Begin Farming Apprenticeship Programs

Fielding the Next Farm Team

About the Apprenticeship Programs

OEFFA coordinates two apprenticeship programs for early career farmers with some farm experience to gain the hands-on experience and skills necessary to consider a career in organic and sustainable agriculture. Ideal candidates should have a strong commitment and desire to start a farming operation of their own.

Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship

In 2019, OEFFA began facilitating the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (DGA) in Ohio and currently supports three apprentices matched with four host farmers. This two-year apprenticeship matches farmers with master graziers for 4,000 hours of training including 3,700 hours of on-farm experience and 300 hours of related formal course instruction and peer networking.

The Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship is federally-recognized, can accept Veteran’s benefits, and is an approved vendor for the USDA Farm Services Agency’s Financial Management Training Program. Learn more and apply directly through the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship site.

Produce Farm Manager Apprenticeship

The Produce Farm Manager (PFM) Apprenticeship is a professional, hands-on training program that provides a thorough, well-rounded education resulting in mastery of organic produce farm management skills. Apprenticeship graduates will be fully prepared for employment as a farm manager or to begin their own produce farm. 

The apprenticeship includes 2,500 hours of on-the-job paid training working closely with a host farmer, combined with 144 hours of related instruction and 20 hours of group education. 

This program is supported by NIFA USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (2019-49400-30033).