all current participating mentor host farms with Rogue Farm Corps farmer training programs
Good Rain Farm-Full For 2026
Good Rain Farm-Full for 2026
2 APPRENTICESHIPS
PART TIME (32 hours/week) Full Time (40 hours / week) considered
APPROX START/END DATES: May - October
$18/HR
LOCATION: Troutdale (Portland Metro Chapter)
YEARS IN PRODUCTION: 10
PREVIOUS YEARS HOSTING: 1
PRACTICES: Low-Till, Organic Practices (Not Certified)
ACRES IN CULTIVATION: 1
Vegetables, Culinary Herbs, Meat Production, Seed Production
ON-FARM HOUSING? No
VEHICLE REQUIRED? Yes
LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English
BIPOC Owned/Operated, Women Owned/Operated
Good Rain Farm is a diverse operation focused on vegetable production, native plant propagation, and Indigenous First Foods. We primarily grow mixed vegetables and Indigenous crops, cultivating them through sustainable practices such as low-till methods, cover cropping, and regenerative soil care. Our marketing and sales outlets include a CSA program, local farmers markets, and direct-to-community sales. Our CSA, Save Our Seed, prioritizing culturally relevant foods and education.
Training future farmers is essential to sustaining our food systems, and it’s critical to build a qualified, skilled workforce that values sustainable, culturally rooted practices. Mentoring Apprentices aligns with our mission to strengthen the community through hands-on education and cultural stewardship, helping to ensure a resilient, knowledgeable, and inclusive agricultural future.
www.GoodRainFarm.com
FARM OVERVIEW
Good Rain Farm is located on 13.5 acres within the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) and designated rural agricultural reserves, just 10 minutes from Gresham and Troutdale, Oregon. The farm includes 10 open-field acres dedicated to mixed vegetable production, providing a spacious and productive setting for diverse crops. Our proximity to the Sandy and Columbia Rivers adds to the richness of the environment, offering opportunities for recreational activities and connection to local natural resources. The setting provides both a quiet, rural atmosphere and convenient access to nearby communities, making it ideal for sustainable farming and community engagement. Currently farm owner Michelle Week and partner live on site with 1 dog, several cats, poultry and meat rabbits.
Our production is a blend of mechanization and hand labor, using tools like a BCS walk-behind tractor for efficiency while maintaining soil health. We use cover crops to enrich soil and support biodiversity, and we are committed to organic practices, exploring organic certification to enhance transparency.
Our typical farm crew includes Michelle and seasonal Apprentices who engage in all aspects of the farm’s operations. We prioritize training Apprentices in sustainable methods, food sovereignty, and cultural revitalization, aiming to foster skilled farmers who carry forward these values. Community volunteers also join us seasonally, helping with planting, harvesting, and community events that support our broader mission of sustainable, inclusive agriculture.
Farmer Michelle Week, founder and steward of Good Rain Farm, is a first-generation farmer from the sngaytskstx (Sinixt) Arrow Lakes Peoples. With a foundation in outdoor recreation and gardening, she refined her skills through a Farm Apprenticeship at Zenger Farm, which led her to establish Good Rain Farm to increase access to Indigenous First Foods.
Michelle’s philosophy centers on food sovereignty, cultural revitalization, and environmental stewardship. Good Rain Farm was established in 2018 to blend traditional knowledge with sustainable farming, fostering ecological health and community resilience. Michelle’s goals include creating an inclusive food system, expanding education, and training future farmers who prioritize community and sustainability.
TRAINING AND EXPECTATIONS
Apprentices at Good Rain Farm will engage in a variety of tasks throughout the six-month Apprenticeship, such field work includes planting, cultivating, weeding, and harvesting, as well as care for livestock, including feeding and cleaning of our meat rabbits. About 48 hours of On-Farm orientation (typically offered in 3hr weekly chunks)will occur . Apprentices will also learn practical skills in washing and packing produce, basic marketing principles through CSA interactions, and safe equipment use and maintenance. Additionally, they will contribute to social media marketing and newsletter writing, enhancing their communication skills and understanding of farm promotion. While the focus is more on agricultural skills than business operations, Apprentices will have access to a list of resources and recommendations for additional entrepreneurial education, and time to attend workshops can be accommodated. The program aims to provide a well-rounded experience, fostering both hands-on agricultural skills and an understanding of sustainable farming practices while encouraging collaboration and active participation.
