Conserving Long Islands Working Farms and Natural Lands
Quail Hill Farm apprentice, Tim (last name), teaching kids to build scarecrowsQuail Hill Farm apprentice, Tim, teaching kids to build scarecrowsQuail Hill Farm intern washing eggplant on harvest dayQuail Hill Farm intern washing eggplant on harvest dayQuail Hill Farm apprentice, Matt Celona, harvesting kaleQuail Hill Farm apprentice, Matt Celona, harvesting kaleQuail Hill Farm apprentices in the fielQuail Hill Farm apprentices in the fieldField work day on the farmField work day on the farm

Quail Hill Farm Apprenticeship Program

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 PDF Guide for Quail Hill Farm Apprentices.