The Farming Institute is a unique fast track summer training program designed to equip emerging farmers with the depth of the farming discipline while gaining hands on experience. The program is designed for college students wanting to get a summer of farming in between school years or others wanting to make a career change. Participants in the summer program will gain experience on two farms, Wild Woods Farm and ZJ Farms. Both farms are CSA centered vegetable farms following organic practices. The farms play a prominent role in the local food system, providing local, organic food to approximately 2,000 people each year. Participating in this program is a great opportunity for someone considering making farming their life work. The program will provide an in-depth understanding of farming practices, introduction to business planning, management and development and an opportunity to be mentored and taught by established farmers and entrepreneurs. Participants will get to learn from Susan Jutz, one of the first CSA vegetable farmers in the State of Iowa, Dick Schwab, a proven entrepreneur with experience managing multi-million dollar companies, his own numerous small business and has launched a multitude of young entrepreneurs and Farmer Kate, a successful young farmer who made a career change and passionately pursued her farming dream while creating a profitable business from the start. 

Apply today for the 2013 Program!

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE!