Internship

Here at Laughing Goat Fiber, we pride ourselves on a being a place where anyone and everyone can learn about animal husbandry and local agriculture. We also believe firmly in hands-on experience. As a small, family-owned farm located about 10 minutes away from Cornell University, we have been privileged to receive the excellent care and advice of world-renowned veterinarians and, in return, provide practical experience for talented vet students. We have even donated deceased animals to the school for necropsy practice and study.

Because of our close relationship with the Cornell Veterinary School, we have welcomed to the farm numerous students and community members as volunteers and apprentices. We are proud that, for the last several years, we have hosted a formal summer internship program for college students. Although internships are unpaid, we provide immersive practical experience. Currently, we are able to offer course credit to University of Vermont students, but non-UVM students may be able to qualify for course credit through their own schools.

We are able to structure internship hours and lengths to suit the needs of the individual, and the academic calendar.

Some of the things you might be involved in as a Laughing Goat Intern are:

  • feeding
  • rotational grazing/pasture management
  • hoof trimming
  • immunizations
  • checking/treating for parasites
  • general farm chores (fence repair/install, building hay feeders/raised beds, moving manure/compost, etc.)
  • fiber work (washing, skirting, carding, spinning, dyeing, weaving/knitting)
  • assisting with festivals, shows, or farm events

This is a wonderful opportunity for students or individuals who are excited to learn about the challenges and rewards of small farming and animal husbandry and care. Suzy and Matt, former apprentices at the farm, graduated from Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and moved on to become managers of the incredible Cricket Creek Farm.

Still not convinced? Check out some of the blog posts written by our interns and read about their experiences on the farm.

We hope you’ll reach out to us if this sounds exciting to you, and even if you’re not sure it does – yet. We want to help you fall in love with farming!