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Farmer Cultivation Center Trainees
The training program at the Farmer Cultivation Center is designed to prepare participants for a successful career as farmers in Boulder County. The program is intentionally rigorous with the goal of helping new farmers adjust to the realities of operating a farm business.
The first year of the two-year program combines classroom instruction with real hands-on experience at our farm and at other farms in the area. Instruction tracks include Business Planning, Operations Management, Sales & Marketing, Horticulture, and last but not least, The Centered Farmer. The hands-on experience includes each trainee managing a 1/4 acre plot at the Shepherd Valley Farm. They have opportunities to plan the season's production, design the beds, create a planting and harvest schedule, and manage labor to make it all happen.
In the second year, the classroom instruction continues, with a focus on developing a business plan. Additionally, participants begin preparing the infrastructure on a leased piece of land that can become their farm. It all comes together so that upon completion of the program, the new farmer can begin operations with a good plan and a piece of land that is ready to farm.
The first year of the two-year program combines classroom instruction with real hands-on experience at our farm and at other farms in the area. Instruction tracks include Business Planning, Operations Management, Sales & Marketing, Horticulture, and last but not least, The Centered Farmer. The hands-on experience includes each trainee managing a 1/4 acre plot at the Shepherd Valley Farm. They have opportunities to plan the season's production, design the beds, create a planting and harvest schedule, and manage labor to make it all happen.
In the second year, the classroom instruction continues, with a focus on developing a business plan. Additionally, participants begin preparing the infrastructure on a leased piece of land that can become their farm. It all comes together so that upon completion of the program, the new farmer can begin operations with a good plan and a piece of land that is ready to farm.
Tuition
The tuition for the 2 year program is based on a sliding scale and tops out at $4000 per year. Candidates who can demonstrate a need for financial assistance will be given scholarships, but may be asked to assist with fundraising efforts.
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Participant Qualifications
The ideal candidate for an apprenticeship will be someone passionate about growing food, has a strong community focus, has the physical and emotional strength to persevere through the program, and has some level of experience with small business management and/or farming or gardening.
Candidates must be able to commit to a 2 year program averaging 20 hours per week and have the flexibility in their weekly schedule to be accommodate the farm schedule. |