Farm Apprenticeships in North Carolina

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Farm Apprenticeships in North Carolina at A Way of Life Farm – 2020

A Way of Life Farm fosters healthy people, healthy economy, and healthy ecology through food production. Farming is our form of activism– we believe that providing  people with truly healthy food that is also healthy for the land is a  powerful act.  With a crew of two farmers, four apprentices, and two summer interns, we grow Certified Organic vegetables, strawberries, and blueberries, as well as pasture-raised pork for sale to farmers’ market and CSA customers. This commercial production is integral to a broader permaculture design and land revitalization, which includes the development of fruit and nut orchards (persimmon, pawpaw, muscadines, chestnuts, pecans, and pecans). 

Visit our website for even more information and an application for the farm apprenticeships in North Carolina! http://awayoflifefarm.com/apprenticeships

Farming really is a way of life and it is truly meaningful work! Apprentices take part in various aspects of the farm from vegetable seed to harvest, livestock chores, marketing, perennials, and infrastructure projects, but should expect to spend the vast majority of time growing vegetables. We aim to offer information and skills that will build your confidence toward managing a farm. Applicants should already have some experience on a production farm.  As the season progresses, or as experience allows, apprentices are given increased responsibilities and areas of focus around the farm.

Production Methods:

We use mostly hand-powered, no-till growing methods in our Certified Organic production of about 2 acres.  We also use the Kinsey-Albrecht method of soil chemistry/fertility,  Keyline Design for broad-scale projects, and Holistic Management for decision making.  We are excited to share how and why we use these methods with our crew!

Schedule:

Apprentices work an average of 45 hours/week. We respect your time and life away from the farm, trying our best to stick to a pre-arranged daily schedule.  Apprenticeship positions start as early as  March and continue through December and beyond, with a minimum 9-month commitment desired. Summer interns join us for 2-3 months in the summer and work an average of 40 hours/week.  If it’s a good fit, we encourage crew members to come back for another season with increased responsibilities and pay.

Compensation:

Apprentice compensation includes $700/month starting stipend, housing and utilities, food from the farm, and a priceless education! 

Summer intern compensation includes $500/month stipend, housing and utilities, food from the farm, and a priceless education!

Location of Farm Apprenticeships in North Carolina:

We live in a beautiful rural area in the foothills of North Carolina, and are only 15 minutes from the vibrant, small town of Forest City and an hour from Asheville.  If desired, there are plenty of opportunities to meet and build community with other farmers and apprentices through our membership to CRAFT (a collaborative network of farmers in the region) and nearby farms and fellow farmers’ market vendors.

 

• Learn more about farming and food jobs, internships, and apprenticeships, and learn how to post a job, internship, or apprenticeship opportunity on beginningfarmers.org by going to https://www.beginningfarmers.org/internship-and-employment-opportunities/