are you a good fit?

This section is provided to help you decide if you are a good fit for being a host/mentor farmer/rancher with Rogue Farm Corps.

RFC Farm Mentors: 

• Work to develop mentoring relationships based on mutual trust and respect, with clearly defined boundaries.

• Encourage respect for what it takes to make farming a career.

• Encourage respect for nature.

• Model and train others to work ergonomically, efficiently, and effectively.

• Model and teach others the principles of stewardship and cooperation.

• Nurture trainee self-development.

• Honestly convey the realities (both satisfactions and frustrations) of farming as a vocation or career.

• Take responsibility and leadership in creating and maintaining a positive, equitable, and healthy work and training environment, set a respectful tone, and address conflicts.

Ask yourself these questions to help you determine if your operation is a good fit: 

• Ecological Integrity & Viability

  • What are the goals, values, or mission of your agricultural operation?

  • How might having an Apprenticeship help fulfill your farm’s mission?

  • What makes you a good farmer/rancher? 

  Mentorship & Training

  • Who were the teachers or mentors in your life that helped you? What did you appreciate about their mentoring style?

  • Can you envision training someone in the critical operations on your farm or ranch? 

  • What prior experience do you have with supervising/mentoring?  Or, what skills and personal qualities do you have that you think will serve you as a mentor?

  • Who are the people at your operation who would act as primary and secondary mentors for Apprentice(s)?

  • Given that mentor/mentee relationships are mutual learning opportunities, what are you excited to learn and what are you excited to share? 

  • How much time and energy can you dedicate to mentorship, training, and supervision?

  • How might you motivate an Apprentice in the middle of a challenging farming season when you yourself might be tired and overwhelmed?

  Equity

  • Are you open to thinking about how power dynamics and larger societal inequities show up in our agricultural systems?

  • Are you open to working with someone who might be very different from you?

  • Are you willing to work on creating a safe, inclusive, and equitable working environment?

  Open Communication

  • How would you adapt your schedule and routines to include an Apprenticeship? 

  • How comfortable are you with accepting critique, criticisms or suggestions? 

  • How might you check in with Apprentice(s) on a regular basis?

  • Can you serve as an advisor/mediator as well as trainer/supervisor? 

  Responsibility

  • If you would provide Apprentice housing (not required), do you have the appropriate resources they’ll likely need  (e.g. cell connection and/or wifi, laundry, kitchen, bathroom, etc)? 

  • Has your farm employed people before? If not, are you willing to get set up as a legal employer?

    Think you’re a good fit? Please fill out this form to receive our Prospective Host Farm information packet!