We have been mentoring farmers and training interns at our farm, Pleasant Valley Farm, in Argyle, NY since 1993, with the goal to produce successful farmers. Interns have lived and worked on our farm and are taught all aspects of running an organic vegetable and fruit farm.Those aspiring to become farmers go out into the world and start their own farms.
It is a wonderful feeling to create new farmers in the world!
Pleasant Valley Farm, Argyle, NY
Having the Pitney Farm in Saratoga Springs turn into a training/teaching farm would be an amazing opportunity for all young people interested in having farming as a career. It could be a real working farm where they can gain hands-on experience, working alongside experienced farmers who can guide them to learn how to operate a farm. Partnering with SUNY Adirondack (which has an Agriculture program) can round out their education and provide a solid base to enable young farmers to have a viable farming career much quicker. Having acreage available for these young farmers to lease on the Pitney Farm for several years after initial training gives the farmers the opportunity to trial running their own farm, but they can have the valuable guidance from the local experienced farmers. In addition, the Pitney Farm could have an outlet for the community to purchase crops that farmers can produce on the land.
It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved!