. Another vital management aspect of this farm that the intern will have exposure to is the use of livestock guardian dogs to keep the animals safe from predators.

The prerequisites for this job are pretty simple. “Anyone hoping for experience in animal husbandry will have the opportunity to learn,” says Betty.

This experience is a paid position. Meals are also provided, along with a room for the intern to stay in.  

Are you interested in applying? The McCarthy’s would love to hear from you. The best way to get in touch is to email them directly at m7supercows@gmail.com. You may also send a text to 417-733-1243, but keep in mind that there may be a delay in receiving a reply due to cellphone service limitations in the area. They will get back to you as soon as possible.

Thank you for reading. Stay tuned for more internship opportunities over the next few months!

Business owners: If you are like the McCarthy’s and would like to have your open (agriculture-related only please) internship positions featured on this blog, shoot an email to sweetsavannahwriting@gmail.com. We will be in touch!