Who are we:

• We're a growing company in an essential sector – agriculture!
• We provide our customers with poultry, swine, and dairy feeds, performance ingredient solutions, conventional and specialty eggs, grain, fertilizer, and allied services in the Mid-Atlantic Region.
• We've grown steadily since 1944 from a single location to ten feed milling locations in two states.
• Over 450 team members now call The Wenger Group home.
• We provide ample room for career growth and advancement.
• Additional information can be found at our web site: https://www.thewengergroup.com

What will you do:

The Food Safety Research intern position provides a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in process development related to food safety and biosecurity within the agricultural industry. The intern will work closely with the Head of Food Safety and the Manager of Layer & Nutrition Research to evaluate various products to enhance biosecurity protocols within the agricultural industry.  The primary goal of this study is to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of different feed additives on surfaces, feed used for flushing at feed mill levels, and feed given to animals.  A feed mill decontamination protocol is crucial for biosecurity for several reasons:

1). Prevention of Pathogen Introduction: Decontamination protocols help prevent the introduction of biological hazards, such as bacteria and viruses, into the feed mill. This is essential to avoid contamination of feed with pathogens that could affect animal health.

2). Control of Disease Spread: By implementing strict decontamination measures, the risk of spreading diseases through feed is significantly reduced. This is particularly important for preventing outbreaks of diseases like African swine fever and HPAI.

3). Enhanced Feed Safety: Ensuring that feed is free from contaminants protects the health of livestock and poultry. This, in turn, supports the overall health of the food supply chain.

4). Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to decontamination protocols helps feed mills comply with biosecurity regulations and standards, which are designed to safeguard animal health and food safety.

5). Economic Protection: Preventing disease outbreaks through effective decontamination protocols can save significant costs associated with disease management, loss of livestock, and potential trade restrictions.

Overall, a robust decontamination protocol is a key component of a comprehensive biosecurity plan, ensuring the safety and integrity of the feed supply chain.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in evaluating various feed additives on the microbial count of feed mill surfaces and examining the microbial count in the organs and tissues of laying hens.
• Gather, compile, and summarize data and information.
• Perform data analysis and reporting.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather and interpret requirements for the process.
• Engage in literature research.

QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED:

• Current student enrolled at an accredited college or university
• Preferred majors:
• Food Safety, Quality and Regulatory Majors: Animal Science, Biology, Chemistry, Food Science, Microbiology, Meat Science or a related degree.

 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to spend extensive time using a computer and phone to meet daily job requirements.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS:

• Introduction to a professional work environment
• Opportunity for significant contribution with project work
• Personalized feedback on work habits, communication skills and job performance
• Familiarity with responsibilities of the agricultural industry in PA
• Understanding of Wenger's leadership role in the agricultural community
• Network with Wenger Team Members and other Interns through the Internship Program
• Participate in an Intern Volunteer Day, Lunch & Learns, Customer Farm Visits – and more!

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