As the farmer population ages and food system challenges become more complex, we are aiming to support the critical need for new, young farmers and systems thinkers to contribute to agriculture.
Our training programs prepare aspiring farmers to cultivate the land through sustainable practices that produce nutritious food for keeping communities healthy, now and in the future.
Wolfe’s Neck Center’s Fruit & Vegetable Farmer Training Program is a unique apprenticeship program that covers all aspects of organic fruit & vegetable crop production with a focus on regenerative agriculture techniques.
Our fruit and vegetable production includes four acres of diverse production, high-tunnel greenhouses, small orchards, perennials, educational raised beds, and a community garden, all of which the apprentices oversee during their time here. Crop rotation, integrated pest management, cover cropping, soil science, irrigation, and general problem solving are among the many lessons taught in the fields and in the classroom.
When not in the fields running the tractors, harvesting fresh produce, and connecting with the community, Fruit & Vegetable Apprentices learn to run a small business enterprise and the economics of small-scale organic crop production as they conceive their own plans for the future.
A well-rounded, diversified education is provided by unique experiences like coordinating food pantry donations, helping summer campers learn about soil health, and processing value-added products. As a whole, this dynamic program is providing invaluable instruction, experience, and resources to a new generation of farmers.
The application process for the 2024 Fruit & Vegetable Apprenticeship is currently closed. Please email Dwight Hobbs with any questions.
Wolfe’s Neck Center’s Organic Dairy Research and Training program was the first of its kind in the nation. This innovative program serves as a testing ground for new management technologies and techniques, while also training the next generation of farmers in rotational grazing and regenerative agricultural systems.
Our organic dairy features a herd of Jersey and Holstein cows, with about 30 milking cows at any given time.
The Wolfe’s Neck Center’s Training Program is part of the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship, a National Apprenticeship under the U.S. Department of Labor-Employment and Training Administration. This two-year, residential program consists of 4,000 hours of training.
Your tax-deductible gift supports a better future for farming, our children, and the planet.