Labor4Learning Trainer

Are you an experienced farmer in Iowa who wants to train the next generation of farmers? Apply to be a 2026 Labor4Learning trainer!

The Labor4Learning program helps pair beginning and aspiring farmers looking for hands-on experience with experienced PFI farmers who are willing to invest extra time to mentor their employee.

Practical Farmers of Iowa knows that training the next generation of farmers means extra work for you. For being a L4L trainer, we provide compensation up to $1,500 per year.

Applications to be a trainer farm for the Labor4Learning program open Dec. 1. We are looking for farms that represent a wide range of enterprises and production practices across Iowa. You should have a desire to mentor the next generation of farmers, be willing to take the some extra time each week to teach new skills, and you must be PFI member.

As a PFI Labor4Learning trainer you will:

Recruit, interview, and hire an employee that you feel is a good fit for your farm. PFI will post and promote the job opening on our website.
Pay your trainee at least the minimum wage and follow all recordkeeping and wage reporting requirements applicable to your farm.
Attend a virtual orientation and mid-season meeting and give PFI staff program feedback.
Develop a list of learning goals with your trainee and commit to extra time to teach them.
Provide paid time off for the trainee to attend a Practical Farmers of Iowa field day.

How to Apply

Applications to become a trainer are open through Dec. 31, 2025 for the following 2026 season. All complete applications submitted will be reviewed by a committee made up of Practical Farmers of Iowa’s farmer members. Selections will be made by February.

Apply by Dec. 31

For more information about becoming a trainer, please contact martha.mcfarland(at)practicalfarmers(dot)org.