2021 Farm Apprenticeships in NM, CO, WY, MT, CA

New Agrarian Program (NAP) Applications for 2021 Farm Apprenticeships open November 1st and close December 15, 2020. Apprenticeships take place on working ranches across NM, CO, WY, MT and CA, starting in March/April 2021 and running through November 2021. To check out a full list of mentor sites, visit www.quiviracoalition.org/apprenticeships. Apprentices learn from expert practitioners in full-immersion professional settings. The program specifically targets young agrarians with a sincere commitment to life at the intersection of conservation and regenerative agriculture. Mentors in the program are dedicated stewards of the land; practice intentional, regenerative methods of food or fiber production; provide excellent animal care; and are skilled and enthusiastic teachers. Apprentices also attend a series of monthly supplemental education calls, led by Quivira Coalition, on topics ranging from soil health to drought management to communication skills. All apprenticeships provide housing, partial board, and a monthly stipend of at least $700/month. 

Apprentices can expect approximately 400 – 600 direct contact hours over an eight month period (or approximately 10 – 15 hours a week) with a person in a designated mentorship role. Some operations have multiple people offering mentorship.

ORIENTATION

Apprentices working an April to November season will attend an in-person group orientation in late March or early April. Attendance at this event is mandatory.

ORIENTATION GUIDE

Each apprentice receives a copy of the NAP Orientation Guide which includes an example of skills checklists and a daily work log for recording activity. The orientation guide also includes a schedule of the full eight months of the apprenticeship to help the apprentice track important program dates and events; history of the program and Quivira; and other documents that may be useful during an apprenticeship.

EVALUATION

Apprentices schedule an initial assessment with their mentor upon arrival at their mentor site, followed by a minimum of two additional evaluations in the middle and at the end of the season. During each check-in, apprentices and mentors review skills checklists, which are tailored to each apprenticeship, and discuss other topics or concerns as needed.

TRAVEL AND RANCH/FARM VISITS

During their eight-month apprenticeship, apprentices are given access to a travel fund to cover transportation to NAP Orientation and the annual Regenerate Conference.  With any remaining funds apprentices are strongly encouraged to visit other farms and ranches, including other NAP mentor operations, if possible.  The purpose of these visits is to expose the apprentice to different perspectives and practices.

EDUCATION

All participants will attend a series of monthly supplemental training calls offered via video conference. Monthly calls will cover topics ranging from soil health to drought management to communication skills.

QUIVIRA CONFERENCE

Apprentices attend the annual Quivira Conference in Albuquerque in November, where they represent the program and assist with a variety of tasks and events including the New Agrarian Career Connection. Graduation from the program takes place and is celebrated at the conference.

REPORTS

Each apprentice submits two reports to NAP: 1) a one-page personal introduction, due the second week of their apprenticeship, and 2) a three-page final report and a copy of the completed skills checklist, due November 1.

APPLY FOR 2021 FARM APPRENTICESHIPS

To apply for 2021 farm apprenticeships, first check out the list of mentor sites at www.quiviracoalition.org/apprenticeships, and then fill out the online application at www.quiviracoalition.org/newagrarian/apply. Applications are due by December 15th, 2020. No specific skills or education required – your enthusiasm, career goals, and desire to learn are more important! For additional questions, or help deciding which sites to apply to, contact newagrarian@quiviracoalition.org

 

 

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