Farmer Starter Training Program – Austin, TX

Farmer Starter: We Grow Farmers!

Farmer Starter is an immersive farmer training program on a 10 acre working, certified organic, diversified vegetable farm outside of Austin TX designed to provide aspiring farmers with the essential the skills and experience needed to manage a sustainable farming business.

Through a blend of in-field training and formal classroom education, the 18-week program trains students in:

• Organic and sustainable growing methods
• Soil and fertility management
• Organic pest and disease control methods
• Greenhouse management and propagation
• Holistic farm planning & crop planning
• CSA distribution and management
• Equipment use & maintenance
• Business planning
• Marketing

Now accepting applications for Spring 2018!​

Farmer Starter Course Term: January 23rd – May 24th

Find Farmer Starter Course Details and Application at www.farmshareaustin.org

Limited scholarship and work/study opportunities available

Deadline to Apply: December 15th

E-mail education@farmshareaustin.org for more info

Tuition, room & board:

• Tuition is $2,500.

• Students have the option of living on the farm during the semester for an additional $1,500 for the 18 weeks.

• Farmshare awards need-based scholarships and offers workshare programs as financial aid.

Skills desired:

• Applicants should have a passion for local food production and organic agriculture.

• Previous farm or garden experience is preferred but not necessary.

• Candidates must demonstrate a strong desire to learn about small-scale, sustainable agriculture.

Additional considerations:

• Students should be prepared to make a full season commitment and participate in all activities for the duration of the program.

• Students must be comfortable and capable of performing strenuous physical work in a variety of conditions.

• Students provide their own transportation to and from the farm.

• We’re sorry but we cannot accommodate pets at this time.

Student schedule:

• Students meet on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for eight hours per day.

• Mornings are spent in the field with the Farm Manager getting valuable hands-on experience and growing food for our Mobile Markets.

• Afternoons are spent in the classroom with the Education Manager learning the science and business of farm management, or on field trips to see a variety of farming practices.

• Students spend an additional four hours per week with Farmshare Staff at a Mobile Market to learn the ins and outs of direct marketing and Farmers’ Market sales.

• Class size: 8 students maximum.

Farmer Starter Application process:

• The application deadline for the upcoming Spring 2018 session is December 15, 2017. Once received, applications are reviewed by the Education Manager, who will follow up to schedule an interview and farm tour.

To learn about other beginning farmer training programs please visit https://www.beginningfarmers.org/beginning-farmer-training-programs/