We sat down with two flex workers from our Carlisle, Pennsylvania, dairy facility to learn about their experiences with the flex program and the opportunities it’s lead to. 

Tell me a little about each of you:

Grace Rosenberry: I am from Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. I go to school at Penn State Mont Alto for business marketing and management. I am a senior expected to graduate in the fall of 2025.  

Prior to working at Land O’Lakes, I worked in restaurant service, dairy farming, and painting. When I’m not at work or school, I enjoy hanging out with my family and my pets.  

Katelyn Jones: I am also from Shippensburg. I attend Shippensburg University for a major in Spanish and a minor in criminal justice. I am halfway through my junior year and will be graduating in the spring of 2026. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my friends and taking care of my two dogs.

How did you hear about the flex program at Land O’Lakes?  

Katelyn: I was working as a painter across the street at another warehouse. I was looking for jobs on Indeed and came across a flex worker position. I thought it would be a great opportunity because it fits well with my school schedule, and it paid better than any part-time job I had before.  

I had just moved into my own place and needed something that not only can accommodate my schedule but also give me the hours I need. Once I applied, I convinced Grace, who also worked with me, to apply. Since then, we have been working here for a little over a year now and plan to stay here at least until we graduate.  

My college schedule changes every semester, and it is hard to find a job that can work around it, so the flexibility is life changing. I love the position and the management. I have been given the space to excel in school while also maintaining a 24 hour-per-week work schedule.  

What’s your experience been like? 

Grace: While I had experience in a factory previously, since Land O’Lakes makes food, there are many extra regulations I had to learn. I learned how butter and powdered milk is made, which is a lot more interesting than you’d think! I also became certified to drive a forklift, which was a cool experience for me; I had never driven anything but a car before.

I also moved into a Supply Chain internship with Land O’Lakes this past summer, which meant I got to see how the Carlisle plant operated from a management point-of-view, versus on the floor. I got to see and work in parts of the plant I had never had before. For example, I learned about the importance of preventative maintenance and how much unscheduled downtime can be prevented by scheduling specific downtime.

What has been the most surprising part of working here? 

Grace: I would say the most surprising thing is how well we are treated. The work we’re doing feels appreciated. All of my coworkers are always willing to give a helping hand.

I was also surprised about the benefits for part-time work. I have PTO [paid time off] for the first time, and I’ve actually been able to start my 401(k). 

Katelyn: [I] agree with what Grace said: the people and how well we as workers are treated. It wasn’t like this at my previous jobs. Every holiday we hold lunches, we have an employee appreciation week, and we also receive time off, which contributes to being able to work around my school schedule.  

I get along well with my managers and coworkers and that makes the biggest difference. I enjoy the work I do, and the people I do it with.  

Curious about a Flex Career in Manufacturing for yourself or someone you know? We have opportunities across the U.S. Learn more about the program on our Careers site.