Filter by Popular CategoriesMEET YOUR FUTURE FARMERS – 2025 YA APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
Meet your future farmers! The Young Agrarians Apprenticeship Program’s 2025 cohort have landed on their host farms in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. The apprentices in each province recently got together for an orientation weekend to get acquainted and connect over their shared passion for nature and regenerative agriculture. Their time together involved sharing farm-sourced meals, farm activities (like building fences!), hikes, bonfires, and guided city tours with local businesses that are food grower advocates. It was time well spent building new friendships as they prepared for the season ahead on their host farms.
Join us in welcoming this inspiring crew of eager learners as they dive into regenerative and ecological farming! Keep your eyes on our socials and newsletters as we share more of their adventures this season.
Manitoba Apprentices
Carlos Benavides – Tamarack Farms – Erickson, MB
Hola, I’m Carlos from Costa Rica, and I am working with Ryan Pengelly on Tamarack Farms. I have experience in agriculture in Costa Rica and now I am getting to know the Manitoba environment. I love doing something where I can visibly see the results. Thanks to Ryan and Young Agrarians for this opportunity.
Felicia Ross – Fostering Change Farm: Balmoral, MB
My name is Felicia, and I will be apprenticing at Fostering Change Farm this summer! I joined the Apprenticeship Program because I am interested in learning sustainable and regenerative practices that can be implemented in a world where farming at times can be focused on mass production as opposed to sustainability and human/other animal/plant health. I would love to have a hobby farm when I am older and use regenerative practices to care for the plants/animals I live with. I hope agriculture can work towards a standard that prioritizes its impact on the surrounding environment, and makes relationships that benefit this nature. I am excited to begin my work on the farm!
George Somerwill – Almost Urban Vegetables: Winnipeg, MB
After living for two years in France doing organic farm volunteering, George decided to sign up for the Young Agrarian Apprenticeship Program. He loves working in fresh air with plants and animals, and meeting new people. Looking to supplement his volunteering with more hands-on training at a permanent capacity for a full season, he wanted to find a market garden business to work and learn with. He feels it is important to have organizations like Young Agrarians to help rally and connect enthusiastic people in working with the land. For the future, George wants to have a small scale vegetable farm business and also make documentary films about Canadians doing cool things.
Hannah Niemi – Jonathan’s Farm: Lockport, MB
My name is Hannah and I’ll be apprenticing at Jonathan’s Farm in Lockport, MB. I joined YA because I wanted the opportunity to work outside, in the dirt and learn by doing so!
I’ve worked with cattle and all kinds of animals, but I’m hoping to acquire a green thumb working at the market garden! I hope to learn how to maintain healthy soil, how to sustainably get the most out of a crop, and learn how to manage the ups and downs of market gardening. I’m not sure what my long-term farm dreams are, but I can see myself staying in the agriculture community. Maybe having my own market garden!
My hope for the future of ecological agriculture is that it will help communities be self-sustaining and more farms will practice a more holistic approach. I’d hope that more people understand the importance of existing ecosystems and that we need to do our best to take the least from them.
Henry – Dunrea Farming Co: Dunrea, MB
Hi, I’m Henry, and I come from a tradition of farming and homesteading. I love nature and enjoy working with plants and farm animals, and growing food. I value doing things the natural and sustainable way, and the YA Apprenticeship Program has given me a new opportunity to turn my passion into practice again. This will take place this season on the Dunrea Farming Company farm, where I will further my knowledge in growing, processing, and selling vegetables. With some knowledge and experience in small-scale ecological gardening and permaculture homesteading, I hope this season’s experience will fill in the gaps and give me the skills to move forward with confidence in the practice of regenerative farming.
Joshua Bolarinwa – Hnatiuk Market Gardens: East St. Paul, MB
Hi, my name is Joshua, and I’m excited to be apprenticing this summer at Hnatiuk Garden. With a background in agricultural economics and farm management and hands-on experience in crop production, I joined this program to deepen my understanding of ecological farming practices and sustainable food systems.
I’m passionate about regenerative agriculture and hope to gain practical skills that will help me contribute to a more resilient and environmentally friendly farming industry in Canada. My long-term goal is to establish a farm that integrates sustainable practices while supporting local food security.
