Aspiring Farmer Residency

The Aspiring Farmer Residency is Big Muddy's flagship program. It is a 9-month (February-November) live-in program where up to five people learn about sustainable urban agriculture through working on and running a farm.

The Residency includes over 900 hours of training and instruction, and Residents learn about running a CSA program (community-supported agriculture, basically a produce subscription), running a farm stand, raising and caring for chickens, completing a sustainability project through the Center for Rural Affairs, planning a planting calendar, and the experience of planting, growing, and harvesting a variety of crops.

Many alumni of the Residency go on to grow on their own, to work at local urban agriculture organizations, or to hold leadership roles in other parts of the food system.

Residency Applications

Applications for the Aspiring Farmer Residency open in November of each year, and are open for approximately three weeks. Big Muddy staff, board members, and alumni will review applications, interview a portion of the applicant pool, and extend an offer in December. Residents move-in two months later in February.

Residency Benefits

Training by experienced instructors, valued at over $18,000.
Free housing and utilities in two restored century-old homes in Omaha's historic Gifford Park neighborhood, valued at over $7,000.
Fresh produce and eggs throughout the growing season
Connections to Big Muddy's network of over instructors, partners, and dozens of alumni
A joint fellowship with the Center for Rural Affairs Conservation Fellowship, worth over $13,000.

What We're Looking For

People who want to get involved in urban agriculture and food systems
Beginning or first-time farmers
19 years of age or older
Willingness to live with others and do farm work
Ability to participate in program hours (Wed/Fri 9-4, Thurs/Sat 9-1, 1 hour earlier in summer)