What is this apprenticeship?
One year of intensive learning in perennial crops, agroforestry, animal husbandry, and regenerative agriculture. What you’ll learn (chronologically):
- Commercial fruit tree pruning & orchard restoration
- Includes thinning, mowing, composting, fencing, irrigation, and general equipment safety, use, and maintenance including BCS tractor and chainsaw.
- Grafting, tree planting, perennial crop establishment
- Holistic spraying: Compost biology, clay, and seasonal timing
- Silvopasture rotational grazing of sheep in the orchard
- Shiitake mushroom log inoculating and yard development
- Fruit & mushroom harvesting & marketing
- General entrepreneurial planning, management, and development of a diversified small farm.
Who is this for?
This apprenticeship is not easy, and is not for everyone. If people don’t describe you as motivated and self-directed, this probably isn’t for you.
We are looking for bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, hard-working beginning farmers with deep excitement about perennial tree crops, animal husbandry, and diversified organic agriculture. Interest in permaculture, holistic management, and regenerative agriculture will help. You must have worked 1 (or more) full seasons on a commercial farm, and the farmers there must be willing to recommend you to us.
A previous apprentice said, “This is an educational opportunity that can’t be found in many places… but you need will and focus for it to go well. You will get out what you put into your time here.”
A limited number of spots are available (1 or 2). People who identify as women, people of color, Native American / First Nations and GLBTQ are encouraged to apply.
What are the dates?
Apprenticeship: December 1, 2019 – December 1, 2020
Applications open: September 1, 2019
In-Person Interviews: November, 2019
How do I apply?
Send us an email to let us know you’re interested: highfallsfarmny@gmail.com