Apprentices at Good Rain Farm are expected to commit to four eight-hour days per week, starting around 7-8 AM and ending around 3-4 PM, with appropriate breaks included. Farm activities are predominantly performed outdoors in various weather conditions, so employees must dress appropriately each day and wear closed-toed shoes. The role involves significant physical exertion, requiring frequent bending, lifting, and handling of heavy equipment and supplies, with the ability to lift up to 50 pounds repeatedly throughout the day and stand for extended periods outdoors especially during soil amendment & cover cropping days. Reasonable accommodation may be provided upon request to support apprentices in meeting these physical demands.
To provide effective instruction and mentorship to an Apprentice, Michelle will use a hands-on approach that combines lecture, demonstration, collaboration, and open communication. Michelle will teach core concepts and skills through practical work, engaging the Apprentice in daily tasks while guiding them with clear explanations. Regular field walks will facilitate discussions about observations and questions, enhancing their understanding. Michelle will schedule regular check-ins to assess progress and address challenges, fostering an environment where the Apprentice feels safe to share concerns. Michelle aims to provide consistent positive reinforcement alongside constructive criticism, balancing firmness with gentleness. While the work is urgent, Michelle emphasizes that growth and learning are ongoing processes. Evaluation sessions will reflect on progress and set goals, ensuring the Apprentice gains confidence and independence as they develop their skills.
QUALIFICATIONS
We are seeking applicants with a minimum of one year of outdoor field work or farm experience that includes direct involvement in farm operations, with a focus on supporting and executing activities directed by the Lead Instructor or Farm Managers. Ideal candidates should have a working knowledge of organic, sustainable, small farm practices and a passion for learning about Native First Foods, alongside a commitment to land stewardship. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, competency with mathematics, and the ability to follow verbal instructions are essential. Additionally, applicants should be comfortable within a community-driven management process and demonstrate a strong work ethic, enthusiasm for lifelong learning, and an open mind. A food handler's card is preferred but not required.
COMPENSATION / ACCOMMODATIONS
For our Apprenticeship position(s), we offer $18 per hour for four 8-hour workdays weekly, plus several benefits to enrich the experience. Apprentices receive a seasonal CSA box, Paid Time Off, Paid Sick Days, and a Gear Stipend to ensure they’re well-supported. We maintain a Hydration Station and snack basket (“snasket”), provide occasional hot lunches, and offer access to a network of educational and farming opportunities. Technical support for scholarships, grants, and other resources is available, along with comprehensive on-the-job training that emphasizes both practical farming skills and Indigenous approaches to agriculture. Together, these benefits create a holistic, supportive environment for Apprentices to thrive and prepare for futures in sustainable agriculture.
EQUITY AND INCLUSION
At Good Rain Farm, equity and inclusion mean fostering a safe, welcoming, and empowering environment for all, particularly BIPOC and Queer individuals. Our Apprenticeship offers specialized training from an Indigenous-led perspective, promoting diversity and skill-building. We ensure accessibility with 50% of CSA memberships offered at reduced or no cost and by providing home delivery for those in need. Through culturally relevant programs like our Save Our Seed initiative , which teaches seed saving and sustainable agriculture, we advance food sovereignty and social justice. Our commitment to fair treatment, accessibility, and cultural reclamation reflects our belief that equitable food access and environmental stewardship are essential for a just community.
