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NorthEast Workers On Organic FarmsNEWOOF 2007 Farm List
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Information on Regional Apprentice Groups.
01 - This is a six-acre start-up farm with layer and roaster chickens, sheep for wool and meat, raspberries and blackberries and vegetables. Work to be done includes all aspects of the farm: animal husbandry, planting, harvesting, soil and pasture maintenance, help in construction of shelter and outbuildings. Beginning farmer seeking someone experienced in both animal management and planting for March through November, and possibly year-round. Stipend is negotiable with possible accommodation in on-site trailer. Farmer plans to use the educational resources of UConn School of Agriculture and is looking for energetic, experienced person who will have stipend in early years and then share in farm profits once the farm is up and running.
02 - This is a 20-acre farm in the hills of northwestern Connecticut, producing certified organic vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Our markets include a 300-share CSA and two farmers’ markets. The farm is leased from Sunny Valley Preserve, a project of The Nature Conservancy, which consists of nine farms and bordering woodlands. The farm cultivates about 14 acres of vegetable and cover crops. In addition, we have three greenhouses for transplanting and in-soil tomato production. The farm is certified organic and uses a broad range of biological farming approaches, such as extensive cover crops and on-farm composting. We use machinery for most tillage and many planting, cultivating, and harvesting operations, and train apprentices in the use of this equipment. The farm is located near town, with quick access to many great hiking and canoeing opportunities in northwestern Connecticut. Three full-season apprenticeships are available annually. They generally start in April and end in early November. Apprentices participate in all aspects of crop propduction, including planting, cultivating, harvesting and selling. Practical training in organic crop and overall farm management is offered, as well as training in tractor operation and maintenance. My goal is to give apprentices the opportunity to learn the skills they will need to manage their own farm. In addition, Fort Hill is a member of CRAFT of Western Connecticut. Apprentices will have the opportunity for monthly visits to area farms to tour the farm and hear about that farmer’s area of expertise (see http://www.bloomingfieldsfarm.com/cft_frameindex.html for more information). Farm experience is preferred but not essential. What is essential is a desire and ability to do outdoor, physical work in all kinds of weather, a sincere interest in farming, and a desire to learn more about it. Work schedule is five and a half days a week with one week paid vacation. Compensation includes a private room in a separate, modern, apprentice house, farm produce and eggs, and an $800 monthly stipend. Apprentices are eligible for a $100 a month raise starting in July, and receive a $1200 year-end bonus upon completion of the full season. To apply, please send a resume and a letter of intent to the above address. For more information see the email address and website.
03 – This farm is in its sixteenth year of operation. The 55-acre farm is picturesquely situated in the Shepaug River Valley in northwestern Connecticut . From sixteen acres of fertile river bottom soil and two large greenhouses, we grow a full variety of seasonal vegetables and cut flowers. Our produce is sold at Connecticut farmer’s markets, natural food stores, and local restaurants. We also make hay on our farm and adjoining farms. Two greenhouses are used for general propagation and tomato production. Two to four apprentices are given the opportunity to learn about all aspects of managing a successful small market farm. These activities include plant propagation, cultivation (manual and mechanized), record keeping, farm management, harvesting and marketing at our busy farmer’s markets. There are opportunities to learn the basics of soil fertility, greenhouse management, effective vegetable marketing and beekeeping. We are looking for apprentices who are energetic and hardworking, who wish to develop a hands-on, practical experience and who can contribute to the team effort that is required for a successful organic farm operation. Since we are a small operation, we are able to give individual attention in areas that apprentices would like to explore and develop. We are also members of CT/CRAFT apprentice program. Since the farm is situated along the Shepaug River , there are opportunities for swimming and tubing. The town swim pond also borders the farm as well as a large land trust with great hiking trails. We are also about two hours from New York City . Apprenticeships include room, board (veggies and basics), and a stipend of $200/week. Apprentices are needed from late spring through October. Please call or write for more information and specific details. You can also see pictures of the farm and watch a farm video on our website.
04 - This is an established non-profit organic community farm in the Connecticut River Valley . In 2006, we grew 24 acres of vegetables for our 350-member CSA, as well as a farmers’ market and a few local restaurants. We also provide subsidized produce to area social service agencies and have a smaller winter CSA. We farm flat, fertile soil with a full line of equipment. In addition to a full-time farmer (farming since 1996), we hire four apprentices and a few part-time hourly workers, and usually have regular volunteers as well. We have a small flock of laying hens. We are located in a semi-rural suburb of Hartford , CT , surrounded by 5,000 acres of protected forest. Internships start in April and run to November and possibly longer, with a minimum stay of seven months. We prefer that apprentices have at least one season of farm-related experience but this is not essential. Apprenticeships require a high degree of energy, motivation, and adaptability. Also important are the ability to live in group housing; good communication skills; and the desire to learn about the realities of commercial vegetable farming, including some repetitive, physical work, and work in all kinds of weather. We give substantial responsibility to apprentices, providing an excellent learning experience. We take ample time in the spring for discussion of our farming systems. We are a member of Western Connecticut Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT). Every two to three weeks thoughout the season, each participating farm offers an in-depth tour designed to give apprentices a view of what happens at other farms. We also give time off to go to the summer NOFA conference or another conference of your choice. We offer $365/week, farm produce, workers compensation insurance, one week paid vacation and free access to products we purchase from other local farms to resell to our customers. Seasonal apprentices are eligible for free health services at a few local health clinics. Housing consists of a private room in a four-bedroom on-farm house. House has a full kitchen, laundry, bath and common room. We have to charge a $175/month rent for a room in the apprentice house. Apprentices are responsible for their won meals.
RIVERBANK FARM – Laura McKinney and David Blyn, 33 River Road , Roxbury , CT 06783 . Phone: 860-350-3276. Email: riverbankfarmct@yahoo.com. Website: www.riverbankfarm.com.
