are you a good fit?

This section is provided to help you decide if you are a good fit for being a host/mentor farmer/rancher with Rogue Farm Corps.

RFC Farm Mentors: 

• Work to develop mentoring relationships based on mutual trust and respect, with clearly defined boundaries.

• Encourage respect for what it takes to make farming a career.

• Encourage respect for nature.

• Model and train others to work ergonomically, efficiently, and effectively.

• Model and teach others the principles of stewardship and cooperation.

• Nurture trainee self-development.

• Honestly convey the realities (both satisfactions and frustrations) of farming as a vocation or career.

• Take responsibility and leadership in creating and maintaining a positive, equitable, and healthy work and training environment, set a respectful tone, and address conflicts.

Ask yourself these questions to help you determine if your operation is a good fit: 

• What are the goals, values, or mission of your agricultural operation?

• How might having an Apprenticeship help fulfill your farm’s mission?

• Who are the people at your operation who would act as primary and secondary mentors for Apprentice(s)?

• Who were the teachers or mentors in your life that helped you? What did you appreciate about their mentoring style?

• What prior experience do you have with supervising/mentoring?  Or, what skills and personal qualities do you have that you think will serve you as a mentor? 

• Can you envision training someone in the critical operations on your farm or ranch? 

• Given that mentor/mentee relationships are mutual learning opportunities, what are you excited to learn and what are you excited to share? 

• If you would provide Apprentice housing (not required), do you have the appropriate resources they’ll likely need  (e.g. cell connection and/or wifi, laundry, kitchen, bathroom, etc)? 

• How much time and energy can you dedicate to mentorship, training, and supervision?

• How would you adapt your schedule and routines to include an Apprenticeship? 

• How comfortable are you with accepting critique, criticisms or suggestions? 

• How might you check in with Apprentice(s) on a regular basis?

• Can you serve as an advisor/mediator as well as trainer/supervisor? 

• What makes you a good farmer/rancher? 

• Do you have the experience and expertise to provide a valuable experience to Apprentices?

• What impact will having an Apprentice have on your personal and family situation?

• How might you motivate an Apprentice in the middle of a challenging farming season?

• Are you open to working with someone who might be very different from you?

Think you’re a good fit? Please fill out this form to receive our Prospective Host Farm information packet!