Michelle Week (Photo Credit: Jaimie Thrower)
Winter Green Farm
WINTER GREEN FARM
2 APPRENTICESHIPS
FULL TIME (40 hours/week)
APPROX START/END DATES: March - November
$15.75/HR
LOCATION: Noti (WIllamette Valley Chapter)
YEARS IN PRODUCTION: 45 years
PREVIOUS YEARS HOSTING: 2
PRACTICES: Biodynamic, Certified Organic, Mechanized/Tractor Farming
ACRES IN CULTIVATION: 25
Vegetables, Fruit, Culinary Herbs, Meat Production, Hay Production
ON-FARM HOUSING? No
VEHICLE REQUIRED? Yes
LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English, Spanish
Women-Owned/Operated
Mission Statement:
A productive farm in harmony with the earth, humanity, and ourselves.
FARM OVERVIEW
Winter Green Farm is owned and operated by Chris and Shannon. Our farm is nestled in the foothills of the coast range about 25 miles from Eugene and 40 miles from the Oregon coast. The farm is about 100 acres, and we lease 34 acres down the road as well. The closest town that offers basic amenities is Veneta which is five miles away.
Our farm enterprises include a CSA (500 members), 3 farmers markets a week, direct wholesale to stores and restaurants, plus wholesaling to schools, Organically Grown Company and a small grass-fed lamb operation. We grow 22-25 acres of mixed fruits and vegetables a year that are certified organic by Oregon Tilth. We also use biodynamic farming methods. We practice a six year rotation where our ground is mixed vegetables and forage production for our animals for three years, and then a beef herd managed by neighbors is on the farm for 3 years. We make all of our own compost on-farm which is our main source of fertility. We have an average of 20-25 people on payroll during the year.
Apprentices would work closely with harvest managers as the primary mentors, rather than the farm owners. We grow a variety of fresh market vegetables and most are hand harvested, although we do have specialized mechanical harvesting equipment. Most of our tillage and cultivation is mechanized and done with tractors.
Winter Green Farm was founded in 1980, has been certified organic since 1984, has had a CSA since 1992. Chris came to the farm in 1995 with no agricultural experience, a degree in biology and a commitment to help make the world a better place. His initial role on the farm was to help process medicinal herbs. He then went on to become the irrigation person. As his passion grew and knowledge base broadened, he was given more and more responsibility on the farm. In 2008 He and Shannon were given the opportunity by the other owners to partner in the farm and in 2015 they purchased all of the assets and secured a long term lease to run the vegetable operation on the farm.
TRAINING AND EXPECTATIONS
We are looking to teach people production agriculture. They will take part in planting, harvesting, and processing of fruits and vegetables. Depending on experience and aptitude they may also get to take part in tractor work and other equipment operation. Depending on experience and desire to learn, Apprentices will be exposed to record keeping, fertility management and food safety protocol.
Apprentices will be given all the training they need for tasks that they are asked to do. Ideally they would work on average 40 hours a Monday through Friday. If someone is interested in doing farmers markets, their schedule would be adapted so they would work on Saturdays and still average 40 hours/week.
Farming is hard work. An Apprentice should be able to work hard at an efficient pace during all types of weather. Time off is honored if scheduled in advance (unless for urgent needs). Apprentices will get paid sick time as well. We provide instruction by explaining, showing and working with the skill being instructed on. The people learning the task are given goals and techniques that we have worked on over the years to make the job more efficient , safe and less taxing on the body and mind. They will be given the chance to ask questions and work on their own after hands-on instruction is given. We follow up a couple of times after the training to make sure that the skill has been acquired and that the person is reaching their fullest potential at that skill demonstration, gaining independence, offering time for questions or field walks, regular check-ins/meetings, evaluation sessions, etc.):
QUALIFICATIONS
People with previous farm experience would be ideal but not necessary. We appreciate: outdoor work experience, a commitment to organic agriculture, attention to detail, good communication and listening skills. Will need a car.
It would be nice but not necessary to meet in person beforehand.
COMPENSATION / ACCOMMODATIONS
We start all crew workers at $15.75 an hour. Workers are given a 50 cent raise after 250 hours of employment and then raises are given based on hours accrued after that on July 1st and January 1st. Bonuses are given at the end of the year if the farm is profitable.
Every employee is given paid sick leave (up to 40 hours a year) and if necessary can get paid family leave as well.
