YA Apprenticeship 2025: Carseland, AB – Carrots by Cam

Are you an aspiring farmer looking to gain experience on an organic vegetable farm known for the unmatched flavour of its veggies? Are you wanting to learn about growing a variety of root veggies using organic soil stewardship? Cam has been on the land for over 50 years, and is looking forward to working with someone who wants to learn how to feed others and preserve healthy farmland.

About the Farm

Carrots by Cam grows a diversity of root vegetables (though the main focus is on carrots) for retail, delivery services, and restaurants in partnership with Poplar Bluff Organics. Cam grows his veggies with an emphasis on soil health, organic stewardship, and rejuvenating the land. The farm is located by Carseland, Alberta.

About the Apprenticeship

From seeding in early May to Harvesting until Halloween, the apprentice will spend time tending all stages of growing vegetable crops. This will include seeding carrot trials, weeding strawberries, and working with wheeline irrigation in the spring for fertigation. Mid summer, the apprentice will help with mowing for beautification and weed control, and seeding cover crops. Later in the summer, the apprentice will help water and care for the new shelterbelt, prep for tourist visits, and help with the long table dinner held with Open Farm Days. In the fall, harvest, grading, sorting, and packaging vegetables is on the to-do list. Cam will share his knowledge on improving soil health, using practices such as minimal tillage, plant diversity, soil testing, and integrating livestock.

As part of the apprenticeship, you will meet with other apprentices across the Prairies who are part of the Young Agrarians Apprenticeship program. Field days, learning opportunities and potlucks will be planned with this group at each host’s farm.

Skills this farm has to teach

The following skills are being offered by this farm. While you’ll get exposure to many of these areas, it is likely that not all will be covered. Apprentices will work to identify the skills they want to develop to a learning plan with the host farm.

Requirements of the Apprentice

Carrots by Cam is looking for an open minded apprentice who is able to step out of their comfort zone. They will have a serious interest in agriculture, and want to learn and take pride in their work. A full driver’s license and access to a vehicle are required.

Housing, Wages and Duration

Housing will be on farm in a holiday trailer with the full range of hookups. The apprentice will have access to internet, laundry, and services in Cam’s home. The apprentice will be responsible for their own meals. Produce from the farm will be available, and garden space will be provided if the apprentice wants to grow their own garden.

The apprenticeship will be from May 1 until October 31, wage to be determined. The apprentice will be working 5 days a week, 8 hours a day.

This apprenticeship is dependent upon the Canada Summer Jobs wage subsidy and so only candidates who are 16-30 years old are eligible.

About the Community

Carrots by Cam is a hop, skip, and a jump to the hamlet of Carseland, and a 20 minute drive to Strathmore, which has all services and amenities, and some fun events to boot! The farm is 8 km away from a beautiful Bow River valley for outdoor adventures. Calgary is less than an hour away.

More Details about this Apprenticeship and How to Apply 

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS. Apply by January 31, 2025

Interested in an Apprenticeship but this isn’t quite the right one? Check out other Young Agrarians Apprenticeships being offered in 2025 here.