Farm Apprenticeships & Internships
Nature's Harmony Farm offers two types of on-farm opportunities for aspiring individuals interested in learning how to raise livestock naturally and sustainably. The opportunities are for 1) an annual in-depth apprenticeship for future farmers, and 2) summer farm internships for individuals interested in learning how to run pastured poultry enterprises as well as getting an overview of other sustainable farming methods.
With both opportunities, we offer room and most board. In addition, both positions earn a monthly stipend (detailed below). Attitude is everything, and no previous experience required. If you are interested in learning how to be a sustainable farmer yourself, act quickly on these great opportunities.
Details about Year-long Farm Apprentice Opportunity
(Full Thru September 2010)
When you leave Nature's Harmony Farm at the end of your year you will have experienced every aspect of farm life. During your year you will contribute to everything on the farm including: working with all livestock, butchering, grazing management, gardening, construction and woodworking. Move cows and sheep, move eggmobiles, collect and package eggs, raise day-old chicks and turkeys, rotate pig paddocks, meet and help customers, learn to direct market, etc. Our hope is that on completion of your apprenticeship you have the confidence and knowledge to begin your own farming career. The work week is usually 5 1⁄2 days and between 40 and 55 hours. Anyone interested in the farm apprentice opportunity for 2009-2010 must be invited to the farm for a checkout after completing this application.
Brief Overview of Work:
- Daily maintenance of livestock such as checking livestock health, managing feed, rotational grazing, checking and replenishing water, erecting electric fence and setting up new paddocks, moving pastured poultry pens, brooding chicks and turkeys, moving trailers, milk cow, operating farm equipment and record keeping
- Market our products on the farm and at farmers’ markets and buyers' clubs
- Assist in projects such as permanent fence construction, building chicken tractors, water line installation, working livestock, preparing for public events, and welcoming the public to the farm
- Participate in or head up on-farm processing of poultry
- Assist in research of topics such as sustainable farming methods, animal health, breeding practices, etc.
- Contribute to website and blog
- Work with, direct, and support summer interns
- Run errands
- Make recommendations and become involved in farm planning
Work/Experience Desired:
No previous farming experience required, but the goal to enter into a farming career of some sort at the end your apprenticeship will go a long way. Attitude is very important and you will get more out of the experience if you can relate to a practical farming goal. Skills with tools/construction are helpful, but no farming experience is needed or even desired. This is a great opportunity but requires someone who is eager, determined, industrious, self-motivated, and positive. During your year you will work very hard in all types of weather, but when you leave you will be in the best physical condition of your life and emotionally recharged.
Education Opportunity:
Educational opportunities include first-class bookshelf on alternative agriculture, displaying at farmers markets, attending farm tours, visiting and touring processing plant, discussions with farmers and extension agents on breeding, forage, and all things related to farming, hands-on experience by helping with things that come up on a day-to-day basis
Stipend/Compensation:
Stipend $300/month for annual apprentices.
Housing:
Housing provided in a self-contained mobile home shared with 2-3 other apprentices/interns. Accommodations include a full kitchen, bath, and bunk-style sleeping quarters. Quarters do not include phone or internet, although the farmhouse has high speed wireless.
Meals:
All meals on your own with the exception of dinner with our family on occasion. Meat and eggs only supplied by farm; farm vegetables and raw milk in season.
Details about Summer Internship Farm Experience
(Accepting applications now for spring/summer 2010)
Pastured poultry is a staple in our operation during the summer months, therefore we offer this internship as a wonderful learning opportunity for individuals to briefly experience all aspects of sustainable farming with an in-depth focus on pastured poultry and without the 12-month commitment. Learn all the details of running a pastured poultry operation. Incubate and brood chicks, build pastured poultry pens, move chickens daily and attend to feed, water needs. Learn to butcher and process chickens and how a processing team works. Help annual apprentice with other aspects of the farm on an as needed basis.
Requirements:
- There are two, 3-month time slots available. Either May 15- August 15 or August 15 - November 15. You may sign up for consecutive 3 month time periods if you want a longer experience, but the minimum is 3 months.
- Work 6 days per week.
- Like any experience, you will get out of it what you put into it. We have attainable benchmarks, but they require effort and sweat. Physically, you will be in better shape than you ever thought possible. Emotionally, you will know what you did today, why it was important, and feel great about it.
- Maximum number for each time slot in 2010 is 3 people.
Work/Experience Desired:
No previous farming experience required. Attitude is very important. Skills with tools/construction are helpful, but no farming experience is needed or even desired. This is a great opportunity but it is not for everyone. We are looking for eager, determined, industrious, self-motivated, positive individuals who want to work hard, learn a lot and be part of a team committed to producing clean, safe, healthy food and giving animals the best life possible.
Stipend/Compensation:
Stipend for interns is $100 per month for incidentals. Additional compensation can be earned at a fee per chicken processed (which is shared with the processing team). Nature's Harmony Farm invests heavily in the physical, emotional, and mental needs of this opportunity, providing one of the most educational experiences anywhere.
Housing:
Housing provided in a self-contained mobile home or camper that may be shared with 2-3 other apprentices/interns. Accommodations include acess to a kitchen, bath, and bunk-style sleeping quarters. Quarters do not include phone or internet, although the farmhouse has high speed wireless if you have a laptop.
Meals:
All meals on your own with the exception of dinner with our family on occasion. Meat and eggs only supplied by farm; farm vegetables and raw milk in season.
For checkout, contact us with your email or other contact information. Then we will let you know when the next checkout is scheduled and whether we have room for you.