Farmer Training Program at Calypso Farm in Alaska

Come join us this summer in the Farmer Training Program at Calypso Farm & Ecology Center in Fairbanks, Alaska! Please apply using the contact info. below, not to beginningfarmers.org. Calypso’s Farmer Training Program is an intensive experiential education program focused on providing the skills, inspiration and experience necessary for participants to embark on starting their own small farm with confidence. Participants learn how to become self-reliant farmers by working alongside experienced farmers through the entire growing season from caring for greenhouse transplants, prepping the field for planting, planting, seeding, harvesting, managing soil fertility, weed and pest management, caring for farm animals, operating a CSA, running a farm stand, selling to local restaurants, working in natural alignment to prevent injury and more.  Guided training in art and craft skills such as wood carving, basic tool making, papermaking, metal working, wool processing, etc is also provided.

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Calypso’s unique setting also provides exposure to and experience with farm-based environmental education, organizing and running community events and a variety of practical homesteading skills (building, cooking, baking in a wood-fired oven, working with wool, metal-smithing, woodworking, birch bark weaving and more!).

This training program immerses you in farming, therefore the majority of the training is experiential and field and farm based, however the program also includes, topical workshops, a season-long creative farm business planning project, discussion groups, visits to other farms and involvement in farm-based youth education.

Accepting applications now!

(6 spaces available)

Open until filled – if you’re interested, apply now!

We hope to have these spaces filled by the middle of February, but will continue taking applications until the spaces are filled.

Dates: May 1st – September 30th, 2013

Tuition: $1,500 for the season ($300/month)

Tools and Supplies: $150 fee will cover your personal tools and educational supplies (including a “Reader” with a large selection of articles and book excerpts), which you can take with you when you leave.  You will also have access to specialized tools and supplies (carving tools, etc) throughout the program.

Housing: Program participants are provided with very rustic accommodations and a shared kitchen. A $100 cleaning deposit will be required and returned at the end of the season after personal and communal spaces are vacated and clean.

Food Provided: Basic food staples AND vegetables during the production season (early June – September) are provided throughout the apprenticeship.

College Credit: Yes! This is a 6 credit summer course with the University of Alaska, Fairbanks.

Please visit our website or contact calypsosusan@gmail.com for more program and application information www.calypsofarm.org.