On-farm jobs and training offered across Iowa through Practical Farmers’ Labor4Learning program

Contact:

Elizabeth Wilhelm | Media Relations Coordinator | (515) 232-5661 | elizabeth.wilhelm@practicalfarmers.org

AMES, Iowa (March 22, 2023) — Practical Farmers of Iowa has 17 on-farm paid job openings with farmers across the state who are committed to providing additional training on what it takes to run a farm business.

The jobs are being offered through Practical Farmers’ Labor4Learning program, which features experienced farmers from a range of farm systems and enterprises who have agreed to offer training on topics such as record-keeping, marketing and other skills beginning and aspiring farmers might not otherwise be exposed to.

All positions are paid, and most trainer farms offer competitive wages, plus other perks and benefits.

Prior to launching their own farm businesses, it’s important that beginning and aspiring farmers gain experience with not only the day-to-day tasks of running a farm, but also the business management responsibilities.

Most on-farm jobs, however, do not expose employees to the full range of responsibilities required to run a farm operation. Labor4Learning seeks to fill the gap by offering a more well-rounded job experience.

A list of participating farms is included below, along with their locations and farm enterprises. Complete job descriptions and program details can be found at practicalfarmers.org/labor4learning.

“I am participating as a trainer in Labor4Learning because I am energized about helping the next generation get started farming,” says Matt Vermeersch, of Mud Ridge Farm near Council Bluffs.

“This is a perfect opportunity for me to show new farmers different ways to farm and how there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.”

Each trainer farm in the program was approved by a committee of Practical Farmers of Iowa members to serve as qualified teachers. The farms represent a diversity of enterprises and production practices, including row crops, small grains, multiple species of livestock, fruits and vegetables, flowers, tree crops, cover crops, organic certification and more.

To participate as a trainee in Labor4Learning, applicants should submit resumes and references directly to the trainer farm. If hired, participants are given a Practical Farmers of Iowa membership, opportunities to network with other beginning and aspiring farmers and discounts to PFI learning events.

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About Practical Farmers: 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.

2023 Labor4Learning Trainer Farms:

Adair County

• Dale and Marcie Raasch – Bridgewater Farm (Bridgewater) – Certified organic vegetables and fruits; hay, cattle, hogs, broilers, laying hens

Boone County

• Mike Salama – Salama Greenhouse (Boone) – Greenhouse production of ornamentals and hydroponic vegetables

Cedar County

• Derek Roller and Molly Schintler – Echollective Farm (Mechanicsville) – Vegetables, herbs, flowers, mushrooms, seed garlic

Clayton County

• Natasha Hegmann and Pete Kerns – Turkey River Farm (Elkport) – Pastured pigs and turkeys, vegetables, mushrooms, bedding plants

• Jason Klinge – (Farmersburg) – Heat-resistant, pasture-finished cattle

Chickasaw County

• Martha McFarland – Hawkeye Buffalo Ranch (Fredericksburg) – Bison, cattle, hay, agritourism

Guthrie County

• David Royer – David Royer Farms (Coon Rapids) – Row crops, cow-calf herd, pigs, hay, cover crops

Linn County

• Marcus and Emma Johnson – Buffalo Ridge Orchard (Central City) – Herbs, vegetables, apples, pears, row crops

• Donna Warhover – Morning Glory LLC (Mt. Vernon) – Vegetables, herbs, eggs, greenhouse and high tunnel production

Mahaska County

• Meredith Nunnikhoven – Barnswallow Flowers (Oskaloosa) – Cut flowers, chestnuts

Polk County

• Aaron Lehman – Lehman Farms Ltd. (Polk City) – Organic and convention corn, soybeans, oats and hay

Story County

• Naomi and Andrew Friend – Friend’s Flowers (Story City) – Cut flowers

• Dean and Judy Henry – Berry Patch Farm (Nevada) – Apples, cherries, berries and produce

• Lyle Matteson – Lee’s Greens (Nevada) – Fruits, vegetables

• Alice McGary – Mustard Seed Community Farm (Ames) – Vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers, bees, chickens, sheep

• Noah Wendt – A & W Farms (Huxley) – Conventional row crops, organic small grains, grass-based beef cattle, cover crops

Washington County

• James Nisly – Organic Greens LLC (Kalona) – Microgreens, field vegetables