KDA opens applications for 2026 internship, legal fellowship programs

Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell is inviting college students interested in agriculture and government careers to apply for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s (KDA) 2026 summer internship program.

The Department is debuting its first-ever Legal Fellowship Program, offering a new path for law students interested in agricultural policy and legal work.

Commissioner Shell says the Kentucky Department of Agriculture offers students the unique opportunity to work side by side with their amazing staff. Through their internship and legal fellowship programs, he says students will gain valuable insight to launch careers in agriculture or an ag-related field.

The KDA summer internship runs from June through August and is open to students majoring in a variety of fields including agriculture, education, computer science, marketing, communications, pre-law and more.

According to a news release, interns will work with KDA professionals on real-world projects that support the Department’s mission to promote and protect Kentucky’s agricultural interests. The experience offers hands-on learning opportunities and exposure to the state’s diverse agriculture industry.

Applicants must be currently enrolled in a college, university or a vocational-technical program. To apply, students should complete the online application at kyagr.com/commissioner/internship-program.html and submit a résumé, cover letter and three references. Questions can be directed to Emery Moore at Emery.Moore@ky.gov.

The new Legal Fellowship Program will be housed under KDA’s Office of Legal Services. It is designed for second- and third-year law students who have an interest in agriculture law, policy and government service.

Students will gain experience in areas such as administrative hearings, open records responses and in-house counsel work. They will also participate in legal and policy research related to state and federal agricultural laws and regulations.

More information about the fellowship and the application can be found at kyagr.com/commissioner/legal-fellowship.html. Questions can be sent to Heather Becker at HeatherL.Becker@ky.gov.

Applications for both the KDA Internship and the Legal Fellowship are due January 1, 2026. Submissions must be completed digitally, paper or mailed applications will not be accepted.