Apprentices will receive a 1⁄2 share of our CSA and are able to access other farm produce as well.
EQUITY AND INCLUSION
We believe that workers have the right to meaningful work, fair treatment, and decent compensation. We are eternally grateful for the love and care that our employees invest in our farm. In a very real way our farm is the manifestation of the energy of our workers. Many deep relationships have developed over the years at the farm, among workers and between workers and owners. We see our workforce as our farm community and look forward to supporting this important aspect of our farm. Just as Winter Green Farm’s ecosystem exists within a global ecology, so does our social activity exist within a broader community and societal context. We believe that supporting local community organizations, specific cause related endeavors, and certain agricultural organizations are important. Similarly, we believe that by opening the farm as a place where members of the community can support us, we help strengthen the bonds of community and help heal the rural/urban divide.
PAST APPRENTICE TESTIMONIALS
“It is [a great farm] to learn about larger scale production.” - 2024
Shannon and Chris.
McPherson Farms
McPherson Farms
1 APPRENTICESHIP
FULL TIME (32-40 hours/week)
APPROX START/END DATES: April - September
$15/HR
LOCATION: Klamath Basin (Southern Oregon* / Satellite)
YEARS IN PRODUCTION: 45
PREVIOUS YEARS HOSTING: 2
PRACTICES: Rotational Grazing, No-till, Low- Tillage, Mechanized/Tractor Farming
ACRES IN CULTIVATION: 750
Meat Production, Hay Production, Small Grains
ON-FARM HOUSING? No
VEHICLE REQUIRED? Yes
LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English
*While outside of the Rogue Valley Chapter, some in-person educational events will be within a 90-minute drive from this Host Farm. Attendance at these events is highly encouraged.
McPherson Farms raises hay, cattle, hogs, and grain. Most of our labor involves tractors and other machines. We practice no-till cultivation where possible, manage our cattle with rotational grazing, and utilize cover crops to improve soil health. Through our work, we strive to maintain both a healthy ecosystem and a productive farm to the best of our ability.
https://www.facebook.com/highdeserthighlands
Farm Overview
McPherson Farms sits on 750 acres just outside of Midland, a small community 10 miles south of Klamath Falls, Oregon. Our farm is run by Josh and his mom, Jani, with help from his wife, Marlena, and one employee during the summer months. We raise hay, cattle, hogs, and grain on our farm. We have a small number of our cattle and all our hogs butchered at an inspected facility to sell meat direct-to-consumer through our farm store, the local farmers market, and online marketplace under our brand, “McPherson’s High Desert Highlands”. Our hay is sold locally with a limited number of deliveries, and most of our calves are sold at the local auction yard. Our farm is somewhere between conventional and regenerative. Most of our labor involves tractors and other machines.
Our area is defined by open farmland with the Cascade Mountains to the west and desert hills to the east. Our farm is in the Pacific Flyway, near several National Wildlife Refuges, providing an important rest area for migratory birds. It is a home for many different species including sandhill cranes, eagles, hawks, coyotes, and the occasional badger or weasel. There are many opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking, biking, and fishing within a short drive. Our community is one of family farmers who are generous and look out for each other.
McPherson Farms has operated since 1980, when the McPhersons bought their property. Josh was raised on the farm and has been helping run it his whole life. He has managed irrigation, operated equipment, and helped manage cattle for 25 years. Over that time he has taken over management of the farm. He has long term experience in farm planning, accounting, crop establishment, irrigation, grazing management, crop harvest, livestock care, equipment repairs, and direct-to-consumer sales. He graduated with a degree in geography with minors in philosophy and land use planning. Josh believes that farming can be a way to make the world better by rediscovering traditional practices and embracing new farming methods. This helps integrate our farm with the landscape while still providing for our family and the community. As such, our farm is and may always be a work in progress.
We would like to host an apprentice to pass our skills and knowledge to the next generation of farmers. We have opportunities on our farm to learn through work and experience, the same way Josh did growing up. It would be nice to spend time training someone who wants to participate in all aspects of farming and is eager to learn.
