Farmer Training & Development

Changing markets and a changing climate present the next generation of farmers with enormous challenges. Yet, few other ways of life offer the rewards that come from working within natural systems and the satisfaction of feeding a community.

While formal apprenticeships have successfully prepared skilled workers in the trades for more than a century, none were available to farmers—until now! To train the next generation of sustainable farmers, we facilitate two formal apprenticeship programs that are registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry: Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship and Diversified Vegetable Apprenticeship.

Apprentices hone their skills on working farms under the guidance of experienced mentors. They complete a rigorous curriculum of technical coursework, field days, and workshops. Plus, our apprenticeships are paid—beginning farmers can earn while they learn.

Formal apprenticeships benefit both beginning and experienced farmers. Apprentices receive a well-rounded education in a real-life work setting, while mentor farmers gain access to a pool of skilled, committed employees.

In this recorded webinar, Aaron de Long, Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship program manager, and Dan Dalton, Diversified Vegetable Apprenticeship program manager, give overviews of both apprenticeship programs and answer some common questions.