Strong Farm Incubator

The Strong Farm Incubator is located at the Baldwin Greenhouse & Nursery, outside Baldwin, ND, north of Bismarck, ND. The virtual portion will take place via Zoom.

Each year, the Strong Farm Incubator program opens enrollment for five interns. Throughout the growing season, we will also grant opportunities for additional producers to attend our virtual classes.

The program is open to new and seasoned farmers willing to care for and maintain their plots and those looking to grow their business and educational toolbox further. Previous experience is welcomed and is a great way to continue making connections with fellow farmers in North Dakota.

Our program is open to all kinds of growers. For example, an intern might specialize in cut flowers, pepper varieties, hydroponic strawberries, orchard maintenance, mushrooms, greens, canning vegetables, sweet corn, or agritourism.

Livestock producers are welcome to apply & will be mentored by our experienced staff, however no on-site animal facilities are available.

A willingness to learn, the ability to be physically on-site in Baldwin, ND, during the growing season, a working computer with internet access for the virtual course, and reliable transportation to travel to the farm, field days, and the farmers market of your choice.

Applications are open until November 1st, 2025. Qualified applicants will receive an interview in early December and be notified of acceptance into the program shortly after. The virtual course will begin in early January. The on-site program will start by May 15th (earlier if weather permits).

On-site interns may be eligible for an AmeriCorps position but are not required. AmeriCorp position holders will receive a $3,000 stipend for their term of service (January-October) and a $1,565.08 education award upon completion. In addition, the interns will be required to join an area farmers market and will keep 100% of your profits.

Access to an on-site tool library, harvesting equipment, motorized vehicles (with the supervision of the Farm Manager), farmer’s market and sales equipment, and 1:1 mentorship with four farmers with a combined agricultural background and experience of 60+ years.

A value-added processing facility is coming soon with completion end of 2025.

An average of 30 hours/month is required for the AmeriCorps position. Time on-site will increase during the growing season. We recommend that you be on-site at least one day each week during the growing season (or more as required to maintain your plot). We will meet virtually once a month for ~1.5 hours and weekly for ~15-30 minutes, required to attend a minimum of 1 field trip, and you’ll work on individual coursework as time permits.