TRAINING AND EXPECTATIONS
Josh has been training and supervising employees on the job for the last 7 years and will be the primary mentor to the apprentice. His wife, Marlena, is a science teacher with 10 years of experience in the field of education. Although she works off the farm during the school year, Marlena works on the farm during the summer and will provide some additional training and support.
The Apprentice will learn irrigation management and maintenance for hand line, wheel lines, pivots, and flood irrigation. They will learn to construct and maintain both electric and wire fences for livestock. They will help provide daily care for cattle and pigs, as well as how to manage grazing cattle in a rotational system. They will help fulfill online sales and help operate a booth at the farmers market for direct to consumer sales every one to two weeks. They will help plant and establish forage and cover crops. They will help with basic maintenance and operation of farm equipment based on their own comfort and skill level. They will help with the planning and budgeting for one crop from planting to harvest.
We are part of an active community of family farmers and ranchers and will help the Apprentice meet local farmers and coordinate visits to other farms approximately once a month. We will include opportunities to participate in farm community events put on by farm groups like the Klamath-Lake Farm Bureau and introduce them to the people involved in our local food systems non-profit, Klamath Grown.
The position will start on/around April 14th and last until approximately September 14th. We have some flexibility on start and end dates of the Apprentice’s work season if necessary. There will be between 6 and 10 hours of training in a day, 5 days a week. The Apprentice will be expected to show up between 7am and 8am as needed. The schedule can be irregular depending on the harvest schedule, with blocks of training in the morning and evening. The Apprentice will have the opportunity to take a week off from training sometime in July or August. As for physical expectations, the Apprentice should be able to walk 3-4 miles a day and lift 50 lbs easily. The Apprentice can expect to be asked to move bales of hay, lift sacks of seed, carry irrigation pipes, drag irrigation hoses, and pound in fence posts.
Each morning there will be a check-in and explanation of the tasks for the day, with an opportunity to answer any questions. When the Apprentice is given a new task or project to begin, we will be present to explain and demonstrate the techniques and expectations involved and help get them started. The Apprentice will be given the opportunity to work independently, but a mentor will be a phone call away if troubleshooting is needed. At the end of the day, we will check in and talk about the progress that day and address any concerns or answer questions the Apprentice might have. There will be a whole farm meeting once a week to review everything that we've done and talk about what the next week will look like. Periodically, we will have the Apprentice tag along to get an understanding of jobs on the farm that are outside of their direct experience.
Qualifications
We would like an applicant who enjoys working outside without close supervision. Some experience around livestock is preferred, and the applicant should have some physical work experience. Applicants should be interested in farming as a future occupation and be willing to work with and cooperate with people of a different mindset. Our family includes children who are intertwined with our farm life. As such, we would prefer family-friendly applicants, and no smoking, alcohol, or drug use.
A vehicle is necessary given the location of our farm. Being able to drive a manual transmission is preferred, but we are willing to train someone who is eager to learn.
Compensation / Accomodations
The position will start at $15/hr.
We will provide a stipend for fuel to help with travel to and from the farm. Following a successful season, the Apprentice can expect an end-of-season bonus. Apprentice will receive an employee discount of 20% on any food purchased from the farm store.
Rentals are available in Klamath Falls and surrounding areas. We will happily advise an Apprentice on good locations to rent in. That being said, we are actively networking to find off-farm housing that we can assist with for the season.
Cell service is available on the whole farm. Wi-fi is available at either of the two houses on the farm.
Equity and Inclusion
On our farm, the only thing we don't tolerate is intolerance. We only ask people that work for us to do jobs that we would be willing to do ourselves. We try to ensure that anyone can afford and access our products, while still providing us and our employees with a living wage.
Past apprentice Testimonials
“There was a great amount of respect and kindness given to me by my mentors. They showed a genuine interest in my progress as a farmer. In addition to teaching me a lot, they also asked my opinions on operations and really listened to my ideas.” - Apprentice, 2023
Marlena and Josh McPherson with their child.