Beginning farmers looking to gain hands-on skills can now apply for paid on-farm jobs through Practical Farmers’ Labor4Learning program, which offers training with experienced farmers across the state who are committed to mentoring the next generation.
For the 2024 season, over a dozen jobs are available in a range of farm enterprises and production systems. All positions will offer mentoring that goes beyond an ordinary farm job.
In addition to core work tasks, experienced PFI farmers will provide extra training on topics such as record-keeping, marketing and other skills beginning and aspiring farmers might not otherwise be exposed to.
“Working with Donna Warhover at Morning Glory Farm fast-tracked my farming experience,” says Sara Ziehr, a Labor4Learning trainee from West Branch. “I was able to observe a well-run farm with established procedures and got to be hands-on with a variety of tools and equipment. I also learned about different planting methods, integrated pest management and business management.”
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 what it takes to run a farm business.
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.
“The Labor4Learning program is essential because it gives aspiring farmers the chance to try out different farming enterprises and styles before they make life-altering commitments to their own farm,” says Rachel Burke, PFI’s beginning farmer engagement coordinator.
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, multiple species of livestock, fruits and vegetables, flowers, cover crops, organic certification and more.
All positions are paid, and most trainer farms offer competitive wages, plus other perks and benefits. Some farms are also open to hiring multiple trainees.
Local farmers in the area who are offering Labor4Learning training on their farms include:
Cedar County
• Derek Roller and Molly Schintler – Echollective Farm (Mechanicsville) – Vegetables, herbs, flowers, mushrooms, seed garlic
Linn County
• Emma and Marcus Johnson – Buffalo Ridge Orchard (Central City) – Herbs, vegetables, apples, pears, row crops
• Donna Warhover – Morning Glory Farm & Event Venue (Mt Vernon) – Vegetables, herbs, greenhouse and high tunnel production