AgALN Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance for Ag Apprentice Programs

We are able to offer one free hour of technical assistance to apprentice program staff from around the country. This is a great opportunity for you to ask questions or receive feedback about your beginning or established ag apprentice program by speaking with New Entry staff and one of our established apprenticeship TA providers listed below.

To get started with this process, fill out the form HERE. One of our staff members will be in touch to set up an introductory phone call.

AgALN TA Providers

Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship

Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (DGA) –the first formal apprenticeship for farming in the Nation–was created by and for farmers to address challenges new farmers face in getting started in dairy farming. Using the model of education that has prepared skilled workers in the trades for more than a century, DGA combines work-based training with related instruction for the federally recognized occupation of “Dairy Grazier.” Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship is dedicated to providing a guided pathway to independent dairy farm ownership, developing grazing careers, and strengthening the economic and environmental well-being of rural communities and the dairy industry.

Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association
The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), formed in 1971, is the oldest and largest state organic organization in the country. MOFGA is a broad-based community that educates about and advocates for organic agriculture, illuminating its interdependence with a healthy environment, local food production, and thriving communities. MOFGA's Farm Apprenticeship program connects people wanting to learn organic farming with experienced farmers willing to share their expertise. The typical arrangement involves an exchange of labor for room, board, a stipend, and informal, intensive training and experience in farming.In addition to the individual farm experience, MOFGA offers many opportunities throughout the year for apprentice networking and supplemental learning, including the Farm Training Project series of farm tours, and several day-long and multi-day educational events.

Quivira Coalition
The Quivira Coalition builds soil, biodiversity, and resilience on western working landscapes. They work to foster ecological, economic, and social health through education, innovation, and collaboration. The New Agrarian Program (NAP) partners with skilled ranchers and farmers to offer annual apprenticeships in regenerative agriculture. Our apprentices learn from expert practitioners in full-immersion professional settings. Since 2008, NAP has partnered with ranches and farms around the Southwest to offer eight- to twelve-month apprenticeships and has successfully graduated over 25 apprentices.

Rogue Farm Corps
Rogue Farm Corps (RFC) offers two farm training programs for both beginners and advanced students of agriculture. Combining rigorous, hands-on training, classroom learning and farm-based independent study, our programs provide real-world experience on a diverse network of family farms. RFC's Internship Program is an entry-level farm training program designed for the student with little or no experience. RFC's Apprenticeship Program is an advanced-level farm training program designed for the student who has a solid foundation of on-farm experience.

Vilicus Farms
Vilicus Farms is a first generation, nationally recognized organic, dryland crop farm located in northern Hill County, Montana. Established in 2009, Vilicus Farms grows a diverse array of heirloom and specialty grains, pulse, oilseed and broadleaf crops within a 7+year rotation on approximately 7,400 acres. Land stewardship at the core of a farm system focused on soil building, and conservation. The Vilicus Farms apprenticeships are unique training and mentoring programs that immerse highly motivated professionals in organic farm operation and management. Opportunities are matched to the individuals existing farming experience and future vision.  Apprenticeships are a journey that culminates in a career as a highly skilled and valued farm team member or farm/enterprise manager at Vilicus Farms or on another operation. Launching as an independent farm owner/operator is also a possibility with additional curriculum and on-farm training.