I look forward to learning, growing, and connecting with like-minded farmers!
Nat Sluis- Almost Urban Vegetables: Winnipeg, MB
Hello, my name is Nat and I will be apprenticing at Almost Urban Vegetables in Treaty 1 Territory! I have always dreamed of running my own farm that is ecological and supports my beliefs in sustainability. I hope to learn as much as possible about planting, harvesting, and selling on a small market farm. I also would love to learn about taking care of animals, and bees! In the future I hope to purchase and run my own farm that supplies food for my family and my community and possibly eventually host my own YA apprentice. I am so excited to start learning and growing with the YA Apprenticeship Program!
Presley Bouchard – Almost Urban Vegetables: Winnipeg, MB
My name is Presley Bouchard. I am a graduate from Steinbach, Manitoba. I will be apprenticing at Poplarview Stock Farms in Pipestone, Manitoba. The reason I chose to apply to Young Agrarians is that I was looking for a job in agriculture that was willing to take less experienced people. I stumbled across the Apprenticeship Program and decided to shoot my shot and see if I got any replies, and I did. I am hoping to learn more about the beef industry as I am planning to take Animal Systems at the University of Manitoba to prepare to apply to go to the University of Saskatchewan to take Veterinary Medicine and become a large animal veterinarian and specialize in Horses and cattle. I’m so excited to start my job in June, and more excited to learn more about the ag industry.
Ruthie – Skinner Native Seeds: Inglis, MB
I’m Ruthie. I am an aspiring herbalist in my final year of Phytotherapy. I will be apprenticing at Skinner Native Seeds farm in Manitoba. I am excited to apprentice at Skinner Native Seeds, as I admire the restorative work they do for the prairie ecosystem, preserving land & tradition. During this apprenticeship, I’d love to increase my plant identification skills, and get familiar with more native prairie plants, many of which are medicinal species. I’d also love to learn farming basics and cultivation skills, as I plan to farm my own land someday to be able to sustainably cultivate medicinal plants for my future herbal dispensary.
Sophia Sacco – A Rocha Manitoba: Winnipeg, MB
Hey, I’m Sophia. I am apprenticing this year at A Rocha Manitoba in Winnipeg. I am interested in urban agriculture, food security, and Indigenous food sovereignty. Coming from a nutritional background, I have a deep understanding of how food impacts your life and health. I hope to gain a deeper understanding of how we can work together to adapt farming practices to fit our urban communities and cities better, ensuring everyone has access to healthy and nutritious food. I hope to take my research and work experience in architecture and integrate agricultural practices and knowledge into the city planning, landscape design and urbanism. I would love to design, build, and manage a large greenhouse downtown with different sections devoted to various types of plants, agriculture, and cultures. Then have kids and adults come in and learn lifelong skills in agriculture, helping them become more self-sufficient, independent, and confident. The program would also include an Indigenous space, where individuals can learn about the diverse Indigenous cultures, languages, and histories through agriculture.
Saskatchewan Apprentices
Grace Jetzke – Mitchell Family Farms: Livelong, SK
Hi! My name is Grace! I have the opportunity to apprentice with Mitchell Family Farms this summer!
I joined the Young Agrarians Apprenticeship Program to learn more about cattle ranching. Growing up, most of my friends and family raised cattle or farmed grain. In recent years, I’ve been distanced from the industry, but I have a strong desire to come back and create a lifelong career. A long-term goal of mine is to raise a herd of my own and contribute to the future of regenerative agriculture in my community.
I am very excited to be a part of this community and to learn from others alike!
Sarah Kehler – Grovenland Farm: Lanigan, SK
Since I was younger I’ve always loved the idea of having a farm or ranch. Living in the city I played rugby and hockey and outside of that, I have been going to the gym. I have raised ducks in my backyard and have learned how to gut, skin and cut deer so far. I enjoy doing hard work and look forward to learning all the fundamentals of growing crops and raising animals as well as learning about the butchering process to bring home to my own farm in the futureHello! I’m Kira. I couldn’t be more excited to be apprenticing at Grovenland Farm this spring/summer. I’m currently studying biology at university and have a deep love for science, animals, and the outdoors. I’m eager to immerse myself in regenerative agriculture. Sustainable ecological practices are so important as they contribute to a better future for everyone! Absolutely thrilled for the experience I will gain this summer learning from people so knowledgeable.
