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Farmer Starter Program Details

Apply for The
Spring 2025 Farmer Starter Waitlist

Farmer Starter is an immersive farmer training program on a working, certified organic, diversified vegetable farm designed to provide aspiring farmers with the essential skills and training needed to manage a sustainable farming business.

 

Through a blend of in-field training and formal classroom education, the 5 month program trains students in:

• Organic, regenerative, and sustainable growing methods

• Soil health and fertility management

• Organic pest and disease control methods

• Greenhouse management and propagation

• Holistic farm planning & crop planning

• Equipment use & maintenance

• Business planning

• Marketing​

 

Students graduate the program with practical knowledge and experience in organic and sustainable growing methods and entrepreneurial skills necessary to establish a successful market farm.​

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Farmer Starter is offered twice a year, in the spring and fall, following our two main growing seasons in Central Texas.  ​​

Spring 2025 Farmer Starter Dates

  • Program: February 4 - June 19, 2025

    • Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7:30am to 4pm​

  • Application Deadline: October 15, 2024

  • Interviews: Fridays in October & November from 7:30am to 12:00pm

  • Acceptance Announced: November 15, 2024

Student schedule:

  • Students meet on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7:30am to 4:00pm.

  • Mornings are spent in the field with the Farm Team getting valuable hands-on experience growing food for our Food Access programs.

  • Afternoons are spent in the classroom with the Education Director learning the science and business of farm management, or on field trips to local farms to see a variety of farming practices.

  • Students spend an additional 6 hours per season with Farmshare Staff selling at an area Farmer's Market to learn the ins and outs of direct marketing and Farmers' Market sales.

Application process:

  • Submit your application online . 

  • Applications are reviewed by the Education Director & Manager. Up to 24 applicants may be chosen to be shortlisted and move on to the interview process. 

  • Working interviews will be conducted Friday mornings from 7:30am to noon. You will get a tour of the farm, a chance to work with the Farm Team in the field with other applicants and have a one on one interview with the Education Director.

  • Acceptance letters will be sent via e-mail no later thank 11/15/2024

  • Class size: 12 students maximum.​

  • Applicants who complete the interview process but are not admitted in the first round, may be placed on our waitlist to be notified if spaces open prior to the start of the program.

  • We have a needs-blind application process. Upon acceptance to the program, everyone is invited to apply for needs-based financial aid. 

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​Tuition & Financial Aid:

  • Tuition is $3,500.

  • Farmshare is committed to supporting students who have financial barriers to entering farming by offering need-based scholarships and work share programs as financial aid.

  • Upon acceptance to the program everyone is invited to apply for financial aid that may reduce tuition to as little as $500. 

  • If we are unable to meet your financial needs through direct tuition reduction, we may discuss work share opportunities to further reduce tuition in exchange for extra work on the farm.

  • Any remaining tuition is due before the class begins, or may be broken up into monthly payments for the duration of the course as needed.

  • Scholarships are also available through CCOF’s Future Organic Farmer Grant  or the National Young Farmer Grant Program 

 
Skills desired:

  • Applicants should have a passion for local food production and organic, regenerative agriculture.

  • Previous farm or garden experience is preferred but not necessary.

  • Candidates must demonstrate a strong desire to learn about small-scale, sustainable agriculture.​

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Additional considerations:

  • Students should be prepared to make a full season commitment and participate in all activities for the duration of the program.

  • Students must be comfortable and capable of performing strenuous physical work in a variety of conditions.

  • Students provide their own transportation to and from the farm and on field trips.​​

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Contact education@farmshareaustin.org with questions about the program.
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