Info for Prospective Host Farms

interested in training aspiring farmers at your farm or ranch?

Host Farm Applications Are open for the 2027 season! learn more and receive a Prospective Host Farm Packet here.

NOTE: If you’ve been a Host Farm in the past 2 years we will just have you provide us with updates to reflect your current farming operation. You don’t have to fill out a new application from scratch.

Dear Oregon farmers and ranchers,

When you think back on your journey into sustainable agriculture, what core moments influenced you? Was it a deep value for employing effective, sustainable, and ecological production strategies? Was it the farmers, mentors or family that first sparked your interest in planting, harvesting and running a business? Did you want to be a part of creating a more equitable and just food system? If you answer yes to these questions, partnering with Oregon Farm Corps as a mentor Host Farm may be a good fit! 

Oregon Farm Corps’ Apprenticeship program is designed to help train and equip the next generation of farmers and ranchers through a structured framework that includes on-farm training at Host Farms complemented by classes, farm tours, discussion groups, and networking organized by OFC. Host farmers serve as mentors and supervisors for Apprentices at their farm/ranch.

This page will help you understand the benefits and responsibilities of being a Host Farm with Oregon Farm Corps. Join us in building a world in which land is deeply cared for, power is equitably shared, and farms, ranches, and the people who work them flourish. OFC Apprentices are primed to become successful farm employees, managers, or operators and step into the vital work of food systems resilience. By becoming a host farm you are helping to answer the need for conscientious land stewards and skilled farm workers. 

Become an Oregon Farm Corps Host Farm. Share your values, knowledge and skills. Help grow the next generation of farmers and ranchers! OFC staff are happy to talk with you, answer questions, and support you in the application process.

OFC Farmer Training Program core Values:

We partner with Host Farms who align with these core program values:

  • Mentorship & Education

  • Equity

  • Safety

  • Ecological Integrity

  • Open Communication

  • Responsibility

  • Farm/Ranch Viability

Why should I be a host farm?

Benefits of being a Host Farm through OFC:

  • Promotion, outreach for motivated candidates looking for experience in sustainable agriculture.

  • Training in human resources, farm crew management, mentorship, communication, equity & inclusion and more.

  • Opportunity to increase skills and knowledge of existing employee(s).

  • Potential to train people into management positions at your operation through a structured program.

  • Support as an employer.

  • A supportive network of farmer mentors to share experiences, compare notes, and seek input with.

  • Ongoing check-ins and resources from OFC during the training season to support a positive mentorship environment.

  • Access to educational and social events that are part of programming for Apprentices.

  • Stipend payments for completion of program milestones/requirements.

  • Potential to retain Apprentice as longer-term employee. 

To support Host Farms, OFC will:

  • Review and provide feedback on Host Farm’s Apprenticeship position description.

  • Provide an updated website listing for Host Farm’s Apprenticeship positions on OFC’s website.

  • Provide advertising and outreach for Host Farm’s Apprenticeship position(s).

  • Recruit Apprenticeship applications to Host Farm via a centralized application system.

  • Provide initial rating of program applicants’ written applications and refer appropriate applicants to Host Farm.

  • Provide or contract out training on human resource and mentorship topics to Host Farms.

  • Provide consultation as needed on issues related to being an agricultural employer.

  • Provide guidance on finding appropriate applicants in the application system, reviewing written applications, interviewing applicants, and checking Apprentice applicants’ references.

  • Provide guidance on onboarding and orienting new Apprentices.

  • Provide a template for a written agreement between Member Farm and their Apprentice(s).

  • Provide a template for a “Farm Employee Handbook” as desired.

  • Provide a template for a written residential agreement between Host Farm and their Apprentice(s) as necessary.

  • Provide a template and assistance in creating a customized On-Farm Curriculum for the Apprenticeship.

  • Review and provide feedback on Host Farm’s customized Apprenticeship agreements and On-Farm Curriculum.

  • Provide a companion beginning farmer educational event series for Apprentices and other aspiring/beginning farmers (also available to Host Farm).

  • Provide guidance to Host Farm on facilitating check-ins and evaluations for Host Farm’s Apprentice(s).

  • Work with Host Farm and participants to create mutually beneficial independent study projects, if desired by Host farm and participant(s).

  • Support Host Farm throughout the season with individual check-ins, pre- and post-season Host Farmer network meetings, and other appropriate resources, best practices, and tips.

  • Be available to Host Farm and Apprentice(s) to discuss any issues that may arise during the Apprenticeship season.

To support apprentices, OFC will:

  • Facilitate a group orientation

  • Facilitate an educational event series of classes, farm tours, and discussion sessions to complement on-farm/ranch learning

  • Provide printed and electronic program information and beginning farmer resources

  • Provide printed and electronic class outlines, suggested reading materials, and additional resources related to each educational event

  • Facilitate networking with local producers

  • Facilitate networking with other aspiring farmers

  • Provide one-on-one check-ins and email support during the program season to apprentices

  • Be available to discuss any issues that may arise through the Apprenticeship

  • Provide certification to apprentices upon program completion

  • Support Apprentices to coordinate with their college/university in order to receive credit for the apprenticeship program, if they are enrolled and their institution provides this option

  • Coordinate an alumni network to support graduates of our programs

  • Provide one-on-one support for program graduates if desired

Summary of Host Farm Responsibilities:

  • Employ Apprentice(s) for a minimum of 500 hours at minimum wage or above

  • Create a written position agreement (OFC provides templates)

  • If you offer Apprentice housing you’ll create a separate written residential agreement (OFC has a template)

  • Attend winter Host Farmer trainings, pre-season Host Farmer Kickoff, and post-season debrief meeting

  • Develop a list of skills that Apprentice(s) will receive training and experience with (OFC provides template)

  • Facilitate an orientation/pre-assessment of skills when Apprentice(s) starts

  • Train, supervise, and mentor Apprentice(s) on a diversity of tasks at the Host Farm that correspond with the list of skills developed

  • Provide hands-on demonstration and explanation of tasks on a regular basis

  • Work alongside Apprentice(s) and provide feedback on a regular basis

  • Provide opportunities for more independence and responsibility as the Apprenticeship progresses

  • Make time for Apprentice(s) to attend educational events

  • Provide opportunities for one-on-one check-ins with Apprentice(s)

  • Facilitate 2 evaluation sessions with each Apprentice (mid-season and end of season)

  • Facilitate regular crew meetings

  • Follow all employment and safety laws and regulations

  • Create and maintain a positive, safe, legal, and equitable work and training environment, with OFC support

Questions?

Please email our Training Team at training@oregonfarmcorps.org