Sustainable Farming Apprenticeship at Zajac Farms with Rogue Farm Corps

Last Updated On: febrero 25th, 2022 at 10:54AM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
Rogue Farm Corps, satellite partner farm
Bend, Oregon, 97703

Primary Contact: Rogue Farm Corps
Primary Phone:
    Type: Cell
    Number: 541-588-3550
    Email: training@roguefarmcorps.org

Website: https://www.roguefarmcorps.org/host-farms/zajac-farms

Internship information

General Farm Description: Zajac Farms is a small scale, diversified vegetable operation located on the North end of the city of Bend, Oregon. The farm is about an acre in size on leased residential land and the farmer commutes daily to the farm. An apprentice at Zajac Farms will learn how to farm on a small scale, market garden in a challenging climate. There is a lot to learn in a season of farming and it can be a rewarding experience for an aspiring farmer. Central Oregon is a wonderful place to live and farm with plenty of outdoor recreation activities and accessibility to mountains, rivers, lakes and more! The farm utilizes organic, regenerative practices with minimal tillage and permanent beds. All of the work is done by hand with various tools typical of market gardening; broadfork, scuffle hoes, wire weeders, tine rake, quick cut harvester and a BCS two wheeled tractor. There are currently two high tunnels and four low tunnels on the farm. The farm grows a wide variety of vegetables that are sold through a CSA, farmers market and a few wholesale outlets. Tyler has operated the farm with a few seasonal part time employees and volunteers. Tyler and his wife have three children that are occasionally on the farm along with their friendly dog.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: 3/15/22
Internship Ends: 11/1/22
Number of Internship Available: 2, ~40hrs/wk
Application Deadline: ASAP
Minimum Length of Stay: 6-8 months

Internship Details:

Zajac Farms is a participating host farm with Rogue Farm Corps Apprenticeship program.RFC’s Apprenticeship Program is an on-farm learning experience for those who have at least one full season (5+ months and at least 600 hours) of farm or ranch experience (or equivalent). The Apprenticeship combines hands-on training and skills-based education for those ready to dive into the art and business of sustainable agriculture. This program helps people who want to continue in agriculture to learn the skills needed to manage and run a diversified farming operation, and deepen their understanding of ecological and sustainable agricultural practices.

Similar to the Internship Program, apprentices train at one of RFC’s partner Host Farms. Participants also engage in a series of educational weekend intensives in locations around the state which include farm tours, networking, and camping. They also participate in a handful of online classes and discussions to round out the on-farm experience. The Apprenticeship, like the Internship, examines the economic, ecological and social sustainability of farm practices, and continues to build on these themes.

RFC Apprenticeship host farm sites can be located up to 3 hours driving distance from an active chapter location (Portland Metro and Rogue Valley).

APPLICATIONS / SCHOLARSHIPS
Applications are accepted on our website on a rolling basis until positions are filled, but early applications are considered first. Apply by January 27th, 2022 for priority consideration. RFC has limited tuition scholarships available for BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, veteran, and low-income applicants.

RFC has developed COVID-19 safety protocols according to state and federal guidance and will adjust them as needed to protect the health and safety of our participants, staff, host farmers, and communities. In-person educational events are held outside with social distancing in place.

TYPES OF AGRICULTURE
Rogue Farm Corps partners with dedicated mentor host farms and ranches that focus on sustainable, regenerative, ecological, and/or organic approaches in their production methods. Host farm enterprises vary by farm and include animal (meat, dairy, eggs, etc) and plant-based production (vegetables, herbs, fruit, seeds, etc). Host farms are commercial, small-to-mid scale operations marketing to their local and regional community via a range of sales channels including farmers market, CSA, wholesale, and more. RFC participants are exposed to various farm production and marketing systems via RFC’s farm tour events.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Rogue Farm Corps is committed to an ongoing learning process around privilege, power, inequality and systems of oppression. RFC has a goal of making our programs welcoming to, inclusive of, and accessible to communities who are under-represented as farm operators in Oregon, including women, Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), LGBTQIA+ individuals, low-income individuals and immigrants. Our desire to create a more equitable food system is reflected in RFC’s programs and collaborations.

Learn more and apply: http://roguefarmcorps.org/training

Educational Opportunities: An apprentice at Zajac Farms will learn the full scope of operating a market garden while working alongside the farmer. Tasks include: Field prep, weed and pest control, planting, cultivation, irrigation, harvesting, wash and pack and marketing. The Spring season consists of field prep; composting, broad forking, weeding, planting and some structural maintenance. Summer into Fall involves continuing field prep and planting with a good bit of harvesting, washing and packaging for various markets. In addition to the on-farm training, RFC apprentices also participate in a series of weekend intensives, which include farm tours, classes, and discussions in agricultural communities around the state. More details are available on the website at: http://roguefarmcorps.org/apprenticeship

Skills Desired: A strong work ethic with a willingness to learn and expand upon farming knowledge and techniques is expected. The daily tasks require continuous bending, crouching, lifting, shoveling and strenuous work. A level of good physical fitness is required. The High Desert climate is a challenging and at times volatile environment to work in. An attention to detail, good communication skills and commitment to the work is necessary. Candidates should be able to work and train in all elements of weather and sustain a positive attitude throughout the day.

Meals: No meals are provided but apprentices will have access to a wide diversity of vegetables grown on the farm.

Stipend: Apprentices will be paid minimum wage and will have access to a wide diversity of vegetables grown on the farm.

Housing: There is no housing provided on farm at this time. The farm is very close to the North end of Bend city limits where houses, apartments or rooms may be available for rent. It is also possible to commute from Sisters and Redmond or anywhere in between.

Preferred method of Contact: email / website