interested in training aspiring farmers at your farm or ranch?

We are currently accepting applications Until november 15th. fill out this form to receive a Prospective Host Farm Information Packet.

NOTE: If you’ve been a Host Farm in the past we will just have you provide us with updates to reflect your current farming operation. You don’t have to fill out a new application from scratch.

Dear Oregon farmers and ranchers,

Are you interested in mentoring aspiring farmers at your farm or ranch? Are you employing effective, sustainable, and ecological production strategies? Do you want to be a part of creating a more equitable and just food system? Do you have at least 3-5 years of production experience? Can you employ an apprentice for at least 500 hours at your operation? If you answer yes to these questions, partnering with Rogue Farm Corps as a mentor Host Farm may be a good fit! Join us in building a world in which land is deeply cared for, power is equitably shared, and farms, ranches, and the people who work them flourish.

Rogue Farm Corps’ Apprenticeship program is designed to help train and equip the next generation of farmers and ranchers through a structured framework that includes on-farm training, classes, farm tours, discussion groups, and networking. Host farmers serve as primary mentors and supervisors for apprentices at their farm/ranch. Host farmers align with Rogue Farm Corps’ Values and agree to uphold the Host Farm Standards & Guidelines.

RFC Farmer Training Program core Values:

We partner with Host Farms who align with these core program values:

  • Mentorship & Education

  • Equity

  • Safety

  • Ecological Integrity

  • Open Communication

  • Responsibility

  • Farm/Ranch Viability

Brief introduction to being a Host Farm from the Training Program Team.

Why should I be a host farm?

Benefits of being a Host Farm through RFC:

  • Promotion, outreach for motivated candidates looking for experience in sustainable agriculture.

  • Training in human resources, farm crew management, mentorship, communication, equity & inclusion and more.

  • Opportunity to increase skills and knowledge of existing employee(s).

  • Potential to train people into management positions at your operation through a structured program.

  • Support as an employer.

  • A supportive network of farmer mentors to share experiences, compare notes, and seek input with.

  • Ongoing check-ins and resources from RFC during the training season to support a positive mentorship environment.

  • Access to educational and social events that are part of programming for Apprentices.

  • Stipend payments for completion of program milestones/requirements.

  • Potential to retain Apprentice as longer-term employee. 

To support Host Farms, RFC will:

  • Review and provide feedback on Host Farm’s Apprenticeship position description.

  • Provide an updated website listing for Host Farm’s Apprenticeship positions on RFC’s website.

  • Provide advertising and outreach for Host Farm’s Apprenticeship position(s).

  • Recruit Apprenticeship applications to Host Farm via a centralized application system.

  • Provide initial rating of program applicants’ written applications and refer appropriate applicants to Host Farm.

  • Provide or contract out training on human resource and mentorship topics to Host Farms.

  • Provide consultation as needed on issues related to being an agricultural employer.

  • Provide guidance on finding appropriate applicants in the application system, reviewing written applications, interviewing applicants, and checking Apprentice applicants’ references.

  • Provide guidance on onboarding and orienting new Apprentices.

  • Provide a template for a written agreement between Member Farm and their Apprentice(s).

  • Provide a template for a “Farm Employee Handbook” as desired.

  • Provide a template for a written residential agreement between Host Farm and their Apprentice(s) as necessary.

  • Provide a template and assistance in creating a customized On-Farm Curriculum for the Apprenticeship.

  • Review and provide feedback on Host Farm’s customized Apprenticeship agreements and On-Farm Curriculum.

  • Provide a companion beginning farmer educational event series for Apprentices and other aspiring/beginning farmers (also available to Host Farm).

  • Provide guidance to Host Farm on facilitating check-ins and evaluations for Host Farm’s Apprentice(s).

  • Work with Host Farm and participants to create mutually beneficial independent study projects, if desired by Host farm and participant(s).

  • Support Host Farm throughout the season with individual check-ins, pre- and post-season Host Farmer network meetings, and other appropriate resources, best practices, and tips.

  • Be available to Host Farm and Apprentice(s) to discuss any issues that may arise during the Apprenticeship season.

To support apprentices, RFC will:

  • Facilitate a group orientation

  • Facilitate an educational event series of classes, farm tours, and discussion sessions to complement on-farm/ranch learning

  • Provide printed and electronic program information and beginning farmer resources

  • Provide printed and electronic class outlines, suggested reading materials, and additional resources related to each educational event

  • Facilitate networking with local producers

  • Facilitate networking with other aspiring farmers

  • Provide one-on-one check-ins and email support during the program season to apprentices

  • Be available to discuss any issues that may arise through the Apprenticeship

  • Provide certification to apprentices upon program completion

  • Support Apprentices to coordinate with their college/university in order to receive credit for the apprenticeship program, if they are enrolled and their institution provides this option

  • Coordinate an alumni network to support graduates of our programs

  • Provide one-on-one support for program graduates if desired

Summary of Host Farm Responsibilities:

  • Employ Apprentice(s) for a minimum of 500 hours at minimum wage or above

  • Create a written position agreement (RFC provides templates)

  • If you offer Apprentice housing you’ll create a separate written residential agreement (RFC has a template)

  • Attend winter Host Farmer trainings, pre-season Host Farmer Kickoff, and post-season debrief meeting

  • Develop a list of skills that Apprentice(s) will receive training and experience with (RFC provides template)

  • Facilitate an orientation/pre-assessment of skills when Apprentice(s) starts

  • Train, supervise, and mentor Apprentice(s) on a diversity of tasks at the Host Farm that correspond with the list of skills developed

  • Provide hands-on demonstration and explanation of tasks on a regular basis

  • Work alongside Apprentice(s) and provide feedback on a regular basis

  • Provide opportunities for more independence and responsibility as the Apprenticeship progresses

  • Make time for Apprentice(s) to attend educational events

  • Provide opportunities for one-on-one check-ins with Apprentice(s)

  • Facilitate 2 evaluation sessions with each Apprentice (mid-season and end of season)

  • Facilitate regular crew meetings

  • Follow all employment and safety laws and regulations

  • Create and maintain a positive, safe, legal, and equitable work and training environment, with RFC support

Learn More: fill out this form to receive a Prospective Host Farm Information Packet.

Questions?

Please email our Training Team at training@roguefarmcorps.org