Jefferson-area farm providing on-farm training opportunity for an aspiring farmer

Contacts:

Steve Carlson | Practical Farmers of Iowa | (515) 232-5661 | steve@practicalfarmers.org

JEFFERSON, Iowa – Scott Shriver of Shriver Farms is seeking to hire an employee for the coming growing season, and is willing to provide the right candidate with additional training on topics important for running a farm business.

Shriver is among 14 experienced farmers from around the state who have committed to hire an employee through Practical Farmers of Iowa’s Labor4Learning program. Each Labor4Learning trainer farm was approved by a committee of Practical Farmers members to serve as qualified teachers.

Scott has 2,000 acres of certified organic crop production, raising corn, soybeans, wheat, oats, barley, buckwheat, field peas and alfalfa. He uses modern equipment and cutting edge organic farming practices.

“I would enjoy working with and helping a person that has similar interests in organic farming.  It will be a chance to help grow the ranks of organic farmers,” Scott says. “I have trained numerous employees over the years and always believe in explaining “why” we do things, not just “how” we do things.”

The job opening with Shriver Farms is full-time, starting in May. The primary work activities include equipment maintenance, tending to the planter and sprayer, cultivating, scouting fields, and haying.  The employee will also assist with the harvest of crops and any other operations as needed.

Full job details, dates and information on how to contact Shriver Farms to apply can be found at practicalfarmers.org/labor4learning. To qualify as a trainee, the applicant must have a strong desire to learn; apply to and be hired by a trainer farm; and become a member of Practical Farmers of Iowa.

Having sufficient on-farm work experience is vital to the success of new farmers just starting on their own. Most on-farm employment opportunities, however, are limited in scope and don’t expose employees to the full range of skills needed to be successful.

Now entering its sixth year, Practical Farmers’ Labor4Learning program helps fill this need by connecting aspiring farmers seeking paid on-farm training with experienced farmers looking for eager employees.

In addition to their normal job responsibilities, those in the program receive training on topics such as record keeping, marketing and other skills important for running a farm business. At the start of employment, the trainer and trainee agree on a set of learning outcomes to address during the course of employment, beyond the normal job-related work activities

Practical Farmers of Iowa works to equip farmers to build resilient farms and communities. Our values include: welcoming everyone; farmers leading the exchange of experience and knowledge; curiosity, creativity, collaboration and community; resilient farms now and for future generations; and stewardship of land and resources. To learn more, visit http://practicalfarmers.org.