Caretaker Farm Apprenticeship (7565)

Internship Details:

The structure of the apprenticeship consists of assisting with the everyday operation on the farm, weekly on-farm tours, participation in the CRAFT (Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training) apprentice training program, working alongside the farmer, goal setting, monthly check-ins, and specific discussions based on the apprentice’s interest. The education includes full immersion into the inner workings of a small-scale family farm, from soil preparation and greenhouse propagation to weed control and harvesting.

The farm workweek of 5.5 days is challenging and the work itself is attuned to, and dependent upon, qualities of caring, persistence, efficiency, initiative, and teamwork. The apprentice’s responsibility and work experience covers all phases of sustainable crop production. We present a wide foundation of education through sharing of management materials, farm visits, workshops, weekly farm management task lists, weekly farm tours, structured feedback sessions, agricultural lending library, etc., that gives apprentices the tools to move toward their own farming dream.

The mentorship provided through the apprenticeship includes both the practical understanding of how to manage a small scale sustainable farm and assistance to integrate the connection of the work with ones individual values.

Caretaker Farm, established in 1969, is a community supported farm, that provides vegetables and fruits for 300 families during a summer CSA and 155 families through a winter CSA. We also provide food weekly to a community hot meals program. Annually, we train apprentices within the framework and principles of sustainable agriculture. The farm, while primarily dedicated to vegetable production, has mixed livestock (4 Pigs and 100 Chickens), 1 greenhouse, 4 hoophouses, 2 caterpillar tunnels, an orchard and a bakery. Nestled in a picturesque valley, Caretaker Farm covers 34 acres of forest land, meadow, pasture, vegetable fields, two ponds, and is bisected by a meandering stream. The farm uses a mix of no-till and low-till methods that are managed to enhance the relationship between the land and our farm members. The farm is located near a college town that provides all types of opportunities to apprentices: hiking the nearby Appalachian Trail, swimming in the local ponds and rivers, an independent movie theater, local art museums, theater and music festivals, etc. Over three hundred families visit the farm each week to pick up their CSA shares and the connections made have provided past apprentices with all types of opportunities to engage with community activities. Apprentices can also choose to use their free time hanging out next to the stream that runs by their cabin and delve into selections from our extensive agricultural lending library. For over 45 years Caretaker Farm has trained more than 160 apprentices that currently manage farms across the country and around the world. Caretaker Farm's mission is to provide nourishment to all who come into contact with the farm. Through connection with the land that grows our food, our community learns about care for each other and the earth. For more information, visit our website at www.caretakerfarm.org.

Apprentice Program
Our apprentice program is a hands-on working/learning experience designed to move dedicated candidates towards farm management. We accept people from all backgrounds who want to explore agriculture as a career option.

Apprenticeship Goals/Evaluation
As part of our program orientation, apprentices are encouraged to identify in writing what they hope to accomplish from their apprenticeship. After three to four weeks, Severin will meet with each apprentice to help with the development of realistic goals and to confirm our mutual (farmer and apprentice) expectations for learning. This document will be revisited for periodic evaluation and reviewed in detail in late August/September. We will make every effort to tailor each experience to the expressed needs of each participant.

Weekly Plan and Tour
At the start of each week, Severin will go over the big picture of what needs to be done, clarify work assignments, and lead a ½-hour farm walk to look at the fields. Apprentices are encouraged to make observations and ask questions along the way.

Orientation
During the first week we will conduct an orientation to go over safety policies, farm policies, and the location and names of buildings and equipment. We will review the farm calendar, the dates in the CRAFT schedule, begin to set vacation times, assign job rotations (household, animals, greenhouse, distribution, etc.) and start figuring out how to live in community together.

Study Materials
All apprentices are given written learning materials to increase their understanding of Caretaker Farm in particular and farming in general. These materials include crop plans, seed orders, planting schedules, maps, overall farm plans, and supporting information. In addition, there is a small farm library from which apprentices are welcome to borrow books.

CRAFT Program Events
Caretaker Farm is a founding member of the CRAFT Program. Apprentices are encouraged to take part in all CRAFT events during the season. Visits to other farms take place during regular work hours in the afternoons. Another component is CRAFT (Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training), a seminar and farm visitation program for the apprentices from Caretaker and eleven other farms in the region. The objective of CRAFT is to enable the apprentices to study the diversity of farm design and agricultural technique found within the collaborating farms and to form long-term friendships and a supportive community with their peers.

Career Development
Throughout the apprenticeship, participants are encouraged to develop ideas for their own future farm plans. At your request, Severin is available to review these plans and offer feedback. In addition, all possible steps will be taken to help apprentices find job placement or further opportunities if so desired.

While previous farming experience is not a prerequisite, the program is most suitable for those who feel they have a serious vocational interest in farming and/or agricultural development. We seek apprentices who are self motivated; take initiative; are reliable, responsible, and professional; work well with others and individually; have a good sense of humor; appreciate high quality work/products; are excited about living in community with others; possess a deep respect for others and the land; work hard; and are able to lift 50 lbs.

Compensation: $2000/month. In addition to the stipend, apprentices receive housing and farm vegetables, workers’ compensation, wifi, clothes washing facilities, access to an agricultural library, a week of paid vacation, and two additional paid days off.