Riverbank Farm is in its sixteenth year of operation. The 55-acre farm is picturesquely situated in the Shepaug River Valley in northwestern Connecticut . From sixteen acres of fertile river bottom soil and two large greenhouses, we grow a full variety of seasonal vegetables and cut flowers. Our produce is sold at Connecticut farmer’s markets, natural food stores, and local restaurants. We also make hay on our farm and adjoining farms. Two greenhouses are used for general propagation and tomato production.
Two to four apprentices are given the opportunity to learn about all aspects of managing a successful small market farm. These activities include plant propagation, cultivation (manual and mechanized), record keeping, farm management, harvesting and marketing at our busy farmer’s markets. There are opportunities to learn the basics of soil fertility, greenhouse management, effective vegetable marketing and beekeeping. We are looking for apprentices who are energetic and hardworking, who wish to develop a hands-on, practical experience and who can contribute to the team effort that is required for a successful organic farm operation. Since we are a small operation, we are able to give individual attention in areas that apprentices would like to explore and develop. We are also members of CT/CRAFT apprentice program.
Since the farm is situated along the Shepaug River , there are opportunities for swimming and tubing. The town swim pond also borders the farm as well as a large land trust with great hiking trails. We are also about two hours from New York City .
Apprenticeships include room, board (veggies and basics), and a stipend of $200/week. Apprentices are needed from late spring through October. Please call or write for more information and specific details. You can also see pictures of the farm and watch a farm video on our website.
WAYNE’S ORGANIC GARDEN – Wayne Hansen, P.O. Box 154, Oneco, CT 06373 . Phone: 860-564-7987. Email:waynewog1co@sbcglobal.net
Apprentice sought for small certified-organic vegetable farm in eastern Connecticut . Must be physically able with a positive attitude and willing to learn. No prior experience is necessary. Must work five long days shadowing the farmer and take two days off each week. The work can be hard and in varying weather conditions, but has variety in its tasks.
There is the opportunity to learn all aspects of small-scale, intensive, organic vegetable growing and sales (“soil to seed to sale”) in exchange for room, board and about $75/week.
We prefer a non-tobacco-user with a driver’s license, able to work any day of the week. We suggest a pre-hiring visit to the farm if possible.
Help is needed from April through October or any sizeable portion of that period, with a possible bonus offered for staying the time agreed upon.
Wayne’s Organic Garden is a small, certified-organic (since 1989) farm along Connecticut's eastern border. We grow about thirty different vegetables and some vegetable seedlings. We sell at farmer’s markets and festivals, to stores, and through a subscription plan.
01 - This 12-acre organic vegetable farm and greenhouse operation is located on the banks of the Saco River with 5 acres in production. MOFGA-certified organic produce, herbs, vegetable seedlings, bedding plants and perennials are offered for sale at four farmer’s markets, onsite farm stand, wholesale accounts and innovative CSA. The farm serves as an educational and community resource in collaboration with several community organizations providing training and hands-on experiences for hundreds of volunteers who help farm staff grow fresh organic produce, ten percent of which is donated to low-income families and seniors served by the local emergency food system. We are seeking two or three apprentices from April/May to September/November. They will be involved in all aspects of the farm operation – planting, cultivating, harvesting, selling at market and using farm machinery. In addition to acquiring the skills needed to complete daily tasks, apprentices will be provided with an overview of how the farm works, including decision-making about off-farm purchases for greenhouse and field crops, soil test analysis and application of manure and soil amendments. Apprentices will be given on-the-job training and will work with other farm employees and volunteers as much as possible. Time will be set aside each week for more formal discussions regarding the overall farm operation and techniques used for planting, cultivating, harvesting, processing and marketing farm products. Apprentices will also be given the opportunity to take on responsibility for a project of their choice such as maintaining the herb or perennial gardens, composting or production of the farm’s newsletter. Apprentices are expected to work nine-hour days, 5 1/2 days a week. Some weekend work will be necessary. Room and meals are provided in the 19 th-century farmhouse and apprentices receive a weekly stipend of $125. Recreational opportunities abound on and off the farm, including swimming, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, billiards and bowling. The farm is equally distanced from the White Mountains of Maine and New Hampshire and the beaches of southern Maine . Both can be reached in about 40 minutes by car.
01 - This nine-acre CSA and retail farm center grows varied vegetables, herbs, blueberries with livestock including pigs, goats and chickens. We’re looking for one apprentice from March to November 1 st. Duties include pruning blueberries, preparation for planting, planting in greenhouse and fields, weeding, harvesting and packaging for CSA pickup, animal care and general maintenance of buildings and structures. Accommodations include room and board in upstairs bedroom and shared bathroom, with stipend negotiable depending on skills and commitment. Educational opportunities include learning on full working farm, animal husbandry, milking dairy goats and cheese-making, some biodynamics, meeting and visiting other area farms. Farm is located one hour from Boston and Cape Cod .
02 - This is a 17-acre organic vegetable farm with 8 acres in production in any growing season. We grow more than 50 different kinds of vegetables. The farm primarily serves a 200-plus CSA community that draws its members from central and eastern Massachusetts . The farm is also a community farm insofar as it donates some produce to charity, engages youth from drug rehabilitation programs, and seeks out and encourages volunteers to work on the farm. Student groups and children are also welcome for educational tours. We are seeking two farmhand positions beginning April 9th, 2007 . The duration of both positions is 29 weeks, ending in October. Farm work includes planting and transplanting, weed control (mechanical tractors and hand work), harvesting, and all other field-related activities. The farm-site is open to the public, and all farmhands and interns are expected to be able to work well with volunteers and children. Some management and direction of volunteers will be necessary. Workdays are 8.5 to 9 hours per day. Some variance in the length of the workday (both long days and short days) is normal in farming. Stipend is $150/week with three personal/sick days and a full share in the CSA program. One week of vacation can be arranged with the farmer. Housing is a separate room in the farmer’s house to be shared with the other farmhand apprentice; will consider couples. Contact the farmer via email to request an application and a copy of the house rules and living agreement.
03 - Property is two acres of which about 1/2 acre is organic, raising chickens, a small egg flock, and a small herd of Angora goats. Work to be done includes enriching the property by turning earth and fertilizing land, hand-cleaning fiber and mohair from goats, general small carpentry repair, planting blueberry bushes; not heavy labor but time-consuming 4-6 hours/day. There is also the opportunity to help with the startup of an aquaponic organic produce operation – leaf veggies and fish. We need one or two people three or four weeks in September/October and three or four weeks in late May/June with a chance to stay longer. Accommodations are one room with twin beds, semi-private bath, mostly vegetarian meals, non-smokers only. Cape Cod has many recreational opportunities: beaches, bike trails. There is the opportunity to study art and fiber crafts with Sarah, and to jam with local acoustic musicians at least twice a week.
04 - Enterprise consists of 63 total acres, about half cultivated: 20 in mixed vegetables, 2 in cut flowers/herbs, about 10 in apples, about 2 in small fruit. Work to be done includes all aspects of producing and direct marketing the crops listed above, including: greenhouse work, planting, irrigation, cultivation, harvest, washing/packing, sales, record-keeping and other tasks depending on individual interest or aptitude. We need up to five people from April to October, with a minimum stay of three months. We are currently unable to provide housing. Hourly rate starts at $8.00 with ample fruit and vegetables available in season.
05 - Learn to farm by apprenticing at this farm in Granby for the 2007 growing season. This is a full-time undertaking from April 1-November 31. Three apprentices will be hired this year. The farm has a 70-acre land base with 25 acres of vegetables. Markets consist of two farm stands, a 450-member CSA, farmer’s market and wholesale. Learn the systems we use to plant, harvest, and market over 30 different organic vegetable, fruit and ornamental crops. Apprentices gain experience operating tractors and other farm machinery and also take on supervisory roles for certain aspects of the operation. Participation in CRAFT, a regional farm apprentice-training program (tours of other farms) is required every other week. In order to get the full farm experience, most apprentices live at the farm in the farmhouse for the season and participate in a cooperative vegetarian cooking system. A monthly stipend of $725 is included, in addition to housing. Please contact Ryan for additional information or to arrange an interview. A cook and food educator position is also open at the farm. The ideal candidate will have a sincere interest in local agriculture, food, vegetables, community education and enjoy vegetarian cooking. The position involves developing recipes that use seasonal produce for publishing in our CSA newsletter, organizing and conducting cooking demonstrations at CSA/ farmer’s markets, preparing lunch meal for the farm crew on weekdays, helping maintain a kitchen herb garden located near the farm kitchen, and helping research and develop new processed products. Compensation includes housing in the farm house, and a monthly stipend of $725.
06 - Apprentices sought for 500-share CSA on Massachusetts’ north shore. The 1000-acre farm, managed by The Trustees of Reservations, a Massachusetts nonprofit land conservation organization, also includes hayfields, woods, wetlands, and a grass-based dairy herd. The farm is convenient to several towns, to beautiful beaches, and to the commuter rail to Boston. Responsibilities of the apprentice include general farm work such as planting, seeding, weeding, hoeing, harvesting and processing, tractor cultivation, as well as equipment maintenance; CSA distribution; harvest management and record keeping; and farm projects. Schedule: April 9th to November 9th, average 50 hours/week, including half-day on Saturday. Weekend responsibilities once a month for greenhouse, and irrigation chores as needed. Compensation: $300/week; private room in shared apartment near the farm; one-week paid vacation; participation in eastern Massachusetts CRAFT and NOFA summer conference. To apply, send a letter, references and resume.
07 - We are a high-profile IPM (Integrated Pest Management) farm. Two varieties of pumpkin were developed here: the Howden Pumpkin and the Howden Biggie. We raise 40 acres, some of each variety and are working on several other varieties. We hope to plant more acres this year, expanding both our retail and wholesale business, and also to move into the seed business in the future. We have a fall festival that includes pick-your-own pumpkins, hayrides, a hay maze and a talking rooster. Other crops include 28 acres of sweet corn, picked fresh daily and delivered to markets. We sell the corn along with some tomatoes, which we start from seed in a greenhouse. There is also a small fruit component of three acres that consists of blueberries and raspberries sold as pick-your-own. Types of work to be done include helping with: preparing and planting all crops, weed control, scouting for diseases and insect infestation, picking and delivering produce to customers, maintaining equipment, building and maintaining fences, painting, and assisting with light construction. We need one, or possibly two, interns who could start as early as April. This could be negotiated and might be as late as June. We would hope that they could stay until November 1 st but we could be flexible with this date also. The living accommodations are a 35-foot camper, to be shared if there are two apprentices. Salary would be $100/week. The farm is in the heart of the Berkshires with a variety of cultural activities. We usually attend Twilight Meetings during the summer, and the interns would be welcome and encouraged to attend these meetings as well
08 - Established goat dairy – milking 50 goats and making 350 lb. of fresh chevre each week. Monterey Chevre has received many awards over our 23 years and is well known in the Berkshires as well as NYC and Boston . Large organic garden, 100 blueberry bushes, small hoop house for farm garden transplants and extended season fresh greens. Apprentices will learn to milk and care for dairy goats, help make and package our chevre, do lots of cleaning (I take the responsibility of making food for people very seriously), help with yard and garden work, cut and stack firewood, prune and pick blueberries, and possibly do some maintenance projects. Customers are welcome at the farm and I keep it very tidy. Our season runs from March 15 – late December. Seasonal commitment is preferred due to extensive training time. We have openings for two apprentices. Two bedroom log cabin with wood heat...water running April 15-Dec 1...frost-proof hydrant off back porch for cold weather...living room, kitchen, bathroom, washer/dryer, screened-in front porch. We provide housing, utilities, garden food and $150/week. Local Berkshire towns are full of cultural opportunities. Great Barrington , Lenox, and Stockbridge are close by. Streams, waterfalls, woods and loveliness are literally in our front and back yard. Pony, cats, interesting visitors, and great cross-section of people work here part time and year-round.
09 – This is one of the first CSA farms in the US, located in the beautiful Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts. The farm is a total of 17 acres, growing mixed organic vegetables, herbs, and flowers on 4-5 acres. Remaining land is either in pasture or green manures. The farm is a land trust owned by the Community Lkand Trust in the South Berkshires. (Please see www.schumachersociety.org for more information on the legal arrangements.) We have a 115-member CSA and go to the Great Barrington Farmers’ Market every Saturday, June-October. We also sell to a few retail stores and restaurants. Work to be done includes: seeding, planting, harvesting, cultivating with hand tools, greenhouse management, and some tractor work. In addition, apprentices will work in the distribution room on a rotating schedule, help out at the farmers’ market, and oversee volunteers who come to the farm. The workweek is approximately 55 hours. We are looking for 1 or 2 apprentices from April through November. In exchange for working, apprentices receive accommodations and some meals will be shared with the farmers by rotating cooking responsibilities. Most additional foodstuffs will be provided. There is a stipend of $700/month. We are a member of the Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training program (CRAFT), and apprentices gather ten times during the season for extensive farm tours and additional training. In addition, we try to have one-on-one sessions with apprentices on topics of agricultural interest.
01 - The 5 1/2-acre farm produces diverse organic produce for Kearsage Mountain CSA and Local Harvest CSA, a multi-farm 250-member CSA, and for the Concord Farmer’s Market. Work will include all phases of organic production – greenhouse seedlings to planting, weeding, harvesting, packing and marketing. Two full-time positions are available from April 1 to October 30 th. Apprentices are welcome for all or part of that time. A modern cabin is available nearby off-farm, near a stream at the base of Mt. Kearsage . Board and stipend arrangements are flexible depending on the length of commitment, experience, etc. Weekly stipends are generally $200 to $350. The farm is located in the foothills below Mt. Kearsage and Rollins State Park . It is also in the Dartmouth – Lake Sunapee region about thirty miles away.
02 - This is an international, interracial, multicultural, intergenerational retreat center providing progressive political educational programming for adults and a growing children’s fellowship. It is located in the White Mountains . We grow a variety of mixed vegetables to complement the needs of our kitchen and dining hall. We currently have ¼ acre of raised bed gardens with water convenient for gardens. We are seeking one experienced gardener (or apprentice with one year’s experience). Other staff positions may be available for qualified partners (see our website). The ideal gardener will be self-directed, energetic, flexible and responsible, with two years’ experience in organic mixed vegetable production (including at least one apprenticeship) and available May 15-September 30. Special projects include opportunities for expanding our garden site, constructing a greenhouse, coordinating with the children’s/teen program, creating an herb garden and flower gardening. We offer full room and board, $600/month, one day off each week, and lots of appreciation from satisfied cooks, staff and guests. We provide a dynamic social and educational atmosphere on site; our 455 acres abut the White Mountain National Forest . We are 7 miles from the town of Conway ; Earle Family Farm, a biodynamic CSA located 15 miles from WF, has agreed to provide our gardener with learning opportunities.
03 – This farm is located on a 180-acres property in the White Mountain region of NH. There are about 5 acres of meadow with 2.5 acres hand cultivated; the remaining land is forested. Family owned for 53 years, we became an independent non-profit organization in 2003/2004. Our focus is on learning methods to decentralize the production of essential goods for human existence: food, shelter & clothing. We are a permaculture-inspired operation that has the intention of establishing a self-sustaining community. We strive to create sustainable facilities while enhancing our natural landscape to provide for the needs of the human inhabitants. Workshops, educational events, and farm work are year-round activities, all of which vary according to the season. 2007 has been named the “Year of the Northern Forest .” In celebration of our continuing relationship with the forests of New England , we will focus our educational activities on sustainable use and conservation of our forest resources. Projects will include forestry, ecological building, renewable energy, gardening (annuals, perennials, herbs, greenhouse, and an orchard), making value-added products, marketing, farm stand, cleaning and cooking. We co-exist with chickens, goats, pigs, oxen and bees. Interns are invited to arrive on the first day of each month from March through October. Interns commit 26 hours of work and $20 per week in exchange for organic food, accommodation, and the educational experience. Additional hours are required for communal cooking and cleaning. Tasks require physical wellbeing and determination. We request a minimum six-week commitment. We provide three meals a day. All members of the community take turns cooking dinner, share cleaning responsibilities, and meet weekly to discuss tasks. Communication skills are necessary. Interns must be enthusiastic about communal living and subsistence values. Accommodations include tree houses (first come, first serve), tent platforms, and indoor options (for the colder months). Advantages include a 500-volume library on sustainable practices, a well-traveled and experienced staff, and our organization’s ten years of experience coordinating volunteers onsite. Interns work alongside full-time staff, experientially learning the methods and ideology of sustainable farming, building, and living. We are located 20 minutes from the college town of Plymouth , NH and 45 minutes from Dartmouth in a fairly rural area with a great view! There is much hiking, climbing, skiing, biking, and canoeing to be done in the area. Additionally, we participate in and host a variety of local community events throughout the year.
04 - This is a thirty-member CSA farm and farm stand with almost two acres in vegetable production, medicinal herbs and flowers, a small fruit orchard, pastured laying hens, and dairy goats. Work to be done includes all aspects of annual vegetable farming, care for animals, interaction with farm members and customers on-site and at farmers’ markets. We have lots of farm potlucks and celebrations. We need two or more full or halftime apprentices from May 1 through October 31, 2007. We provide housing and a shared clean bathroom, farm produce and a stipend. Educational opportunities include cultivating and preparing medicinal herbs; classes in lacto-fermenting, beekeeping and soil web health. Our farm is located on a beautiful 150-acre woodland property in the Monadnock Region.
There are no listings yet in 2007.
01 - This is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of endangered breeds of historic farm animals and the small farm. The farm is dedicated to the practice of sustainable agriculture and aquaponics. One of the farm’s main goals is to increase awareness through an educational model built around a working farm. This beautiful farm is located on 170 acres in the heart of Westchester County, New York. We are seeking a grower to facilitate and ensure the success of an efficient and productive three-acre organic vegetable operation located at the greenhouse. Horticulture skills and innovative growing methods for implementing field crop practices are vital to the job. The grower will be responsible for supplying quality organic vegetables to several local restaurants as well as our local farmer’s market. Forty-hour workweek with occasional weekend coverage.
02 - This is an 80-acre organic for-profit farm located in a beautiful area of Long Island ’s East End (called the North Fork ). We are about 2 hours from NYC in a great area of beaches, ponds, forests, farms, and great summer weather. We cultivate approximately 25 acres of mixed vegetables and cut flowers, focusing on great-tasting heirloom varieties of tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, potatoes, etc. We also have a flock of 400 laying hens, as well as raising turkeys for thanksgiving, and a few cows, sheep, and goats for milk, meat, and fun. We sell produce to approximately 300 CSA members in NYC, to local residents from a busy farm stand on the farm, and at Greenmarkets in Brooklyn . If you are interested in learning how to develop and run your own diverse sustainable farm to sustain you and your family someday financially as well as spiritually, you will find working with us very interesting. If you are just looking to learn how to grow your own food and relax in the country for a summer, you may not find it as enjoyable. We hustle. Experience preferred but not necessarily required. We are looking for apprentices who are self-directed and enjoy “attacking” the challenges that arise throughout the farm season, and who are interested in helping us improve the way we do things on the farm by sharing with us lessons from their experience on other farms and by taking responsibility for the parts of our operation that interest them. Drivers license and the ability to drive a truck, particularly in New York City , is highly desired. Sense of humor, independence, initiative, a good attitude, and a large dose of common sense are also desired. Mechanical experience, driving or fixing tractors and machinery is also highly desired. All apprentices will get a diverse experience in many different areas of large-scale commercial organic production, marketing of products and interacting with customers, as well as having days off to enjoy the sun and the beach. Several positions are available, including: FARM MANAGER: Will supervise other apprentices, confer with farmer each day on tasks to be completed and direct daily activities including planting, cultivating, harvesting, processing. Will be responsible for overseeing crop production documentation, record keeping, etc. This is an excellent position for someone planning to start their own farm in the next year or two, as the Farm Manager carries significant responsibility and decision making independence. We offer $1500 per month plus year-end merit bonus & income from entrepreneurial activities. GREENHOUSE MANAGER/FIELD MANAGER: Responsible for planting, transplanting, creating and implementing seeding schedules in the greenhouse, record keeping, etc. Coordinates CSA harvests, and vegetable processing. $1000/month plus year-end merit bonus & income from entrepreneurial activities. FARMSTAND MANAGER: Responsible for crop harvest for the farm stand each day, developing and maintaining farm stand garden, presentation and marketing of vegetables, giving cooking demonstrations and educational programs for customers, farm stand record keeping, basic livestock care, as well as participating in all crop-related tasks at one time or another on the farm and off-farm farmers markets. $1000/month plus year-end merit bonus & income from entrepreneurial activities. LIVESTOCK MANAGER: Responsible for managing a mobile pastured flock of 400 laying hens, including feeding and watering, health and nutritional management, egg collection and processing, as well as maintenance of a small herd of Nigerian dwarf goats, Galloway cattle, Border Leicester sheep. Will help raise 100 heritage turkeys beginning in June, from chicks. Will also work with vegetable production operations, markets, etc. as needed. $1000/month plus year-end merit bonus & income from entrepreneurial activities. NOVICE FARMER: We are willing to fill one position with people who have a positive attitude and interest in exploring farming as a vocation, but who have had little prior experience. The period of the “Novice” position will be 1-2 months (i.e. you can select April-May, Sept-Oct, etc.). Stipend is $600/month plus housing on-site and & income from entrepreneurial activities. Approximately 55 hrs per week will be expected (i.e. 8 am – 5 pm 6 days per week), with one full day off, and some schedule flexibility upon advance request. Special projects can include opportunities to make additional income through entrepreneurship, such as growing and marketing your own crops on unused farmland, pastured poultry, and production of pickles, cookies, jams, and farm arts and crafts for sale at farm stand. Other projects to improve the sustainability of our farm are welcomed including establishing educational gardens, teaching on-farm classes, and experimentation with alternative fuels (straight vegetable oil, bio diesel), etc. At Garden of Eve , education is mainly hands-on, learning-by-doing. We have a weekly meeting where the farmers answer questions in-depth, and many lunches turn into spur-of-the-moment lessons on everything from marketing plans to cultivating implements. We lend books from our sustainable agriculture collection and will make limited reading and writing assignments. We facilitate monthly exchanges with other area farms, including vineyards, tree farms, etc. and other organic farm apprentices, as well as social events with neighbors and friends. Enjoy our area's natural attractions on days off including kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and swimming. PERIOD OF INTERNSHIP: Farm Manager: April 1, 2006- Nov 1, 2006 . Other Manager positions: May 15 or June 1 – Nov 1, 2006 . Novice Farmer: 1 or 2 month period during growing season. Please make the dates you are available clear in your letter of interest. HOUSING: We will provide housing on the farm property that is fully furnished and includes bathroom and kitchen. Within walking distance of beach, 5 minutes drive from town (also bikeable). Meals and food in general will be the responsibility of the apprentice, but vegetables and other farm produce will be provided free of charge. All interested applicants should submit a resume, three references (of which two of which should be former employers), and a letter of interest explaining previous experience and skills, and reasons for interest in this position via email.
03 - Enterprises: Now operating in our 21 st year, we are a certified organic produce farm located in Orange County , NY . We grow 12 acres of vegetables and herbs on an old dairy farm that is 88 acres in size. The balance of the land is either fallow, wooded or used for pasturing cows. We have a small flock of chickens as well. Work to be done: Interns are involved in greenhouse work, field planting, growing, tending, harvesting and marketing of more than 75 different vegetables and herbs. Our produce is sold at the Union Square Greenmarket in Manhattan from late May to December. We are seeking interns to fill six positions. We have a long history of working with interns. More than 100 people have worked on our farm over the past 17 years, most staying for a full season, some for two or three seasons. We prefer people with outdoor and physical work experience who can stay for six to eight months (April/May to Nov./Dec.) and who have a strong interest in learning about and practicing sustainable agriculture. Many of those who live and work on the farm stay in touch long after the season is over and return to visit. Learning is mostly hands-on and interns are expected to take responsibility for many tasks and individual projects (greenhouse management, irrigation, record keeping, etc.). We offer good housing with private rooms, bathrooms and kitchen facilities, plus a $200 per week stipend, increasing to $250 per week after six weeks, and late season bonuses. Those returning for a second year receive a larger stipend. Meals are not provided but interns can cook and eat anything we grow. A long-term, year-round, co-management position is also available, with salary and benefits increasing substantially over time. There is plenty of discussion of organic methods and philosophy. Reading material is available for those who are interested. The farm is an appealing place, set well back off the road and buffered by woods. It has varied terrain and topography. It is rich in animal and bird life. It has a creek and three ponds, one of which is good for swimming. We are a short distance from the Appalachian Trail and the Delaware River , and less than two hours from New York City . To learn more about this farm and read what ten former interns had to say about their experiences here, check out the book, It’s a Long Road to a Tomato, by Keith Stewart.
04 – This enterprise consists of three acres of market garden for organic vegetables, flowers and herbs for retail in New York City greenmarket, wholesale, CSA’s and farm stand. Work to be done includes the full range of planting, cultivating, harvesting and marketing. Three interns are needed from April to November. Accommodations include room and board with stipend of $600-800/month to be negotiated. Living options include bungalow and trailer. Opportunities include hands-on experience in established operation (20+ years) on 200-year-old family farm – on Peach Lake , with commuter access to New York City .
05 – This is a 300-member CSA with a mixed vegetable operation on 18 acres of land leased from The Genesee Land Trust. Interns are involved with all aspects of our operation, including greenhouse management, planting, weeding, harvesting, and some carpentry. They will work closely with CSA members who complete work shifts at the farm. We work 51/2-6 days a week. A good sense of humor is appreciated. One apprentice is needed from June 1 st to September 1 st (semi-flexible). We are also hiring an assistant farm manager/potential partner – please check with us for more information. Housing is a simple, private apartment in the farmer’s house with kitchen and bath. Vegetables and a generous weekly stipend are included. There is the opportunity to learn about local and national agricultural policies, medicinal herbs, food preservation, and how to work with others. There is a swimming pond nearby.
06 - This is a non-profit organization that works towards a just and sustainable food system in the mid-Hudson Valley. We grow eight acres of mixed vegetables for a 250-member CSA, a farmer’s market in a low income area, and for local soup kitchens. Interns and fellows are involved in growing food (e.g, greenhouse, planting, cultivation, harvest) as well as working with volunteers and visitors, farmer’s market, CSA distribution, seed saving, food donations and community events. We are seeking two full-season interns for April-October, and three summer fellows for eleven weeks, late-May - mid-August. Stipends are $300/week for the full-season interns, and $286/week for fellows. We do not provide room and board but we can arrange low-cost housing for fellows and help the intern locate a situation. Interns and fellows also receive a CSA share. Educational opportunities include on-farm training, on-farm education sessions, field trips to farms and community food organizations, and access to our farm library .
07 - We are a certified organic market farm on 220 acres in central NY, selling mainly to NYC farmer’s markets. We grow 15 acres of vegetables, and have 800 laying chickens and 5,000 broiler chickens on pasture. We have a dairy-goat herd and are building a cheese-making facility. We have started a three-acre orchard and have honeybees. We are doing various value-added products such as sauerkraut and pickles. All this is carefully balanced on the edge of chaos. There is a wide variety of different jobs that need to be done on our farm, and always much to do. There is gardening, livestock care, construction and machinery repair, fieldwork, preparing foods for market, going to farm markets, and occasionally eating and sleeping. We will need twelve positions filled during the 2007 season, April through November. We will consider taking on new help at any time during the season. We have housing for up to twelve people in a newly-built house with a great view. Apprentice positions include housing, $1,000/month stipend and farm-raised food. Apprentices will learn a lot about growing food and a great deal about how to run, or not run, a market farm.
08 - This farm is nestled in the rolling hills of upstate New York on 200 acres of woods, fields and streams, where children and adults come to learn wilderness skills, primitive crafts, organic gardening and community living. We are seeking as many as four apprentices from May1 to October to help plant and maintain our large organic garden, flowerbeds, and perennial/medicinal herb garden. Other responsibilities are planting trees, taking care of chickens, composting, fencing, lawn mowing and perhaps some building. Accommodations include tenting and/or room in our farmhouse. All meals are provided during the months of June through August. The farm offers a fun and exciting community experience with lots of people of all ages to share and to learn with. Aside from gardening responsibilities, apprentices will have the opportunity to learn primitive skills and crafts, and to participate in community/summer camp activities. Hiking on our many wooded trails, swimming in our freshwater ponds and streams, and following the tracks of the plentiful wildlife that wander the land are just a few of the daily activities enjoyed by those who live and work here.
09 - We are looking for two interns for the 2006 season who want to learn first hand how to make a living as an organic farm family. This is our 18 th year farming at Mountain Dell Farm, an organic vegetable and herb farm in the foothills of the Catskills. The farm is 50 acres and nestled in the heart of a dell. We need interns May 15 through December 1. Workweeks average out to about 50 hours. There is always at least one day off. We offer a good stipend, as well as room and board in a nice cabin. Duties include greenhouse work, transplanting, seeding, weeding, harvesting, packing, cleanup, sometimes chauffeuring children, other times working with them. We also freeze vegetables, can, make jelly, pesto, store root vegetables, and make medicinals. Experience is helpful, but desire and physical ability to work long and hard in all kinds of weather is more important. Interns are encouraged to pursue their own ideas for making the farm a better place. We plant 5 acres intensively, growing about 50 kinds of vegetables and herbs, marketing directly to New York City restaurants and stores (3 hours away). Because we are at an elevation of 1400 feet, we can sell many salad and cooking greens for 6 months straight through the use of wide floating row covers. Mountain Dell is a family farm: Mom, Dad, and two big and bright teenagers—19-year-old boy Bera, and 16-year-old girl, Shane. Life on this farm means life in this family. Accommodations for the interns are a small, private and very comfortable cabin overlooking the dell, meals with the family. All facilities in the house (a converted dairy barn) are shared; including bathroom, kitchen, computer, library and piano. We are 10 miles from the nearest town; consequently, to leave the farm you need a car. We live in a beautiful land. Although we work long and hard, we try to get in yoga, swimming in the pond, sports with the kids, rafting on the Delaware Rive, potlucks, country and local fairs, rural parties, and socializing with guests. Lisa is a writer and herbalist; Mark, a sometimes politician, adept at getting several thousand votes in losing campaigns; so there is usually something to talk about.
10 - Well-established biodynamic training center seeks Interns for the 2006-2007 season. Internship at the Pfeiffer Center is a full time program that combines academic work with hands on experience in the Center's two-acre educational garden and apiary. Interns attend all courses and workshops of the Pfeiffer Center and some classes in conjunction with Sunbridge College students. The weekly seminar on Rudolf Steiner's "Agriculture" and monthly daylong sessions in the introductory course "Training in Biodynamics" anchor the academic work. A strong emphasis is placed on learning and deepening biodynamic principles and techniques. Along with gardening, organic beekeeping and gardening in education are important focal points of the work at the Center. Interns play a key role in a new program the Center has developed with the local public school district. Children from grades 2, 4 and 7 pay regular visits to the garden over the course of the school year. The student will improve basic skills and learn advanced techniques in the garden, greenhouse and apiary. After a probationary period the student will be expected to help carry responsibility for the garden and surrounding landscape. Internship at the Pfeiffer Center provides a significant amount of instruction in both classroom and individual settings, unlike most farm apprenticeships that are more physically demanding and provide little or no academic background. Internships normally last a year and start in the early spring. Different starting dates are available subject to availability. Housing and food from garden in season provided; no stipend. The Pfeiffer Center will cooperate with colleges and universities offering credit for internship programs or work on special projects. It is the responsibility of the student to secure credit for the internship. The Pfeiffer Center was founded in 1996 to develop and promote a healthy approach to caring for the land through biodynamic agriculture and is co-sponsored by the Threefold Educational Foundation and Sunbridge College.
11 - This is a mixed vegetable, herb, flower, and fruit farm in our 24th year, on 10 acres of upland and 30 acres of muck, plus 1,000 acres rented for wild crafting. We have 15 greenhouses for season extension. We market through a farm stand, 2 farm markets, and delivery to NYC restaurants. We are looking for apprentices to focus on one aspect of our operation – i.e., herbs, flowers, markets, greenhouse, animals, etc. We have local full-time staff to operate day-to-day fieldwork. This is an opportunity for a person to gain exposure to a commercial farming operation. We are farming for a living. We need 2-4 people from March 1 to December 25. Accommodations include streamside cabin and/or trailer. Five and a half day work week. Competitive salary. Bonus for length of stay. Food stipend. We are located 60 miles from NYC, 7 miles to Hudson River . Hiking and swimming.
12 - This farm has 10 acres in mixed vegetables. Crops are sold both wholesale and retail at farmers' markets. Work to be done: greenhouse work, weeding, transplanting, irrigation, harvest, washing and packing vegetables. There is also optional tractor work, pest control, trucking and selling at farmers' markets. Apprentices needed April or May through November. Full season stay strongly encouraged. We have a spacious barn apartment. Hourly wage (with raises for hard workers), free produce, and end of season bonus. We offer on the job training, including how to do a job, why it is done a certain way, how to make judgments about quality and efficiency. Informal discussions of organic farming issues as they come up. All questions gladly answered.
Seneca Lake is within walking distance for swimming, etc. 100 acres of woods for hiking. We are located 30 minutes from Ithaca .01 – This is a family farm located in the rural ridges and valleys of south central PA. We have been growing organic vegetables for 33 years (certified for 18 years). We grow about 40 crops, including berries and herbs, on 25 of our 95 acres. Our six apprentices spend considerable time on jobs such as planting, transplanting, pest and weed control, harvesting, packing and selling our produce at farmers’ markets in Washington , D.C. However, we consider our apprentices only secondarily as part of our labor force. Their primary role is assisting in management of crops, equipment and marketing. We assume the duty of training them for this management. Specific responsibilities are divided amongst all of us so that we can function smoothly as a team. Our goal is to help create a larger community of trained, professional, organic growers who can in turn help our sector of agriculture thrive. We require a full-season stay (April or May to November or December) and strongly encourage a year-round stay or a 2-3 month winter break and return for additional season. We encourage long-term commitment with increasing responsibilities and compensation. Apprentices live rent- and utilities-free in private, one-person cabins with shared cooking facilities, or in a nearby house, which we own. We offer all-inclusive free board, along with $800-1200/month.
