Apprenticeships

barn at night
Above: Haying on steep terrain at Natural Roots, Conway, MA. (GFN photo)
Good Farming Apprenticeship Network
good farming apprenticeship network logo

Apprenticeships in draft-animal farming and logging were once
difficult to find, but not since Chase Hubbard completed his
degree in ”Good Farming” at Warren Wilson College in Asheville,
North Carolina. When Chase had a hard time finding skilled draft
horse farmers offering the apprenticeships he needed to
complete his degree, he set out to accumulate information and
help set up the Good Farming Apprenticeship Network.

Apprenticeships in draft-animal farming and logging were once difficult to find, but not
since Chase Hubbard completed his degree in ”Good Farming” at Warren Wilson
College in Asheville, North Carolina. When Chase had a hard time finding skilled draft
horse farmers offering the apprenticeships he needed to complete his degree, he set
out to accumulate information and help set up the Good Farming
Apprenticeship Network
.

The Good Farming Apprenticeship Network is designed to link future farmers with
experienced handlers of working draft horses, mules, and oxen to ensure that
valuable farming and logging practices are passed down through the generations.
Participants offer a broad range of learn-by-working experience.

This program is neither a source for jobs nor for cheap labor. Apprentices must be
eager to learn by pitching in to help with the work at hand; mentors must be willing
to take time to impart their skills to novices. Draft-animal apprenticeships are
offered in the following US states and Canadian provinces:

Apprenticeships:
  1. UNITED STATES
  2. California
    1. Covelo
  3. Colorado
    1. Ignacio
  4. Kentucky
    1. Golden Pond
  5. Maine
    1. Hebron
    2. Livermore
    3. Penobscot
    4. Stow
  6. Maryland
    1. Rising Sun
  7. Massachusetts
    1. Conway
  8. Michigan
    1. Scotts
  9. Mississippi
    1. Beaumont
  10. New Jersey
    1. Titusville
  11. New York
    1. Marathon
    2. Narrowsburg
  1. North Carolina
    1. Norwood
  2. Oregon
    1. Dorena
    2. Halfway - Horsepower Organics
    3. Halfway - Oak Tree Ranch
  3. Pennsylvania
    1. Media
  4. South Carolina
    1. Greer
  5. Virginia
    1. Copper Hill
  6. Wisconsin
    1. Hillsboro
  7. CANADA
  8. Nova Scotia
    1. New Germany
  9. Ontario
    1. Almonte
Related Information

Finding an Apprenticeship in Horse Farming by Chase Hubbard
Plowing up an Internship by John Bowe
Ask Questions by Jim Sluyter & Jo Meller
Apprenticeship Survey by Jim Sluyter & Jo Meller
Legal Issues by Jim Sluyter & Jo Meller
Offering Apprenticeships on Your Horse-Powered Farm by Doug Jones

If you are experienced in the use of draft-animal power and are willing to share your skills
and knowledge with someone who is eager to learn, you are invited to participate
(at no charge) in the Good Farming Apprenticeship Network. Just fill out our
Good Farming Apprenticeship Network form, outlining the details of your farm, ranch,
or horse logging operation and the nature of the apprenticeship you offer. rh horse logo

Rural Heritage provides this service free of charge and makes no warranty, expressed or implied, related to participation in the Good Farming Apprenticeship
Network. We urge both apprentices and those offering apprenticeships to
investigate before engaging in any agreement.

Additional Resources
Interns harvest garlic at Mackin Creek Farm in British Columbia, Canada
Above: Interns harvest garlic at Mackin Creek Farm in British Columbia, Canada.
A place to spend time with others interested in draft animals, self-sufficient living,
small-scale family farming and other aspects of our rich rural heritage.
Home of the internet’s most extensive calendar listing of draft horse events
(frequently updated online)
 Advertiser Business Directory   
An online listing of businesses that provide products and services to the
draft animal industry as well as small sustainable farming activities.
Learn more about different harnesses, hitches, materials, care.
Find or List your Horse, Oxen, Mule or Donkey Team for sale.

Barn
Above: Training young oxen at Tillers International, Scotts, MI.

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    This file last modified: January 11 2021.

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