Caney Fork Farms is a regenerative organic farm in Middle Tennessee proving that soil-centered, climate-positive agriculture can support farmers, ecosystems, and communities. We grow diverse crops and livestock, lead soil-health research, and work in a collaborative, inclusive environment grounded in our core values: Be Good to Each Other, Do the Hard Stuff that Matters, Honor Relationships, and Be Curious and Innovative.

Our Regenerative Farm Apprenticeship is a ten-month, hands-on training program that immerses you in livestock care, vegetable production, and chestnut agroforestry while building real skills in regenerative farming. You’ll work across the entire farm and gain direct-to-consumer marketing experience alongside our research, livestock, and vegetable teams.

The Apprentice will report to the Head of Research and Outreach and collaborate closely with the Heads of Vegetables & Crops and Livestock.   

KEY ACTIVITIES: 

February to April:

• One week of orientation and training alongside livestock staff.
• Work primarily with livestock (cattle, sheep, pigs), focusing on rotational grazing systems, pasture management, and basic infrastructure maintenance.
• Participate in lambing, calving, and farrowing, ensuring proper care and record-keeping for new livestock.

April to Mid September:

• Alternate every two weeks between livestock and vegetable production.
• In vegetable production: assist in planting, cultivation, pest management, irrigation, harvesting, washing, and packing for both market garden and field-scale crops.
• In livestock management: continue rotational grazing, animal health monitoring, and other daily tasks.
• Participate in direct-to-consumer marketing at farmers' markets and other venues. 

Mid September to Thanksgiving:

• Focus on chestnut orchard production, including harvesting, processing, and storing chestnuts.

WHAT WE OFFER: 

• Clear learning objectives that are achieved through hands-on training and mentorship from experienced farmers 
• Immersion in diverse and integrated systems of regenerative agriculture, including livestock management, veggie and row crop production, and chestnut agroforestry systems.
• A structured schedule that ensures exposure to all aspects of the farm's operations
• An exciting and supportive work environment to test your skills while learning
• Tour of another regenerative farm in the area

GUIDELINES AND TOOLS 

Guidelines that will help the team member in this position achieve success and follow company procedures include: 

• Employee Handbook  
• Caney Fork Farms Google Drive, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Core Processes. 
• Mission and Values Statement 
• Oversight and guidance provided by the Head of Research and Outreach.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION 

• Valid Driver’s License
• Alignment with the company’s core values
• Career interests in regenerative agriculture and sustainable food systems
• Strong work ethic, reliability, and enthusiasm for learning
• Willingness to learn and receive feedback 
• Previous farm experience is desirable but not required

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• Ability to perform physical farm tasks, including lifting 50 lbs, bending, and working outdoors in varying weather conditions, including hot summers and wet winters.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Flexibility to move between supervisors in different aspects of the farm
• Willingness to adapt to the amenities (or lack thereof) of a rural Middle Tennessee community

Sound like you? Apply using the form below.