Apprenticing with the Livestock Team
Greenacres offers a two-year apprenticeship position on our Livestock team where you will have the chance to immerse yourself in a regenerative multi-species farming system.
Every year, we accept two new apprentices, and applications open in December.
Apprenticeship Information
Applications Open: December
Apprenticeship Begins: Early Spring
Who can apply?
Successful apprentices typically have a strong interest in livestock and have sought out prior work experience on their home farm, a different farming business, involvement in Future Farmers of America, or similar organizations. We will also consider candidates without a livestock background, provided they have a passion and interest in learning the industry.
You must be at least 18 years old.
Please note that Greenacres does not provide housing for this apprenticeship.
What to Expect
Apprentices work alongside the farm team and will gain experience in managing the cattle herd, sheep flock, pastured turkeys, pastured broiler chickens, pastured laying hens, and woodland-raised pork. Apprentices will also learn about rotational grazing, pasture management, cover crops, and native warm-season grasses across our three farms.
You and one other First Year Apprentice will join a dedicated team full of people who are passionate about growing food for the community, teaching, learning, working together to solve problems, and honoring the Greenacres mission.
First Year
As a member of the Livestock team, you will spend your first year learning every aspect of the farm and participating in weekly, versatile classroom time. You will help the team put on events such as Farm Tours and attend conferences, honing your speaking skills and helping to educate the community about regenerative agriculture.
Second Year
In your second year on the team, you will have the opportunity to help plan and manage the production year. You will develop a deeper understanding of the timeline of the year – when animals are purchased and sent to harvest along with different pasture management practices depending on the weather/season etc.
During this year you will apply what you’ve learned in Year 1. You will also have the opportunity to take on a leadership role with the new First Year Apprentices, assisting the full-time Livestock staff with mentoring, teaching, and delegating tasks.
As you wrap up your second year at Greenacres, the full-time Livestock team will mentor you and assist you in dialing your resume, preparing for interviews, and searching for your next farm job as you work toward your future farming career goals.
