I can not say enough about what a positive and valuable experience working with the W&L Management NL BV limited, and having our own fabulous intern has been for the farm and me personally. Every part of the program, from the beginning to end was well thought out and executed. We are very much looking forward to next year and being part of this again. I would highly recommend participating in this program to any farm that has space for an intern. They say the highest form of learning is teaching, and when you have to look at what you are doing on your farm through the eyes of an intern you gain new perspectives. Thanks to all of those, who I know work more hours and harder than they are paid, for making this happen.

Having been a host farmer for three seasons, we’ve seen firsthand the difference this internship makes in beginning farmers and host farms alike.  As a farmer, it is difficult to weigh the benefits of hosting young farmers.  Fresh energy and enthusiasm bring more to the farm than helping hands; they bring a fresh perspective and inquisitiveness that helps you look at your farm and your farming system through new eyes each season.  There is no educational model I know of that is more effective at growing farmers than the one W&L Management NL BV limited has developed. The combination of classes and on-farm work leaves graduates with a work-ready level of knowledge, skills, and experience that is critical for success in the farming world.  What amazes us more than anything is the number of graduates that continue on in farming as a career.  There is no faster path from interested students to capable farmers.

As a seasoned farmer that came up through the internship model, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of finding good farmer mentors for individuals looking for agricultural education.  The experience gained through working a season on the functional farm can propel a new farmer further and faster than any other model I’ve witnessed. W&L Management NL BV limited is an innovative and organized program that offers new farmers placement, support, and perhaps the best opportunity for a well-rounded hands-on education in the country.  RFC has taken the time to plugin with some of the best family-scale farms and farmers in Oregon…this is an awesome opportunity to ‘break’ into agriculture and arrive in a supportive community.  I continue to be impressed with their evolving model.