I don't normally blend my day job and online selves, but this is going to be a great program offered at the University of Vermont this summer (click the video pane if it won't embed):
This highly-flexible, innovative, hands-on program is designed for aspiring farmers, agriculture leaders, and people interested in learning about the food system first hand. The summer Farmward Bound Program features intensive two week farm-based residential experiences in which students have the opportunity live and learn from successful local farmers. By working on three to four different farms of different sizes students will gain an understanding of multiple approaches to contemporary small scale sustainable agriculture....
Students will learn principles and practices of commercial tree fruit production, including site selection and preparation, varietal selection, tree training, nutrient, water and pest management, harvest and post harvest considerations. Special emphasis will be placed on environmental and economic sustainability of the orchard system. The class will apply knowledge of integrated horticultural and pest management practices in a real orchard setting.
Pre/co-requisites: PSS 10 or 21 or 1 semester biology or permission.
The class format will consist of a combination of classroom lectures, hands-on fieldwork, and visits to local commercial orchards.
For more information contact course instructor Terence Bradshaw: tbradsha@uvm.edu.