Are you an aspiring farmer looking to gain skills and knowledge that match the ecological values you hold? Are you feeling the farming bug, but not quite ready to take the plunge and launch your own business? The Coen Farm is excited to provide you with a meaningful apprenticeship experience in your path to becoming a farmer.
About the Farm
Our rolling 250 acre farm borders the North Eastern shores of Red Deer Lake near Ferintosh, Alberta. Parcels of our land have been managed by our family for 3 generations and bordering lands even longer. In 1988 we began using organic agricultural principles to guide the stewardship of our land. Today, we continue that tradition, & with the addition of permaculture design & holistic management our farm is proud to be a part of the growing regenerative agriculture revolution. For more information about what you will experience on our farm visit www.coenfarm.ca
About the Apprenticeship
As part of the apprenticeship, you will meet with other apprentices across Alberta who are part of the Young Agrarians Apprenticeship program. Field days, learning opportunities and potlucks will be planned with this group at each hosts farm. You will also be invited to attend the 2021 Organic Alberta Conference.
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.
| permaculture design & Holistic Management | LIVESTOCK HUSBANDRY & LOW STRESS HANDLING |
|---|---|
| Efficient farm design | GRASS FED & FINISHED BEEF |
| BIOMIMICRY | MILK FED BERKSHIRE PORK |
| WATER HARVESTING WITH DUGOUTS, DAMS, & SWALES | TRADITIONAL FOOD PREPARATION & STORAGE |
| FOREST GARDENING/PERENNIAL FRUIT & NUTS | ANNUAL GARDENING |
| AQUACULTURE | JERSEY DAIRY CATTLE |
| HOLISTIC PLANNED GRAZING | DUAL PURPOSE CHICKENS |
| ORGANIC GRAIN PRODUCTION | DIRECT MARKETING |
Housing, Stipend and Duration
The apprentice will live in separate housing off farm and can camp on the land if they need to stay over occasionally. No stipend will be paid. A formal agreement will be drafted to clearly communicate roles and responsibilities of the apprentice and the mentors. This agreement will be revisited monthly to ensure all parties are satisfied. We can use approximately 1-2 days of work per week from May-October, but we are flexible.
About the Community
Camrose is the closest town nearby and offers all services as well as an active music and arts community. Many like minded farmers and city folk are nearby. We are one and a half hours away from Edmonton and three hours from Calgary.
More Details about this Apprenticeship and How to Apply
Deadline February 15, 2020.
Interested in an Apprenticeship but this isn’t quite the right one? Check out other Young Agrarians Alberta Apprenticeships being offered in 2020 here.