Apprenticeship Program
Must be a current U.S. resident.
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Learn to Farm!
Are you interested in farming as a career but want to gain experience working beside a successful farmer?
Would you like to advance your farming skills in a working farm setting?
What – CAFF Farm Apprenticeship Program
When – Annually, January through November
Where – Northwest Arkansas
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the CAFF Apprenticeship program matches apprentice areas of interest with mentor farms, providing real-world farm experience. Apprentices learn alongside successful farmers, experiencing “farm life” before starting their future farm. The CAFF apprenticeship program lasts one to two seasons, depending on the apprentice’s interests. The program includes a core set of classes with curriculum topics that complement hands-on learning.
CLASSES
Apprentices are required to attend twenty-one educational classes, most of which are offered online during the winter months before starting the on-farm experience. Monthly classes continue in person during the production season and include local farm tours and workshops at the CAFF farm in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Classes are 2-3 hours each and include foundational topics that are essential for on-farm learning.
ON-FARM EXPERIENCE
An agreement is signed between the farm mentor and apprentice outlining the terms of employment. Each on-farm experience is different. Farm mentors determine details such as beginning and end dates of employment, number of working hours per week, work responsibilities, and any specific policies, including living arrangements if applicable. The exact on-farm start and end dates for each apprenticeship are based on the needs of the mentor farmer. Start dates are typically in late winter.
APPRENTICESHIP PROVISIONS
On-farm provisions are based on the resources and determination of the mentor farm and may vary widely from one farm to another. Work responsibilities, hours, time off, housing, compensation, and other details will be clearly communicated in a written agreement before the start of an on-farm experience.
Some optional provisions offered by the host farmer may or may not include:
- Taking home a weekly share of vegetables.
- Living on-site and helping with household chores
- Sharing meals with the farmer’s family and participating in meal prep
See below for more information, program costs, and how to apply.
EXPECTATIONS OF APPRENTICES
Learning alongside an experienced farmer is one of the best ways to learn the business.
Apprentices work on farm and in return, apprentices learn invaluable lessons about farm life and discover ideas for their own future farm.
Please note we work in partnership with local farms to find suitable placement for all applicants however not everyone is guaranteed placement. Previous farm experience is an asset. If you do not have any previous farming experience, please consider our CAFF Farm School or volunteer at a local farm. Some nonprofit farms you may consider include – Cobblestone Farm, Samaritan Center Farm, and Tri Cycle Farms.
Apprentices should expect to:
•Participate in all classroom sessions and group activities
•Work closely with, and as directed by, farm mentor(s)
•Write weekly journal or blog entries
•Be challenged physically and intellectually.
PROGRAM COSTS AND OVERVIEW
Apprenticeship Fee: $300 / per calendar year
Program Duration: 10 months – 2 years, based on apprentice interests
Classroom Sessions: 21 in total
Farm Placement: Begins in late winter/early spring
Networking: With apprentices/farmers/organizations/businesses
Checks-ins: Periodically by CAFF staff
Certificate: Based on the number of on-farm hours completed
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants must be 18 years old and currently reside in the United States. Apply here beginning August 1.
If you require application accessibility assistance or have questions, contact CAFF at: CAFF.uark.edu
If you’re interested in this program, please contact us or fill out an application by clicking the link at the top of the page.
Learn more about our mentor farms.
Farmer Mentors
Are you willing to share your knowledge and shape the next generation of farmers? Are you in need of motivated, enthusiastic farm labor who is eager to learn from you? Can you balance the needs and responsibilities of running a successful farm business while training an apprentice as they move along the continuum of developing skills with increasing levels of independence? We are interested in you joining our program! Contact us to see if you/your farm is a good match.
The Farm School
CAFF also offers experiential farm learning through The Farm School at the CAFF Farm in Fayetteville.