Sustainable Ag Internships
Become a part of the next generation of sustainable farmers & local food leaders!
Our Internship Program is currently on hiatus.
Check for updates!
This internship is for individuals that want to learn how our food is grown through sustainable agriculture practices. Interns are placed on local farms around North Dakota for a boots-on-the-ground, hands-in-the-soil learning experience. Interns learn what it takes to run a farm and meet farmers practising diverse and innovative types of agriculture. On-farm activities and weekly Zoom classes help to develop ag production skills as well as problem solving and adaptability. Interns gain confidence and leadership skills and go on to launch their own farms, become ag educators and lead local food initiatives. Most importantly interns grow new friendships and gain a lifelong love of local food and farms.
About the Internship Program
Details
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Interns are paid at a rate of $15/hr for time spent on the farm, in class and doing classwork, and at field days. We reimburse mileage for travel for field days and farm visits.
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Internships are up to 20 hrs per week, not to exceed 350 total hours during the season.
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Interns can start in early May and end in late October.
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Interns must be at least 15 years of age at the start of their internship. (There is no maximum age)
On Farm Learning
Interns will start the season by identifying your learning goals with your host farmer and participate in the daily activities on the farm. These activities may include, seeding, weeding, watering, caring for plants and livestock, harvesting, washing, packing & marketing, and even get a peek into business planning.
Weekly Classes
Students will also join the other interns in weekly Zoom classes that cover a variety of topics, offer class discussions, and guest speakers.
Some of these topics will include:
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Local Food Systems
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Plant Breeding & Seed Saving
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Season Extension, High Tunnels, & Aquaponics
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Marketing
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Weeds & Pest Management
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Indigenous Agriculture
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Small Livestock
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Beekeeping
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Soil Health
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Grape & Wine Production
Independent Project
Interns in this program will also complete an independent project throughout the summer. This gives the students an opportunity to dive deeper into a topic that interests them. Examples of previous intern projects include mushroom cultivation, worm composting systems, and mulch systems.
Pictured at right: Gretchen Ivers designed and built a chicken tractor at Stable Days Youth Ranch in summer 2021.
Farm Field Days