Students enrolling the Great Lakes Incubator Farm (GLIF) Farm Training program must commit fully to the seven month program, which begins in April and concludes at the end of October. During this time, students work closely with the farm manager to prepare the soil, organize materials, optimize equipment, and finalize crop and marketing plans. As the season progresses, participants gain hands-on experience in all aspects of farming—from cultivation and planting to problem-solving, harvesting, and marketing their products.

Students will collaborate by working directly alongside the Farm Manager to run a fully functioning farm business while also engaging in classroom instruction, field demonstrations, and daily fieldwork. The program culminates in the development of an independent farm business plan, which each participant presents to their peers and the farm manager.