Apprenticeship at DD Ranch

Last Updated On: November 1st, 2023 at 01:56PM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
3836 NE Smith Rock Way
Terrebonne, Oregon, 97760

Primary Contact: Sachin
Primary Phone:
    Type: Cell
    Number: 8058155545
    Email: sachin@roguefarmcorps.org

Website: https://www.roguefarmcorps.org

Website: https://ddranch.net/

Internship information

General Farm Description: DD Ranch is a 200 acre cattle ranch approximately 2 miles from Smith Rock State Park. It is a very scenic property with views of Smith Rock and the Cascade mountains. 155 of the 200 acres are irrigated with a mixture of hand lines, wheel lines and flood irrigation. We also operate another 200-300 acres for grazing cattle and/or growing hay. We have rocky outcroppings with juniper groves as well and a wildlife corridor. We are approximately 3 miles from the town of Terrebonne, 6 miles from Redmond, 25 miles to Bend, 25 miles to Madras and 20 miles to Prineville. Smith Rock State Park offers climbing, hiking, running, horseback riding, camping, etc.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: 4/1/2023
Internship Ends: 10/30/2023
Number of Internship Available: 1
Application Deadline: Rolling (but early applications recommended)
Minimum Length of Stay: 7 months

Internship Details:

At DD Ranch, an apprentice will get significant exposure to all aspects of our business – from helping with sheep, pigs, cattle, horses, poultry, goats, planting and caring for pumpkins, hay production, irrigation, farmer’s markets, weddings, pumpkin patch, weekly staff meetings, and possibly accounting/business management if desired. We try to foster a learning environment here and of course are still learning ourselves.  We bring in outside experts to help where needed to train staff. Because we operate a livestock operation with twice daily feedings, and move irrigation water twice daily, our farm is a 7 day a week operation.  An apprentice would spend about half a day or more doing physically strenuous work.  We will expect 36 hours of training a week. Regular day(s) off will be scheduled to take into consideration other employees’ schedules.

It would be ideal for an apprentice to visit the ranch to be sure they are clear about what the living conditions and training environment would be like.

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Note: all Rogue Farm Corps apprentices are offered waged employment by their Host Farm, and are enrolled in the Beginning Farmer Educational Event Series

Educational Opportunities: In the beginning, the apprentice will train side by side with either a ranch hand or owner.  After mastery of skills, some tasks might be expected to be alone, especially simpler ones. Our days vary significantly depending on whether it’s time to hay or work cattle, so priorities are set at the weekly staff meeting. Must be able to be independent.

Skills Desired: Previous experience with horses, cattle and irrigation would be the most desirable. We operate the ranch mostly on horseback but a 4 wheeler can be used for non-riders. Must be able to tolerate being in the heat, cold, sun, wind, and other elements.  Good physical condition is very important.

Meals: Some food will be provided – meat, honey, eggs will be provided by the ranch. We are not vegetarian.

Stipend: Yes, minimum wage

Housing: Housing will be provided on site, in an RV. The RV has its own bathroom, shower and kitchen. The apprentice can also use the barn kitchen and would be expected to keep it clean enough for the public to see.

Preferred method of Contact: Email