Quail Hill Farm Apprenticeship Program

Apprentices 2008

Quail Hill Farm apprentice Tim teaching kids to build scarecrows

Quail Hill Farm intern washing eggplant on harvest day

Quail Hill Farm apprentice Matt Celona harvesting kale

Quail Hill Farm apprentices in the field

Each year we offer Quail Hill Farm apprenticeships that provide a hands-on working/learning experience designed to educate dedicated individuals about sustainable agriculture and organic farming. We are interested in people from all backgrounds: from inexperienced city folks looking to explore agriculture as a career option to experienced farmers looking for a new approach to agriculture. Apprentices often elect to continue their training beyond the first year.

Apprentices work in all aspects of the farm’s production: seeding, greenhouse production, soil mix preparation, composting, cultivating/weeding, harvesting, tractor work, and assisting CSA members. During the course of the full season, apprentices are given the information and time to learn organic farming’s essential skills, CSA operation, and to observe the conservation efforts of the Peconic Land Trust. In return, apprentices are expected to give their labor for the daily work of the farm. Apprentices receive a weekly stipend. Nearby housing is available, and farm produce is provided to the apprentices for their use.

While we generally accept “entry-level” apprentices and give them a good orientation to farming, on occasion an advanced Apprenticeship is offered depending on the pool of applicants and their experience. If you are looking for an extensive learning experience about organic farming, not just how to “go out and hoe,” this is the place for you. The farm also encourages and assists in apprenticeship exchanges with other farms. Additional information is available in our  Guide for Quail Hill Farm Apprentices.