Spring 2025 includes a first for Caney Fork Farms: the launch of a whole-farm apprenticeship program. Seeing the need for hands-on, real-world regenerative agriculture experiences that spanned agricultural crops and livestock, as well as farm business management, we designed a program that would allow an apprentice to work and learn alongside staff in all aspects of the farm. The apprenticeship is a condensed, on-the-job training experience, running from early February to mid November. After reviewing applications from around the country, a staff committee unanimously selected David Hunt as the top candidate for the inaugural apprentice.
Stepping Into Regenerative Agriculture During a Crucial Season
Since joining Caney Fork Farms in February, Farming Apprentice David has become an essential part of our livestock operations. He arrived at a time when our team was stretched thin and facing one of the most demanding seasons of the year. With calving and lambing on the horizon and winter conditions in full force, David’s arrival could not have been better timed.
Caney Fork Farms raises 100 percent grass-fed and grass-finished black and red Angus cattle, as well as Katahdin sheep and rams. Our regenerative grazing practices rely on rotational systems that support both animal health and land stewardship. In winter, these practices become increasingly complex. Forage availability is limited, and protection from wind, rain, and snow is harder to come by. When our livestock are on the brink of bringing new life into the world, thoughtful and responsive care is critical.
Livestock Assistant Marlene Marsh spoke to her experience of working with David.
“Bringing an apprentice, especially David, onto the team, has reminded us how special this work really is. The work of farming is inherited, and it’s an honor and a privilege to inherit it. Throughout this experience we all feel equally honored to have the opportunity to pass the work of farming along to David. Working with David this season has brought out the best in us as farmers and teachers, and Caney Fork Farms as a whole has certainly blossomed.”
Lambing and Calving: Beauty, Grit, and Grace
David quickly stepped into this high-stakes environment with confidence, compassion, and an unwavering work ethic. Processing newborn lambs and calves, assisting in difficult births, and providing attentive aftercare are physically demanding and emotionally intense tasks. These moments, often joyful and sometimes heartbreaking, require both skill and sensitivity.
Throughout this season, David has met every challenge with remarkable poise. His ability to move between labor-intensive physical work and the emotional realities of animal care has brought a grounded, comforting presence to the team. Farming, especially livestock farming, is not without its darker moments. David’s response to both the highs and lows has demonstrated empathy, resilience, and maturity.
A New Chapter: From Livestock to Veggie Production
As the spring sun stretches longer across our fields, the energy on the farm is shifting. With lambing and calving winding down, our focus turns toward the veggie and agroforestry season. David is preparing to transition into a new role on our Veggie Team.
This next phase will introduce a different pace and skillset: planting, cultivating, and harvesting vegetables; packing CSA boxes; managing crop health; and supporting our agroforestry systems, including our growing chestnut orchard. We are eager to see how David’s strengths in observation, adaptability, and collaboration will shine in this new arena.
Building Community: David’s First Nashville Farmers Market Experience
Beyond his on-farm contributions, David recently joined a Caney Fork team member for a weekend at the Nashville Farmers Market. While David has prior experience in farmers market settings, this was his first visit to Nashville and his first opportunity to meet members of our CSA program and broader local food community.
His presence was a hit. David’s enthusiasm, thoughtful questions, and approachable nature made him a standout representative of our farm. We are grateful to have had him there, bridging the work we do in the fields with the people who enjoy its fruits.
Looking Ahead: Continued Growth in Sustainable Food Systems
David’s time at Caney Fork Farms is just getting started, and we are excited to watch his journey continue as part of our Crops, Veggie and Agroforestry Team. His first season on the farm has already left a lasting impact, and we know there is more good work to come.
We will continue to share updates as David dives deeper into vegetable production, agroforestry practices, and CSA fulfillment. In the meantime, we extend our heartfelt thanks for all he has contributed so far. Apprentices like David represent the future of sustainable agriculture, and we are proud to be a part of his journey.