Shepherd’s Whey Creamery Internship Program 2025

We are a small family goat dairy and creamery milking a herd of 12-16 dairy goats and crafting a variety of artisan goat milk cheeses which we sell at area farmers markets, local stores and wineries. We also supplement the milk we produce with milk we purchase from two other small goat dairies. Our farm is located just outside of Martinsburg WV - 1.5 hrs from Washington DC, close to recreational activities, historical sites, MARC train station. Shepherd University is 10 minutes from our farm. Willing to work schedule with students enrolled at Shepherd.

4 month maternity and baby care Internship – Mid February through Mid-May. This is a fairly intensive education and exposure to maternity care of mom's at end of pregnancy, birthing, and postpartum care of our milking does, and neonatal feeding and care of offspring. Duties will include monitoring and prepping for delivery, attending birth and assisting in delivery, and immediate post delivery care of mom and babies. Assisting in milking and caring for post delivery mom's and bottle feeding and caring for babies for the first 2-4 months of their developing life. Ideal experience for veterinary tracked student.

Educational Opportunities: Intern will be trained in all aspects of goat animal husbandry and farm management with an emphasis on prenatal, perinatal and post natal care of moms and neonate care including nutritional and other needs. Opportunity for candidate interested in cheese making transition to part time creamery internship for the remainder of the calendar year. Possible transition at the completion of the internship to part or full time employment.

Skills Desired: We will fully train, but we expect intern to know how to work hard, be observant and aware to catch any problems early, and have common sense, cheerful attitude and a willingness to learn.

Stipend: Yes - biweekly stipend plus housing and some food plus a bonus for completing the cheesemaking internship.

Housing: Yes- housing will be in our on farm travel trailer equipped with double bed, full kitchen, full bath. Access to house laundry. Alternative housing my be in a private room in a shared staff house located on the farm.