YA Apprenticeship: Coen Farm - Ferintosh, AB

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? 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. For 29 years we have farmed without the use of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides. 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 here.

About the Apprenticeship

This apprenticeship program is modelled after Takota’s Holistic Land Design consulting process. It will provide you with the foundational skills necessary to design and manage your own diversified farm in a way that is ecologically regenerative, financially sustainable, & actually enjoyable.

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 be provided with a learning fund to support travel or other learning opportunities you wish to pursue. You will also be invited to attend the 2018 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. A minimal to moderate stipend will be paid depending on length of stay and expertise. 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. This apprenticeship is typically 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.