April through September 2018
(optional February start with early acceptance)
Program Objective: This is a part-time, hands-on training program for people with 0 to 2 years of farm or gardening experience. The program provides foundational knowledge and practical skills for those interested in small-scale, intensive, organic vegetable and permaculture-based production methods. This program will be valuable and suitable for anyone interested in exploring a future in small-scale vegetable production as well as anyone interested in learning growing skills for the purpose of homesteading, gardening, and feeding themselves and their community.
This opportunity features:
Convenient location – Centrally located between Lancaster and York, one mile off of Route 30
Part-time learning to allow time for employment or other commitments
Small scale, sustainable, intensive farming methods
Attendance at a diverse array of classes and workshops
Full growing season experience
Weekly CSA share of produce
Exposure to equipment maintenance & repair
Exposure to and experience with developing markets for selling produce
This is a good precursor to our Incubator Farm Project
The Horn Farm Internship Program Includes:
On-Farm Field Training –approx 336 hours
In mid-April, participants (interns) will begin the all-important on-farm training aspect of the program. Learning by doing and incorporating the knowledge into our physical bodies is essential to understanding the life of a farmer. With side by side mentorship of the Education Director and Field Manager, the interns will assist with all aspects of working a small-scale farming operation, from greenhouse to field, from harvest to market.
Interns are required to work on the training farm for 12 hrs per week for 28 weeks following a schedule set out by the Education Director in consultation with the interns. Optional February start will provide experience with early greenhouse seeding and field prep.
Marketing
Marketing and sales are an essential aspect of running a successful operation. Horn Farm Center will help facilitate opportunities for interns to assist farmer vendors at local markets and/or our onsite Farm Stand connecting you from the field to consumer. Interns will also be involved in the process of developing local markets and looking at varied outlets for selling and distributing produce.
Classes and workshops
Outside of the field training hours, interns will be able to take advantage of 8 classes or workshops offered through the Horn Farm Center (Some restrictions may apply). We offer a wide range of classes on farm and landscape related topics that can be selected based on the specific interest area of each intern. The full class calendar will be available early in 2018.
Tour Unique, Successful Small Scale Farms
Farm tours will be planned to several successful, diverse types of growing operations. These opportunities are an important part of the training, further connecting you to a network of innovative producers and letting you see their wonderful farms.
Expected Outcome
Through instruction, hands-on practice, and networking, the farm internship is designed to help you make substantial progress towards understanding how soil, plants, climate, and people interact to create sustainable farms with environmental, economic, and social well-being as their core values. This is foundational knowledge upon which you can build as you take the next steps to becoming part of the vibrant organic farm community.
Application Deadline: rolling
Program Fee: $1000.00 (Payment plan available)
For more information please contact educationdirector@hornfarmcenter.org, (717) 332-8710
Regenerative Farmer Training Program | $1,250.00 |