Rogue Farm Corps is the only organization in Oregon that offers structured, entry-level and advanced farmer training programs rooted in real-world farm businesses. We work with host farms and ranches located in the Rogue Valley, the Portland Metro Area, the South Willamette Valley, and Central Oregon, offering experiences with vegetable production, animal husbandry, dairy, and more. Please note that 2020 partner host sites are still being confirmed and will be updated on our website throughout the application period.
Rogue Farm Corps’ entry-level Internship Program is a great way to dive into sustainable agriculture. Participants gain significant experience training on a farm or ranch in Oregon through this residential immersion program that lasts 6-8 months (typically April - October). It combines full-time hands-on field training under the guidance of a mentor farmer with 15-20 local classes and farm tours and 4-5 discussion sessions. No experience is necessary. More information is available on our website.
Rogue Farm Corps’ advanced Apprenticeship Program is for those who have at least one full growing season of farm/ranch experience (or equivalent). The Apprenticeship is an immersive on-farm program for those who are seeking to delve further into the art and business of agriculture. It typically runs Feb or March through November or December, and can last for two seasons. Full-time hands-on field training, classes, weekend gatherings around the state, farm tours, discussions, and guidance on farm business development will help you gain the skills to plan, design, and run integrated farming systems on your own. More information is available on our website.
As an intern, you will live and train full-time on a host farm, receiving up to 1,500 hours of on-farm training and learning in-depth skills from your mentor. Your on-farm training experience is combined with farm tours, classes, and discussion circles throughout the region, as well as opportunities for independent study. Interns are exposed to a vast array of knowledge and expertise by engaging in the daily life of vibrant, agricultural communities.
As an intern, you will live and train full-time on a host farm, receiving up to 1,500 hours of on-farm training and learning in-depth skills from your mentor. Your on-farm training experience is combined with farm tours, classes, and discussion circles throughout the region, as well as opportunities for independent study. Interns are exposed to a vast array of knowledge and expertise by engaging in the daily life of vibrant, agricultural communities.
These programs are based in hands-on learning experiences. The vast majority of your time will be spent learning by doing. You will train alongside your mentor as well as independently to develop skills while accomplishing daily tasks that move your host farm along through the season.
Rogue Farm Corps works closely with farm mentors to provide you with a skill-based curriculum that is unique to your host farm. Our Chapter Coordinators will conduct formal on-site evaluations and skill assessments with interns and host farmers to ensure that your education and training goals are being met.
To augment your training and learning at your host farm, you will join other RFC participants for classes that teach practical skills as well as foundational concepts and knowledge, farm tours, discussion circles and potlucks throughout the agricultural region. These are led by Rogue Farm Corps staff, agricultural professionals, and expert farmers. You can expect a variety of teaching approaches and locations, from traditional classroom settings to experiential on-farm settings.
For complete program descriptions, information on our host farms, and applications visit http://roguefarmcorps.org/programs