Cattlemen?s foundation offers scholarships

AMES ? Practical Farmers of Iowa?s Labor4Learning Program, now entering its second year, seeks to give beginners who are considering a farming career paid on-the-job experience while helping established farmers attract high-quality, motivated farm employees.

This season, 11 selected PFI trainer farms around Iowa are hiring for the 2014 growing season. Applications are encouraged by Friday, and should be made directly to the participating farms. Employment opportunities on these farms range from three to 24 months. A list of participating farms and specific farm needs and job descriptions can be found at http://practicalfarmers.org/programs/youth-and-next-generation/Labor4Learning.html.

In addition to one-on-one time gaining practical farm management skills from an experienced farmer, trainees in the Labor4Learning Program will learn about farm business planning and financing ? knowledge that?s vital for future success. Trainees also:

? Are eligible for a day of paid time off to attend a PFI event during their term of employment;

? Receive a discounted rate to attend the 2015 PFI Annual Conference;

? Receive preference toward eligibility for free home-stay lodging during the 2015 conference; and

? Have opportunities to connect with other PFI trainees.

Experienced farmers benefit from having an employee who is highly motivated and committed to working on a farm for a complete season.

To become a trainee, applicants must apply to and be hired by a training farm; have a strong desire to learn about the business of farming; and be a current individual or whole-farm member of PFI. Those who want to apply, but aren?t currently PFI members can sign up at www.practicalfarmers.org/join-pfi.html or by calling Erica Andorf at 515-232-5661.

For information about the Labor4Learning Program, contact Luke Gran, PFI?s member and sponsor coordinator, at luke@practicalfarmers.org or 515-232-5661.