Looking for on-farm education?
Whether you have never farmed before and want to dip your toes into agroforestry, or if you are interested in transitioning your current farming practices to incorporate agroforestry, the On-Farm Training Program (formerly Apprenticeship Program) might be right for you. This program offers a wide variety of mentor farm opportunities to suit most interests, experiences, and skill sets. Spaces are limited every season, but all are welcome to apply!
Becoming an On-Farm Agroforestry Trainee
- What you will learn: Each trainee will come away with a unique experience based on their host farm. In addition to on-farm mentoring, educational topics may include: perennial crop establishment, management, and harvest; farm planning and decision-making; equipment maintenance; product marketing; farm/tree finance, and more. You’ll also take our Beginning Farmer Online Course.
- Duration: Timing and duration is dependent on the needs of the host farm and the availability of the trainee. On-farm experiences are at a minimum 10 weeks (part-time or full-time), and can be longer.
- Location: All participating mentors are located in the Midwest; all people able to work in the US are encouraged to apply.
- Pay, room and board: Payment and benefits vary by host farm. See the Benefits section in the host farm descriptions below for more information.
- Additional activities: In addition to the online course materials and on-farm experience, trainees participate in monthly cohort calls; write a reflection about their on-farm experience, and participate and attend local field days.
How to Apply
Interested in applying for the On-Farm Training Program for the 2025 season?
- Review the Mentor Farms listed below. If there is a mentor farm you'd like to work with, please specify in the interest form. Are you open to training anywhere, at any time? Great! Let us know in the form. Flexibility is great for many mentor farms.
- When you are ready to participate in the 2025 training season, complete and submit the interest form before January 3rd. This lets us know what you're looking to learn and when you're ready to start.
- We will email qualified candidates with an invitation to apply. All other candidates will be redirected to more appropriate training opportunities.
- Mentor farms hire trainees directly and maintain their own interview process. Expect to hear from the mentor farm by mid-February for the 2025 training season!
Not sure yet? That’s ok! Fill out the interest form at any time. Applications will be sent out on a rolling basis throughout the year.
Email us at [email protected] with questions or for more information.
