Practical Farmers of Iowa has 18 on-farm paid job openings with farmers across the state who are committed to providing additional training on what it takes to run a farm business.
The jobs are being offered through Practical Farmers’ Labor4Learning program, which features experienced farmers from a range of farm systems and enterprises who have agreed to offer training on topics such as record-keeping, marketing and other skills beginning and aspiring farmers might not otherwise be exposed to.
All positions are paid, and most trainer farms offer competitive wages, plus other perks and benefits.
Prior to launching their own farm businesses, it’s important that beginning and aspiring farmers gain experience with not only the day-to-day tasks of running a farm, but also the business management responsibilities.
Most on-farm jobs, however, do not expose employees to the full range of responsibilities required to run a farm operation. Labor4Learning seeks to fill the gap by offering a more well-rounded job experience.
“These on-farm jobs offer hands-on training with experienced Iowa farmers in a range of agricultural enterprises and systems,” says Celize Christy, PFI’s next generation coordinator. “PFI knows and has vetted these farmers, and they all believe in supporting beginning farmers and the mutual benefits of mentorship.”
Locally, Morning Glory Farms in Mount Vernon is offering a Labor4Learning position. Complete job descriptions and program details can be found at practicalfarmers.org/labor4learning.
“I am a Labor4Learning trainer because of what I have learned about soils and regenerative agriculture since transitioning our farm to organic,” says Scott Wedemeier of Grassway Farms near Maynard.
“I feel that this knowledge should be shared with those who are interested in learning about more sustainable ways of farming. I would like to be a part of giving that knowledge to the next generation.”
Each trainer farm in the program was approved by a committee of Practical Farmers of Iowa members to serve as qualified teachers. The farms represent a diversity of enterprises and production practices, including row crops, small grains, multiple species of livestock, fruits and vegetables, flowers, tree crops, cover crops, organic certification and more.
To participate as a trainee in Labor4Learning, applicants should submit resumes and references directly to the trainer farm. If hired, participants are given a Practical Farmers of Iowa membership, opportunities to network with other beginning and aspiring farmers and discounts to PFI learning events.