Rice as a Climate Adaptation Crop for New York

Climate models predict that the northeastern United States will experience more pronounced periods of intense precipitation and short duration flooding. Floodplain region are particularly at risk as increased soil moisture and flooding poses a challenge for vegetable and grain farmers.

This summer internship offers a unique opportunity to work with pioneering rice farms in the Hudson River Valley region of New York that will experiment with a flood tolerant crop. The intern will gain invaluable experience in various aspects of rice cultivation (both flooded and drip-irrigation rice systems), from seed preparation to harvesting, and learning about cooperatives and market potential.

The intern’s key responsibilities will include: assisting in field preparation, including land leveling and water management; participating in transplanting rice seedlings; monitoring crop growth and identifying potential pests and diseases; helping with weed control and fertilization; assisting in harvesting and post-harvest processing; and maintaining detailed field notes and data records.

Roles and responsibilities

The intern’s key responsibilities will include: assisting in field preparation, including land leveling and water management; participating in transplanting rice seedlings; monitoring crop growth and identifying potential pests and diseases; helping with weed control and fertilization; assisting in harvesting and post-harvest processing; and maintaining detailed field notes and data records.

Qualifications and previous coursework

This opportunity is available to non-graduating students in Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

• Plant science, soil science, or agricultural sciences courses.
• The selected intern will be required to drive on behalf of the summer project and must have reliable transportation

Learning outcomes  

The learning outcomes will be focused on hands-on experience in sustainable rice farming founded on the principles of Cooperative Extension, with evidence-based problem-solving of farmer challenges with the knowledge on experimentation from Land-Grant University researchers and extension educators. The intern will learn about various aspects of rice cultivation, from field preparation to harvesting. They will gain practical skills, develop problem-solving abilities, and understand sustainable agriculture principles. Additionally, they will collaborate with a team and maintain detailed records.