Alex Stoops heard about the CAFF Farm Apprenticeship program when a co-worker mentioned it. Later Alex would be the new program’s first success story, transitioning from apprentice to Farm Manager. He is now part of a new generation of young Arkansas farmers reviving local food systems through small specialty crop farming.
Originally from Yellville, Alex held several different jobs before farming. He was a dishwasher, loaded boats at the river, and worked as a cook. Alex attended college for a while and admits to feeling a bit lost afterward. He was unsure of what career direction he wanted. His mom’s suggestion that he volunteer at Heifer International led to discovering an unknown passion for agriculture.
Alex worked on the Heifer Ranch in Perryville for four years, finding a lot to enjoy in farm life. The physical nature of the work and critical thinking required appealed to him. He found farm work interesting and dynamic, requiring a diverse skill set. Alex had found the career path he wanted but wasn’t sure how to transition to farming independently.
Then Alex heard about CAFF. He signed on when the Apprenticeship program launched and was part of the inaugural cohort. Based on his interests and future goals, Alex was matched to an apprenticeship at the innovative Red Barn agri-hood in Bentonville. He continued learning about sustainable farm practices, crop management, and other crucial skills in a small farm operation. His apprenticeship soon turned into a full-time position.
Alex has since moved on to other farm opportunities and towards his long-term farming goals. One goal is to have an occupational therapy farm with his brother. Both believe this type of farm could significantly impact lives in the area through agriculture, especially in a post-Covid world. He sees the local ag movement as very important to the future of the planet. “Doing this, restoring the soil, growing communities is maybe the most impactful thing a person can do,” he says. “I’m just excited to be a part of that.”
Looking toward the future, Alex says he simply wants to continue farming sustainably, developing the soil, and contributing to the earth and community. His advice to anyone interested in small scale farming is to be smart about it. Speaking from experience, Alex says there are opportunities for those who want to learn who don’t own land. When you do have land, build up your soil. Alex encourages aspiring farmers to know their goals. He adds that any investors interested in an occupational therapy farm should contact him. In the meantime, Alex is passionately working the soil somewhere, impacting, and contributing to the local food system.
The CAFF Farm apprenticeship program is part of the University of Arkansas System, Division of Agriculture in partnership with the Northwest Arkansas Food System. Apply for an apprenticeship at UAFarmApprentice.org
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