Farm #3
Primary Production: Organic grain producers plus some livestock
This farm does not accept couples
This farm is not able to accommodate children
This farm pays at least minimum wage
Apprenticeship Term: May to Sept 30
We are a family farm located in same area for the last 100 years, and our children are fifth generation in the area. We farm on a small scale compared to most modern farms in the area and we enjoy it. This is a great place to learn how to operate a diverse organic farm. The farmer has had farming in his blood from young age, and pulled pretend implements behind his tricycle when he was only four.
Opportunities to learn include: picking eggs, running a large four wheel drive tractor, preparing equipment in the shop, setting the seeder, harrowing, disking , picking a few rocks with rock picker or baling some hay. You’ll be learning, working and having fun this season, learning all about organic farming while making some money to help you in your next project.
Enjoy a cold drink on the deck enjoying a family barbeque, and putting in a good day harvesting and enjoying the fruit of the labors of the season. Eat with the family, or have a great packed lunch depending on the day. We want to provide a solid, amazing learning experience on a small diverse working family farm.
Location: close to North Battleford
Farm #4
Primary Production: market garden, small family dairy goat herd, layer flock, and usually raise a flock of turkeys.
This farm accepts couples
This farm is able to accommodate children
This farm pays a stipend
Apprenticeship Term: April 15 to Oct 15
This farm has signed SOIL's Host Pledge
We are expanding our market garden operation and developing supporting infrastructure like shelterbelts and irrigation. We will also be adding more berry plantings, and hopefully improving our fencing for future rotational grazing.
We moved to Saskatchewan from Vancouver Island in 2019. Adam farmed in BC for 10 years, as farmhand, self-employed farmer, and farm manager. Samantha is an astronomy professor at Campion College in Regina and helps out on the farm when possible. Sylvia (10) is starting to be able to contribute help on the farm. Fern (5) is pretty good at providing entertainment.
We believe that people should have a closer connection with their food and as such we grow on a small-scale for local markets. We do so in the most sustainable way possible, and are always trying to improve in this respect.
Our farm is only 30 km from Regina (you can even see it from one of our fields), and situated in a rolling diverse terrain. We have a large forest, sloughs, and foraging opportunities galore.
Location: near Regina, Sask.
Farm #6
Primary Production: Cattle, haying, construction, sheep, leafcutter bees, a veggie CSA.
This farm accepts couples
This farm is not able to accommodate children
This farm pays a stipend
Apprenticeship Term: April to December
This farm has signed SOIL's Host Pledge
Work with Peter, a soil consultant, and Mary and their daughter on a 640 acre ranch close to the banks of the Peace River in northern Alberta. Aspen, birch, spruce, pine, and willow shelter belts provide wildlife habitat for moose, deer, beaver, foxes, coyotes, grouse, partridge, and migratory birds. The ranch is close to the town of Peace River that has full services, shopping, indoor swimming pool, and community theatre. There is a campground just across the river accessible by ferry where locals go horseback riding, 4 wheel biking, hiking, and canoeing on the river. In the winter there is a ski hill and cross country skiing.
These farmers hope to share their knowledge with others and help the next generation of farmers. You will learn about grass based farming, planned grazing of cattle and sheep, pasture calving and lambing, animal nutrition, soils, and mineral balancing. Also you will learn about compost tea brewing and application, Holistic Management, low stress livestock handling, fencing, carpentry, pollination of alfalfa using leafcutter bees and traditional nutrition following the teachings of the Weston A. Price Foundation. You will also learn about selling at the market, use of farm equipment, carpentry, food preservation, milking, and woodworking. Our daughter operates a veggie CSA on the farm.
The ranch family has 4 grown children with one daughter still at home. You will live in a separate house, with appliances and eat most meals in the main house depending on the work schedule. A minimal to moderate stipend will be paid depending on length of stay and expertise.
Location: Grimshaw, AB. 172 km northeast of Grande Prarie, 2 hr drive. 512 km northwest of Edmonton, 6 hr drive.
Farm #8
Primary Production: vegetables for CSA and Farmers Markets
This farm accepts couples
This farm is unable to accommodate children
This farm pays a minimum wage or higher
Apprenticeship Term: April 15 to October 25
Our farm is located 10 minutes north of Winnipeg and grows vegetables for over 250 CSA members and 2 farmers markets. We are committed to using ecological farming practices such as cover cropping, nutrient management, and crop rotation.
Apprentices will take part in all aspects of organic vegetable production from seedling production to harvest. The farm is in it’s 5th year of production and is growing steadily each year. Career opportunities are available for the right person. The start and end dates are somewhat flexible and it's possible to start later and/or end earlier than listed above. Applicants should think of this more like a job than an apprenticeship. They will learn lots through the course of the summer; however there will be no formal time dedicated to education.
Location: near Winnipeg, MT
Young Agrarians Apprenticeship Program
Are you an aspiring farmer looking to gain skills and knowledge that match the ecological and regenerative values you hold? Are you feeling the farming bug, but not quite ready to take the plunge and launch your own business? Young Agrarians and our network of exceptional mentor farmers are now offering advanced, hands-on farm apprenticeships in regenerative agriculture. Participants with a serious interest, curiosity and commitment to full-time farming are invited to apply.
Our apprenticeships are a full immersion program that puts you into the heart of running a farm business, day in and day out. Our carefully selected family of farm mentors have diverse expertise and skill sets – their farm philosophy is guided by a holistic framework that recognizes the connectedness of the land and people. Although farm activities will be different on each farm, the core activities will involve care of soil, pasture and livestock, farm direct marketing, and using sustainable practices for cereal, grain, and vegetable production.
As part of the program, you will also visit other farms that are hosting apprenticeships. This gives you the opportunity to learn from other ecological farmers and make connections with other apprentices in the program. Learn more about the Young Agrarians Apprenticeship program and apply here. Host farms will conduct video or phone interviews with select applicants. Confirmation of successful applicants will be in late February/early March. Apprentice start dates vary by farm; however, are generally in April or May.
Compensation: Room, board, and wage/stipend packages vary from farm to farm. Housing is safe, secure and the internet is available on each farm. Enjoy access to farm fresh food and some shared meals.
Listen to what former apprentices have to say about their farming experience with YA!
Application deadline: Jan 31