Apprenticeship Program - Savanna Institute

Looking for on-farm education?

Our On-Farm Agroforestry Training Program offers a one-of-a-kind experience providing beginning farmers with on-farm, technical education with a mentor farmer in the Midwest. Trainees also take online coursework and have an opportunity for community-building throughout the year. Application opens December 2nd, 2024 for the 2025 season.

Trainee Interest Form

Mentor Interest Form

Becoming an On-Farm Agroforestry Trainee

What you will learn: Each trainee will come away with a unique experience based on their host farm. In addition to on-farm mentoring, educational topics may include: perennial crop establishment, management, and harvest; farm planning and decision-making; equipment maintenance; product marketing; farm/tree finance, and more. You’ll also take our Beginning Farmer Online Course.
Duration: Timing and duration is dependent on the needs of the host farm and the availability of the trainee. On-farm experiences are at a minimum 10 weeks (part-time or full-time), and can be longer.
Location: All participating mentors are located in the Midwest; all people able to work in the US are encouraged to apply.
Pay, room and board: Payment and benefits vary by host farm. See the Benefits section in the host farm descriptions below for more information.
Additional activities: In addition to the online course materials and on-farm experience, trainees participate in monthly cohort calls; write a reflection about their on-farm experience, and participate and attend local field days.

How to Apply

Fill out the application and indicate your top three choices for host farms. The Savanna Institute will forward your application to our partners at the three host farms selected.
Application review begins in January each year. Applications will be accepted until all summer positions are filled.
Mentor farmers will interview their top choices and offer a position to their final selection; trainees can decline this offer for any reason. Our goal is for a good mentor-trainee fit! Interviews may happen as early as February, or may continue into the spring, depending on the farm and timing required.