The Center for Environmental Farming Systems

On-the-job Training

• Basic Livestock Production
  • Collect and record growth, production, and environmental data
  • Practice the breeding or raising of stock, such as cattle, swine, poultry, or honeybees using recognized breeding practices to ensure stock improvement
  • Coordinate the selection and maintenance of brood stock
• Basic Crop or Plant Production
  • Collect and record growth, production, and environmental data
  • Participate in or conduct crop production operations, such as planning, tilling, planting, fertilizing, cultivating, spraying, and harvesting
  • Determine plant growing conditions, such as greenhouses, hydroponics, or natural settings, and set planting, irrigation, and care schedules
  • Grow horticultural plants for sale to trade or retail customers, for display or exhibition, or for research.
• Soil Health and Weed Control
  • Analyze soil to determine types or quantities of fertilizer or other inputs required for maximum crop or forage production
  • Collect soil samples and understand lab analysis reports
  • Implement soil improvement and weed control practices such as cover crops, composting, crop/animal rotation, soil additives and inoculants, prescribed burning, and tarping
• Pest and/or Parasite Control
  • Participate in or conduct pest scouting with crops or stock examinations with livestock to identify diseases or parasites
  • Replace chemical insecticides with environmentally friendly practices, such as integrated pest management practices
• Equipment and Machinery Operation and Farm Maintenance
  • Inspect facilities and equipment for signs of disrepair, and perform necessary maintenance work
  • Adjust, repair, and service farm machinery and notify supervisors when machinery malfunctions
  • Aid in the construction and maintenance of farm or ranch structures, such as buildings, fences, drainage systems, wells, or roads
  • Operate or tend equipment used in agricultural production, such as tractors, combines, planting, and irrigation equipment.
  • Drive trucks to haul crops, supplies, tools, or farmworkers.
• Business Management and Marketing
  • Assist with analyzing market conditions to determine acreage allocations and estimate production needs
  • Participate in clerical, record-keeping, inventory requisitioning, and marketing activities
  • Determine how to allocate resources and to respond to unanticipated problems, such as insect infestation, drought, and fire
  • Negotiate with buyers for the sale, storage, or shipment of crops or livestock.
  • Evaluate marketing or sales alternatives for products
• Personnel Management and Leadership
  • Maintain financial, operational, production, or employment records for farms or ranches
  • Direct and/or monitor the activities of work crews, employees, or volunteers engaged in farming activities
• Health and Safety on the Farm
  • Inspect facilities and equipment for sings of disrepair, and perform necessary maintenance work
  • Understand and comply with policies relating to operations administration and standards, facility maintenance, and safety
• Networking, Exploring Farmer Resources, Social Issues, and Agritourism
  • Representing the farm business at public events on the farm of the farm including markets and fairs, networking events, trade shows, stakeholder meetings, and agritourism activities
  • Planning, participating in, applying for, and evaluating new income streams, grant opportunities, and other resources related to agritourism, social justice, environmental conservation, and or natural resource enhancement on the farm