At the Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education we are teaching farming practices that restore damaged ecosystems while producing food for our community. Emphasis is placed on learning to see the farm as a whole, highly integrated agricultural ecosystem.
Program Time Frame: March through October 2020
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, regenerative farming 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.
Program time commitment is 12 hours per week: Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Features:
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Part-time learning to allow time for other commitments
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Hands on experience with small scale, regenerative, intensive farming methods
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Exposure to agroforestry systems and woodland management practices
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Exposure to and experience with developing markets for selling produce
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Classroom sessions, homework, and suggested readings to reinforce experiential learning
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Full growing season experience
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Weekly share of produce from the farm
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Convenient location – Centrally located between Lancaster and York, one mile off Route 30
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Scheduled time off for vacations or other needs can be accomodated.
The Horn Farm Regenerative Farming Training Program Includes:
Field and Classroom Training – 420 hours (35 weeks, 12 hours per week)
In March, training program participants 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. Working alongside the Education Director and Field Manager, the participants will assist with all aspects of working a small-scale farming operation, from greenhouse to field, from harvest to market.
Agroforesty, including silvopasture and multi-functional riparian buffers, will be a key part of the training as new systems are being installed and maintained at the Horn Farm. Working with ecological restoration techniques and understanding the connections between the semi-wild and the highly cultivated areas of the farm will be covered. Farmer trainees will learn to see the farm as a whole, highly integrated agricultural ecosystem.
Marketing
Marketing and sales are an essential aspect of running a successful operation. Participants will assist with the set-up and running of the onsite Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program as well as learn post-harvest handling, packaging, and market practices. Participants will have the opportunity to staff on-site farm stands at any on-farm events held at the Center through the course of the season. Information on marketing and developing business plans will be covered as well.
Classes and workshops
Classroom sessions cover a variety of foundational topics. Participants will also be expected to attend an Introduction to Permaculture class (Date to be determined) in early spring. Horn Farm Center offers a wide range of classes on farm and landscape related topics open to the general public that we recommend attending to supplement and complement the program experience. They are offered at an additional cost per workshop. The full class calendar will be available early in 2020.
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 training participants to a regional network of innovative producers.
Toolkit
Participants will receive their own set of tools to use and maintain in order to gain comfort and proficiency with use. This toolkit includes professional grade stirrup hoe, trowel, dibble, pruner, and harvesting knife. Participants will be fully responsible for their own tools and will take their kit with them at the completion of the program.
Expected Outcome
Through instruction, hands-on practice, and networking, the farm program is designed to allow for substantial progress toward understanding how soil, plants, climate, and people interact to create regenerative farms with environmental, economic, and social well-being as their core values. This is foundational knowledge necessary for becoming part of the vibrant, organic farming community.
Program Fee: $1250.00 (Payment plan available)
Click here for application.
For more information please contact educationdirector@hornfarmcenter.org, (717) 757-6441.
York, PA 17406
United States
Regenerative Farmer Training Program | $1,250.00 |