Located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the CAFF Apprenticeship program matches apprentice areas of interest with mentor farms, providing real-world farm experience. Apprentices learn alongside successful farmers, experiencing “farm life” before starting their future farm. The CAFF apprenticeship program lasts one to two seasons, depending on the apprentice’s interests. The program includes a core set of classes with curriculum topics that complement hands-on learning.
An agreement is signed between the farm mentor and apprentice outlining the terms of employment. Each on-farm experience is different. Farm mentors determine details such as beginning and end dates of employment, number of working hours per week, work responsibilities, and any specific policies, including living arrangements if applicable. The exact on-farm start and end dates for each apprenticeship are based on the needs of the mentor farmer. Start dates are typically in late winter.
On-farm provisions are based on the resources and determination of the mentor farm and may vary widely from one farm to another. Work responsibilities, hours, time off, housing, compensation, and other details will be clearly communicated in a written agreement before the start of an on-farm experience.
Some optional provisions offered by the host farmer may or may not include:
Taking home a weekly share of vegetables.
Living on site and helping with household chores
Sharing meals with the farmer’s family and participating in meal prep
See below for more information, program costs and how to apply.
Apprentices will learn alongside an experienced farmer on a successful farm. Apprentices should expect to:
Participate in all classroom sessions and group activities
Work closely with, and as directed by, farm mentor(s)
Write weekly journal or blog entries
Be challenged physically, intellectually and emotionally
Able to work long farm hours as needed
Able to lift 50 lbs.
Able to tolerate regular exposure to heat, sunlight, dust, pollen, ticks and chiggars.
Have reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license
The CAFF apprenticeship program lasts one to two seasons, depending on apprentice interests. The program includes a core set of classes with curriculum topics that complement the hands-on learning.
Apprenticeship Fee: $300 / per calendar year
Program Duration: 10 months – 2 years, based on apprentice interests
Classroom Sessions: 21 in total
Farm Placement: Begins in late winter/early spring
Networking: With apprentices/farmers/organizations/businesses
Checks-ins: Periodically by CAFF staff
Certificate: Based on the number of on-farm hours completed
Applicants must be 18 years old and currently reside in the United States. Apply here beginning August 1.
If you require application accessibility assistance, or have questions, contact CAFF at: CAFF.uark.edu
Application: https://form-usa.keela.co/apprenticeship-application-for_2024