Overview

The goal of the apprenticeship program at SBFUAP is to provide a training ground for aspiring farmers by teaching the basic concepts and practical applications of organic food production, and to use agriculture as a platform to show how alternative food systems tie into the larger social issues of food security, social justice, and public health.

Apprentices are exposed to all aspects of food production. They learn about propagation, irrigation, soil management, harvesting, and marketing through a combination of hands on learning and structured classes. Although most of the time is spent working on the farm, apprentices are required to work with the surrounding community and participate in our education and food access projects. This blend of technical training and community involvement is what makes our program a unique and enriching experience for all involved.

Apprentices work and live on the American River Ranch, a 25-acre ranch utilizing field-scale agricultural techniques. At various times during the season, they also have the opportunity to work on our Hurley Way Farm, a 1.5 acre market garden, applying hand-scale bio-intensive gardening methods. Produce is distributed to several outlets in the county of Sacramento including farmers markets, a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, produce stands, and retail stores. A significant portion of all food production is subsidized and sold to low income residents.

Work Schedule

The apprenticeship runs from March 15 to October 31 (one or more apprentices may be able to extend thier apprenticeship through mid-December, depending on the farm's work needs). The work week runs 45-60 hours per week over 5 days, with the understanding that farmwork is not set by schedule but by the work that needs to be done. Apprentices also work every fourth weekend for a few hours to cover irrigation needs.

Housing: Canvas tents with access to indoor kitchen, shower, group living room.

Compensation: $300/month stipend, plus fresh vegetables, fruit and eggs from the farm, and staple food goods.

Apprentice Training and Instruction

1. Hands-on Training
   Most of the instruction on organic farming techniques come in the form of traditional apprentice style learning. The farm managers work closely with the apprentices running daily activities on the farm. In this type of learning environment the apprentices have the ability to observe and ask questions throughout the day about anything related to ecological farming, and the manager gives impromptu lessons in the field on related topics.
2. Apprentice Rotations
   Each apprentice is required to do a six week rotation covering a different aspect of running a small farm. They are given two weeks of guidance and instruction in each of the rotations and then given the responsibility of running that portion of the farm operation for the next four weeks. These rotations are designed to give the apprentices a management perspective. The three rotations encompass much of the farm operation. When the rotations have been completed the apprentices have a better sense of how the farm operates as a whole system as opposed to disparate parts.
3. Classes
   Although most of the teaching and instruction is informal training in the field, approximatley 10 formal classes are held. These classes cover basic concepts of ecological farming that directly relate to what is happening on the farm at particular times of the season. These classes are taught by the farm managers and occasionally guest lecturers.
4. Farm Tours
   Approximately once a month the farm staff visit a local organic farm. These farm tours are an important part of the program, allowing apprentices to see different agricultural scales and techniques and to connect with other professionals in their field.
5. Project Participation
   Apprentices have the opportunity to be involved in some of the education and food access projects the non-profit is engaged in. Apprentices assist the youth coordinator in instructing students (grades 6-12) on crop production, food preparation, and leadership exercises. They also assist with experiential student field trips (grades K-5). They may also work at one of our urban produce stands or participate in other food security projects.

How To Apply

We are accepting applications for an additional spot for the 2010 season. Please apply by May 1, 2010

Download the application, fill it out, and submit either by email or mail. Positions are filled on a rolling basis, beginning during the winter. A farm visit, with the chance to volunteer for a portion of the work-day, is recommended.

Email:
Sean Hagan, Farm Manager, at shagan@soilborn.org

Or mail application to:
Soil Born Farms
Attn: Apprenticeship
PO Box 661175, Sacramento, CA 95866

Please submit a resume with the application.