2016 Apprentice Descriptions
Apprenticeship Description: The Farming Systems Research Unit (FSRU) is a long-term, large-scale, multidisciplinary research project that compares five different agro-ecosystems: conventional agriculture, integrated crop-animal, organic agriculture, forestry plantation, and succession. The main objective of this project is to determine the effects of the different systems on the productivity and soil health over the long term. Both productivity and soil health are important indicators of sustainability in agricultural systems. This is a unique project that offers a number of hands-on opportunities in various aspects of agricultural production and research.
The Small Farm Unit is a 4+ acre organically certified vegetable farm with a greenhouse and three high tunnels for season extension research. An apprentice working at the small farm would be in charge of researching, designing and executing various organic weed control methods on a half-acre plot (s). An apprentice could also be involved in assisting in the collection of other on-farm research data, and the planting, weeding and harvesting of vegetables. There is also the opportunity to learn about irrigation and equipment use on a smaller scale farm.
Expectations & Goals:
- The apprentice will be involved in all farming activities to learn all aspects about farm equipment and management practices.
- The apprentice will be involved in all the research activities, including planning, sampling, measuring, data management, and evaluation which will provide a good understanding about sustainable agricultural research procedures.
- The apprentice will share ideas and take part on discussions to decide actions to improve both agronomic and research procedures and strategies.
- The knowledge and experiences gained can be applied toward diverse farm management and sustainable agriculture research purposes.
- The apprentice will design a small research project evaluating various methods of organic weed control and summarize the results
Special Skills Needed: Good communication and organizational skills, able to follow directions, to do tasks independently, and to work in a team, lift up to 40 pounds.
Location of Apprenticeship: Goldsboro, NC (most of the time) and Raleigh, NC (occasionally).
Any Other Pertinent Information: Some activities may need to be done under adverse weather condition (cold, heat, rain, pollen).
For more information on the Farming Systems Research Unit, please click here.
For more information on the Small Farm Unit, please click here.
Start/ End Dates (Approximate): April-November
Apprenticeship Description: The Agroecology Education Farm (AEF) is a 6-acre teaching farm dedicated to providing experiential learning opportunities and produce to the North Carolina State University (NCSU) dining halls. As the farm has grown so has its partnership with University Dining. The focus of this apprenticeship is on the relationship between farm production and culinary clients. The apprentice will work on the farm three days a week to learn basics of small-scale organic farm production. Besides the usual farm work, there will be a weekly educational focus (ie- crop rotation, equipment maintenance, volunteer management…) and field trips. Additionally, the apprentice will work with our partners in NCSU Dining and on a project of their choice. The project will concentrate on developing curriculum and programing around the culinary aspects of growing food.
Expectations & Goals:
- The apprentice will learn about small scale organic vegetable production through experiential learning at the AEF.
- Through a partnership with the NCSU Dining Halls, the apprentice will gain hands-on experience working with the chefs, dining hall management, and students.
- Through partners in the farm-to-table movement the apprentice will connect with farmers and culinary customers to gain insight on successful client relationships.
- The apprentice will work on building leadership and communication skills by taking lead on developing some culinary programming at the AEF.
- The apprentice will work as an ambassador for the farm at workshops and meetings. They will build connections and create a network.
- The career goals of the apprentice will be encouraged and employment opportunities expanded through the apprenticeship.
Special Skills Needed (if any): Apprentice should be able to lift 40 pounds and should expect to spend extended periods of time on the farm in all kinds of weather conditions.
Location of Apprenticeship: Raleigh, NC
For more information on the NCSU Agroecology Farm, please click here or visit their Facebook Page.
Start/ End Dates (Approximate): March-November
Apprenticeship Description: The Agroecology Education Farm (AEF) is a 6-acre teaching farm dedicated to providing experiential learning opportunities and produce to the North Carolina State University (NCSU) dining halls. With the growing number of jobs opening that are associated with educational and non-profit farms, this position will prepare the apprentice for employment in that sector. Our focus is on the balance of education and vegetable production while developing curriculum and workshops for the farm. The apprentice will split time between the AEF and other partners. At the AEF, the focus will be on production and education. Besides the usual farm work, there will be a weekly educational focus (ie.- crop rotation, equipment maintenance, volunteer management…) and field trips. One day a week the apprentice will work at a non-profit farm partner. Additionally, the apprentice will work on a project of their choice to develop farm programming and curriculum.
