Vilicus Farms is a nationally recognized first generation, organic, dryland crop farm in Northern Hill County, Montana. Owned and operated by Doug Crabtree and Anna Jones-Crabtree, Vilicus Farms grows a diverse array of organic heirloom and specialty grain, pulse, oilseed and broadleaf crops.
There are two formal Apprenticeship opportunities with a third in development:
1. New Agrarian Immersion Experience:
Intensive immersion into day-to-day organic farming operations, Vilicus Farms’ growing system, conservation practices and ecosystem. This 8 month apprenticeship is offered in partnership through Quivira Coalition’s New Agrarian Program. Further details and application are posted here.
2. Registered Organic Farm Worker Apprenticeship:
Structured occupational training in dryland organic farming operations. Apprentices are paid employees of Vilicus Farms during the two-year program consisting of 4000 hours of on-the-job training and 288 hours of related instruction. Graduates will have an opportunity to become high skilled and valued farm team members at Vilicus Farms or another organic enterprise. This highly unique apprenticeship has been developed in consultation with the State of Montana Department of Labor and Industry and Montana State University – Northern.
Veterans are highly encouraged to apply as one of the 2017 positions is partially funded for three years through a USDA Beginning Farmer Rancher Grant as part of the National Center for Appropriate Technology’s Armed to Farm program. (http://www.ncat.org/armedtofarm/) Further details and the application are posted above.
3. Formal Organic Farm Management Training (IN DEVELOPMENT):
Formal training for individuals wanting to grow into either managing a specific farm enterprise or geographic unit for an existing farm or launching as an independent farm owner/operator. Individuals will increase their knowledge and capacity for all facets of managing a farm business. This approximately two year, hands on and classroom, training will involve development and implementation of a business plan with mentorship and resource support from the Vilicus Farms network. Please contact us if you are interested in partnering to develop the specifics of this training and/or in supporting graduates.
