Meet Kylie Temple

Major: Agricultural Economics, with a secondary major in Global Food Systems Leadership

Expected graduation year: 2028

Home town: Hermiston, OR

During the summer of 2025, Kylie Temple has an internship with Beef Northwest Feeders in Boardman, OR.

Why did you choose to intern for your company?

Beef Northwest is known for its commitment to being a progressive and relationship-driven cattle feeding company that balances profitability and sustainability. I wanted to learn the inner workings of what makes this business so successful and how their beef is consistently graded so highly.

What are your responsibilities at your internship?

I work to elevate the cattle feeding industry as a research assistant. We conduct research on different methods to mitigate heat stress in cattle. In eastern Oregon, we can have spans of days over 105 degrees that don’t come with much time to acclimate, which puts a heat load on our animals. My main role in the project is to help allocate cattle into our trial, monitor trials, create a visual dashboard of progress and analyze data daily.

What’s one of your favorite things about your internship?

My favorite thing about this internship is how committed Beef Northwest is to ensuring that its interns have a well-rounded experience. I have been able to gain knowledge on the research protocol, but also how cattle are processed, how our mill runs, how feed rations are created, hospital protocol for sick animals, and so much more. Every day, interns have the opportunity to learn something new and the reasoning behind the operation.

How will your internship impact your future career?

Though I’m pursuing a future in economics and law, I cannot defend what I don’t understand. Having this boots-on-the-ground experience will allow me to be a part of the conversations that shape our industry. I also get to learn about how to consistently raise, and arguably most importantly, finish quality cattle.

What advice do you have for someone looking to be in the same field as you?

For those looking for an internship in the feedlot sector, apply for Beef Northwest’s summer internship! There are more K-Staters in Oregon than you may think!

Find a place that is willing to invest in your professional growth and success. An internship is to learn, so give it your all and grow from all the experiences you gain, good or bad.