Expectations & Goals:
- The apprentice will learn about small-scale organic vegetable production through experiential learning at the AEF.
- Through a partnership with a local non-profit farm, the apprentice will add depth to their experience and expand their knowledge base.
- The apprentice will work on building leadership and communication skills by taking lead on developing some educational programming at the AEF.
- The apprentice will work as an ambassador for the farm at workshops and meetings. They will build connections and create a network.
- The career goals of the apprentice will be encouraged and employment opportunities expanded through the apprenticeship.
Special Skills Needed (if any): Apprentice should be able to lift 40 pounds and should expect to spend extended periods of time on the farm in all kinds of weather conditions.
Location of Apprenticeship: Raleigh, NC
For more information on the NCSU Agroecology Farm, please click here or visit their Facebook Page.
Start/ End Dates: Negotiable. January through December 2016 desirable, but at least a 6-month commitment during 2016 needed.
Apprenticeship Description: The Beef (~90 cows) and Dairy (~145 cows) Units at the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) are both pasture-based with seasonal breeding and calving. Breeding for dairy cows takes place January-March with calving October–December. Current breeding for beef cows is April-June with calving January-March but transition to fall calving is probable for the beef herd too. We also operate an Alternative Swine Unit that demonstrates an antibiotic free, deep bedded production model with plans to develop an outdoor component in 2016.
We are developing agroforestry systems with pasture (aka silvopasture) and plan to begin grazing native warm-season grasses in one study in 2016. In this system, trees are managed for high-value saw-logs and, at the same time, provide shade and shelter for livestock and forage, to reduce heat-stress and increase forage production.
This Apprenticeship will provide opportunities to learn low-stress animal handling and become familiar with a variety of pasture forage species, pasture management, internal and external parasite control strategies, calf management, milking procedures, swine management, agroforestry principles, and record keeping for both management and research purposes.
Expectations & Goals:
- Apprentice will engage in hands-on learning opportunities with CEFS farm managers and scientists working with livestock herds to understand management principles and experimental techniques.
- Apprentice will learn holistic approaches to management of pasture-based production systems.
- Apprentice will be provided opportunities to communicate to various groups about the importance and relevance of the work, as well as about animal agriculture in general.
- Apprentice will use knowledge and experience gained to enhance opportunities for a relevant career in animal production (producer, allied industry, academics).
Special Skills Needed (if any): Observational skills and attention to detail are important. Individual needs to be self-motivated, inquisitive, and willing to work as part of a team. Apprentice(s) should be able to lift 40 lbs and be willing/ able to work for extended periods of time in all kinds of weather conditions.
Location of Apprenticeship: Livestock and agroforestry units at the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) in Goldsboro, NC.
Any Other Pertinent Information: Successful candidate should have a plan and desire to be actively involved in animal agriculture.
For more information on the CEFS’ Pasture-based Beef Unit, Pasture-based Dairy Unit, Alternative Swine Unit or the Agroforestry experiment, please click on links.
Start/ End Dates: March – December
Apprenticeship Description: Apprentices will learn about and participate in practical applications of high tunnel management, including variety selection, planting dates, fertility, pest management, irrigation, microclimate management, maintenance of season extension structures, and equipment operation and maintenance. This time frame will allow the apprentice to have a comprehensive season extension experience using high tunnels in NC. They will lean about cool and warm season vegetable production, as well as cover crop management through the spring, summer and fall seasons.
Expectations & Goals:
- The apprentice will receive training in various formats including lecture, self-study, and participatory learning.
- The apprentice will develop a working knowledge of high tunnel operation.
- The apprentice will be an integral part of the high tunnel team.
- Leadership opportunities will be available within the apprenticeship program.
Special Skills Needed: Basic tractor operation and pesticide experience a plus.
Location of Apprenticeship: Greensboro, NC (with travel to Goldsboro, NC)