02 - We have a 50-acre estate that includes 200 fruit trees, an acre of berries, a quarter-acre vegetable garden, seven beef cows, lawns and meadows. Types of work to be done include: caring for the above as well as making compost, raking leaves, preparing firewood, clearing snow and maintaining fences. All land work is done using organic and/or biodynamic methods. A crew of 5-7 people works on these projects, including people with disabilities. We are looking for one estate manager and two or three apprentices starting 8/25/07 and continuing through 7/31/08 . Accommodations include: private room and shared bath in cooperative community along with full board, monthly stipend of $170, health insurance after three months, and AmeriCorps Education Award of $4725 after a year of service. This is an opportunity to share life and work with people with developmental disabilities in a community setting. More than a farm internship, this is a lifestyle of service through stewardship of the land.
01 - This is a three-acre CSA in its fifth season with 60 summer shares and 40-60 winter shares with volunteer and member involvement. A second farm is a twenty-acres in its nineteenth season selling produce through five area farmer’s markets and several high-end restaurants. Both farms seek enthusiastic, energetic individuals with prior farming experience who would benefit from further training. They would participate in all aspects of two distinct vegetable operations. We prefer applicants who would like to farm as a career, who would enjoy the physical workout that farming entails and would like being in the changing weather conditions we experience in New England . We seek individuals who are flexible, positive and joyful, and are comfortable working both on their own and with other people of all skill levels. There is potential for increased responsibility for the apprentice with experience and interest. Two apprentices are needed from about May/June 1 st to about August/September 30 th , to be worked out at the beginning of the season. There is a stipend of $150/week, farm vegetables and use of a car. Accommodations include a bedroom in the farmhouse with shared bathroom and kitchen. Apprentices work 45 hours/week or sometimes more, often with the farm managers. We’ll create a schedule together at the beginning of the season. We’re associated with eastern MA CRAFT, and have weekly dinner discussions on topics of apprentices’ choice. Farms are located between Providence , RI and Boston , MA , one hour from beaches and near walking and biking spots.
02 - This is a busy 18-acre certified organic farm. We grow a wide variety of produce, herbs, and cut flowers. We market through a 160-member CSA, farmers’ markets, spring plant sale and local restaurants. We hire two apprentices for the season, mid-April through October, for 5 ½ days per week or roughly 40–50 hours per week. Stipend is $800 per month. Apprentices take part in all aspects of the farm’s operation: greenhouse, field preparation, seeding/transplanting, cultivation, harvest, post-harvest and marketing. Rustic accommodation is available in large, dry army tent with outhouse, cook stove and outdoor shower. No meals, but plenty of farm produce is available. This is a great opportunity for those with a sincere interest in market farming. Hands-on experience with day-to-day workings of a busy, profitable organic farm. Serious inquiries only, please.
01 - This is a certified organic, 10-acre farm growing mixed vegetables, berries and herbs for direct market outlets (farm stand, farmers’ market and CSA). It includes greenhouse production, chickens, medicinal herbs and value-addeds. Types of work to be done include: growing – from seed to sales, seed saving, compost and soil development, plant nutrition and fertilization, helping with special events and school groups on the farm, working with plants (transplant, prune, trellis, harvest), irrigation, greenhouse and field work, harvesting, cleaning, preparation and packaging product, marketing and distribution, data entry and record keeping and other odd chores that are needed to enable the smooth running of the farm. Two apprentices are needed from May through August. Payment for work will be both in dollars and knowledge. There will be a weekly stipend of $100/week, paid every second week. In addition a food stipend will be given. Knowledge is available to the intern through NOFA-VT workshops, the NOFA Summer Conference, farm library and the sharing of our understanding of the plant world and agriculture. Accommodations include small cabin, access to bathroom, farm kitchen and clothes washer, Internet access and local phone use.
01 - This farm is a CSA with 140 member families living in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Apprentices will help harvest, wash, pack and deliver vegetables that go out each week. There is also some barn cleaning, horse feeding, and minimal shared house chores. We all share the hard work & fun. Looking for people for short stays of 1-2 weeks. Longer-term apprenticeship may be available for individual wanting to learn about farming. Contact Kate for more information. Housing available and great food fresh from the garden. Small stipend depends on experience. This farm is a beautiful place with other CSAs in the area. The Hay River is just down the road and good for swimming and canoeing. The farm is 1½ hours from Minneapolis/St. Paul.
Many farms listed in NEWOOF's Farms List participate in regional groups designed to provide apprentices with expanded opportunities for learning through farm visits and presentations.
Several such programs exist, including CRAFT; programs modeled after CRAFT: Eastern Massachusetts CRAFT, Dutchess/Ulster County CRAFT, Midwest CRAFT, as well as others.
CRAFT is a cooperative effort of organic and biodynamic farms in the Hudson River/Berkshire/Pioneer Valley area, organized to provide additional educational experiences for farm interns. CRAFT’s goals are:
From April through October, every other Saturday, interns from participating farms gather at one farm for a visit and/or workshop. Each visit includes an overview of the farm as well as a hands-on demonstration of one or two specific topics. In addition, some of the farm visits include a workshop on theoretical topics.
Some of the topics covered during the visits and workshops include: soil fertility, compost making, cover cropping, tillage methods, tractor maintenance and safety, mechanical weed control, greenhouse management, seed saving, orcharding, dairying and livestock, rotational grazing, getting started in farming, planning and record keeping, budgets and finances, value added products, marketing, and CSA management.
Please contact participating farms directly if you want to know more about CRAFT.
CRAFT of Eastern MA is comprised of a committed group of farms in eastern Massachusetts, which have joined together to provide educational opportunities for apprentices, interns, and farm workers. The core of the program is a schedule of semi-monthly farm visits to diverse operations. Each visit will focus on a specific topic that explores a specialty of the particular farm. Please contact individual farms directly for more information.