Alberta Apprentices
Brianna Webber – Triple Lyoness Farm: Dapp, AB
I’m Brianna, and I’ll be apprenticing at Triple Lyoness Farm! I’m hoping to learn about the relationship between cattle and land management, and how to train my eye in a whole new way. In the future I will be on a diverse farm of my own – working alongside Border Collies to manage herds, and building a large passive greenhouse to support expansive gardens. Looking forward to the future of ecological agriculture, I hope Adaptive Multi Paddock grazing becomes a more conventional method, prioritizing carbon sequestration. I’m so looking forward to every opportunity for hands-on learning!
Cailin Dennehy – Grey Arrow Farm: Camrose, AB
Hi, my name is Cailin, and I’m excited to apprentice at Grey Arrow Farm in Camrose, Alberta! After thoroughly enjoying my short-term experience working on farms in Europe, I wanted to commit to a full farm season to deepen my knowledge and skills. I’m passionate about becoming more self-sufficient and growing fresh, local food for others. At Grey Arrow, I hope to learn more about sustainable soil management. My long-term dream is to own land where I can have pasture-raised chickens for eggs, grow a variety of vegetables and fruit (and eat straight from the orchard!), and create value-added products. I hope that we can work towards making the cost of food produced using ecological agricultural methods more competitive with conventionally farmed food, making sustainable choices more accessible for everyone.
Michelle St Pierre – Hart Ranches: Hanna, AB
My name is Michelle and I’ll be apprenticing in Hanna, Alberta at Hart Ranches. I currently live in Montreal, Quebec where I work on a farm that offers “you-pick” for all kinds of produce, with a special focus on apples (we have 10’000 trees and 20+ varieties). Our approach at this farm is to work with the land and the weather, and keep things as eco-friendly as possible, without strictly being organic. I applied to participate in the Young Agrarians Program to expand my horizons, explore Alberta, and learn first-hand about the ins and outs of Canadian regenerative ranching.
Rachel Luce – Lady’s Hat Farm: Castor, AB
My name is Rachel Luce, and I will be spending the summer at Lady’s Hat Farm. I grew up on a Holistically Managed, Certified Organic ranch that mainly focuses on cattle and grains, with some chickens and sheep. I’ve grown up riding in tractors with my Dad and Grandpa, helping sort and move cows, and happily raking hay on an old John Deere. After two years of working towards an Art History Degree and two summers at a wedding venue, I decided to become a florist. I now have a Floral Design Certificate and a Prairie Horticulture Certificate and have worked at two flower shops. From this apprenticeship, I hope to get much more hands-on experience with floral farming and business management. In the future, I hope to have my own floral farm/greenhouse business.
Tilly Loken – The Homestead: Goodfare, AB
My name is Tilly and I am apprenticing at The Homestead in Goodfare, Alberta this summer! I wanted to join the program in hopes of gaining access to livestock farming without necessarily having all the experience quite yet. I have a deep interest in regenerative grazing methods and farming in harmony with mother nature, especially in ways that preserve bird populations. I hope to get beneficial guidance working with and learning from animals while running a productive farm. In the future, I hope to be working in an educational ranching position, sharing with others how we can use livestock to better our farms and surrounding habitats. I want to continue my higher education in food systems and ecology as well. I hope the future of ecological agriculture looks like an increase in supportive farming communities, a better understanding of farming with nature, and an increasingly resilient and accessible food system for all. I am very excited to get to spend some wonderful months with some wonderful cows!
Samuel Asinger – Chickadee Farm Herbs: Flatbush, AB
My name is Samuel Asinger and I will be apprenticing at Chickadee Farm Herbs in Flatbush, AB this summer. I joined the apprenticeship program because I would like to acquire the tools and knowledge necessary to start or take over my own farm one day. I am hoping to learn as much as I can about sustainability and biodiversity, as well as economy in areas with short vegetation periods.The farm of my personal dreams will be a vibrant homestead, able to sustain myself and my family; a place where every living being will be raised and treated as naturally as possible. In the future, I would like to see more farmers taking a step back from short-term profit and recognize the benefit of long-term regenerative practices. I am very excited about this opportunity!
