Center for Arkansas Farms
Last Updated On: November 1st, 2023 at 01:11PM MST
Contact information
Farm Address:1005 Meade Ave.
Fayetteville, Arkansas, 72704
Primary Contact: Heather Friedrich
Primary Phone:
Type: Cell
Number: 479-575-2798
Email: caff@uark.edu
Website: https://farmandfoodsystem.uada.edu/apprenticeship-programs/
Internship information
General Farm Description: Located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the CAFF Apprenticeship program matches apprentice areas of interest with mentor farms, providing real-world farm experience. Apprentices learn alongside successful farmers, experiencing “farm life” before starting their future farm. Visit our website to learn more about our mentor farmers.CRAFT Member Farm? No
Internship Starts: March, negotiable
Internship Ends: Rolling
Number of Internship Available: 5
Application Deadline: August 1
Minimum Length of Stay: 10 months minimum
Internship Details:
The CAFF apprenticeship program lasts one to two seasons, depending on the apprentice’s interests. The program includes a core set of classes with curriculum topics that complement hands-on learning. Apprentices are required to attend twenty-one educational classes, most of which are offered online during the winter months before starting the on-farm experience. Monthly classes continue in person during the production season and include local farm tours and workshops at the CAFF farm in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Classes are 2-3 hours each and include foundational topics that are essential for on-farm learning.
An agreement is signed between the farm mentor and apprentice outlining the terms of employment. Each on-farm experience is different. Farm mentors determine details such as beginning and end dates of employment, number of working hours per week, work responsibilities, and any specific policies, including living arrangements if applicable. The exact on-farm start and end dates for each apprenticeship are based on the needs of the mentor farmer. Start dates are typically in late winter.
On-farm provisions are based on the resources and determination of the mentor farm and may vary widely from one farm to another. Work responsibilities, hours, time off, housing, compensation, and other details will be clearly communicated in a written agreement before the start of an on-farm experience.
Some optional provisions offered by the host farmer may or may not include:
- Taking home a weekly share of vegetables.
- Living on site and helping with household chores
- Sharing meals with the farmer’s family and participating in meal prep
See below for more information, program costs and how to apply.
Apprenticeship Fee: $300 / per calendar year
Program Duration: 10 months – 2 years, based on apprentice interests
Classroom Sessions: 21 in total
Farm Placement: Begins in late winter/early spring
Networking: With apprentices/farmers/organizations/businesses
Checks-ins: Periodically by CAFF staff
Certificate: Based on the number of on-farm hours completed
Educational Opportunities: Yes, classes with local farmers and experts are offered in the evenings throughout the apprenticeship. Some topics from the past include: farm finances, farm layout, managing farm labor, and much more.
Skills Desired: Prior experience and desired skills are up to the discretion of the mentor farmer. Most mentor farmers require a good work ethic, positive attitude, and the ability to work rain or shine.
Meals: Meals are up to the discretion of the mentor farmer. Many mentor farmers provide meals.
Stipend: Pay is up to the discretion of the mentor farmer. Many mentor farmers provide a monthly stipend.
Housing: Housing is up to the discretion of the mentor farmer.
Preferred method of Contact: Email