Contacts
Dr. John M. O'Sullivan
Small Farm Unit Coordinator
(336) 334-7957
johno@ncat.edu
Steve Moore
On-Site Farm Manager
(919) 731-3440
steve_moore@ncsu.edu
Apprenticeships
Apprentices participate fully in the production, education, and research/demonstration activities of the Small Farm Unit as learners and partners. The Small Farm Unit (SFU) is a 30-acre unit of the 2,000-acre Cherry Research Farm in Goldsboro, which is located in eastern North Carolina, in Wayne County.
Currently the SFU is engaged in the following research efforts:
- organic systems work (utilizing animals, soil building, and high-value crops)
- season extension (high tunnels, etc.)
- organic transplant production
- small fruit
- pastured meat (goats and poultry)
- grafted tomatoes
- cover crop/no-till system (organic and conventional)
Education outreach programs include agriculture in the classroom (Discover Ag) and a variety of workshops (e.g., high tunnel, organic certification short course).
Apprentices come to learn the basics of running a small farm in eastern North Carolina in a practical hands-on manner by working with the farm manager, extension personnel, and university researchers at the Small Farm Unit on a daily basis. Apprentices assist with the daily tasks associated with a small farm, help with educational outreach, and assist research scientists in a variety of work assignments.
The apprenticeship is designed around an entire growing season, March to October. Shorter durations can be explored. Some weekend and holiday work is required.
Housing and a modest stipend of $100 a week are provided. All CEFS workshops are free to apprentices, and attendance/participation is highly encouraged.