British Columbia Apprentices
Haden Harrison – Solstedt Organics: Lytton, BC
Hello! My name is Haden Harrison and I will be apprenticing at Solstedt Organics with Ashala Daniel. I am thrilled to delve deeper into the process and cultivation of real, nutritious food, while maintaining a healthy relationship with the world we are a part of. I am also excited to learn how to run a farm business to make it a viable lifestyle in the long run. Eventually, I would like to start my very own farm and carry it out in a way that can show people that there are stronger solutions that result in both better food and a healthier ecosystems. My hopes are that as a country, we can learn to eat locally and seasonally to reduce waste, and that we may grow as farmers together to reduce the inputs and dependence on external factors.
Jonah Gregory – City’s Edge Farm: Saanich, BC
Hey folks! I’m Jonah, and I’m going to be a farm apprentice at City’s Edge farm in Saanich, BC. I loved working on a farm in the Comox Valley the past two summers, and wanted to learn more about agriculture than I could as a farmhand. After the program is over, I‘ll use that learning to start my own market garden or small farm, with an emphasis on heirloom fruits and veggies. I love feeling connected to the weather and the soil through farming work, and I believe that bringing healthy, earth-conscious food to people can really change the world!
Mia Godin – Amazia Farm: Oliver, BC
My name is Mia Godin, I am 23 years old, 24 in 2 weeks actually!!
I’ll be learning about farm work at Amazia Farm in the Okanagan-Similkameen region at Oliver, BC.
At first, my boyfriend and I were really interested in the farming lifestyle. After travelling all across Canada, we felt ready to find stability and invest our efforts into a wonderful community. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t want to eat healthy and have the ability to grow their own food.
Well, well, well… I am a spiritual being and I want to keep my body healthy and strong. I truly believe that knowing how to take care of natural food is one of the most valuable skills one can have.
I would love to grow everything I need on my farm and spend my life connected to nature, talking with my animals in the morning and before to go to bed. Also, being able to give my family anything they want. Sharing a meal is, for me, so joyful. I’m dreaming about embracing a self-sufficient lifestyle.
In the future, I would definitely like to visit more farms with animals and milk some cows. 🙂
Rachel Sinn – Terra Nostra Farm: Powell River, BC
Hi! My name is Rachel, and this summer I’ll be apprenticing on Terra Nostra Farm in Powell River, BC. I’m looking forward to expanding my veggie growing knowledge and deepening my understanding of sustainable agricultural practices. As someone passionate about local food systems, I hope to use the experience I gain this season to find my place as a food producer and community builder. I am a big bookworm, love to draw, and enjoy cross-country skiing in the winter.
Shayna Mactaggart – Lost Farm: Smithers, BC
My name is Shayna MacTaggart and I’ll be apprenticing at Lost Farm this season! I’m joining the Apprenticeship Program because out of all the jobs I’ve had, organic farming has been my favourite. Regenerative agriculture feels like the most rewarding and meaningful work there is to do in the world today to address soil desertification, the effects of climate change, nutrition loss in foods, and creating a more resilient food system to conventional agriculture. I’m excited to learn more about soil health and herbalism this season.
Feeling inspired to apply as an apprentice next season? Or, are you a seasoned farmer or rancher who wants to train the next generation of farmers?
Young Agrarians paid apprenticeships offer a comprehensive immersion experience, allowing you to dive deep into the daily operations of managing a farm business. Our network of host farm mentors boasts a wide range of expertise and skill sets, providing ample opportunities for learning. They are selected based on their farm philosophy, rooted in ecological and holistic values that acknowledge the interdependence between the land and people. While specific tasks will differ across farm types, apprentices will acquire knowledge in soil health, integrating livestock in pasture and grasslands, direct farm marketing, community building, growing vegetables, fruits, and so much more.
Learn more about becoming an Apprentice or a mentor in the Young Agrarians Apprenticeship Program.