Openings for a garden manager and horse farmer
We are seeking two people or a couple to join our Demeter certified-Biodynamic/organic 40-acre farm–a garden manager to run our 4-acre CSA garden who has a minimum of two years of gardening experience AND a horse farmer to work the four horses fulltime, including growing grain, hay, and permanent pasture, who already has experience doing field work with horses. For both positions, a commitment to farming as a livelihood and the ability and desire to live in community are essential. For the right people, these positions offer opportunity for increasing responsibility and longer-term involvement. We will provide room and board; compensation will be based on ability and term of commitment.
Garden manager
The garden manager works under the supervision of the farmers to manage the gardening and intensive cultivation of 4 to 6 acres using biodynamic/organic farming practices. The garden manager leads a team of 3 to 5 apprentices in all aspects of the gardening work including
Daily chores and participating in establishing the weekly work plan
Compost and soil preparation
Irrigation activities
Bed preparation, sowing, transplanting, weeding, and row covering
Monitoring pest and disease problems
Vegetable harvesting, cleaning, and storing
Coordinating the use of draft animals within the scope of the garden plan
Leading apprentices to a clearer understanding of their role and importance in the farm operations
Participating in apprentice feedback and evaluation
Setting an example for work ethic and pace
Eventually helping with the training of apprentices in the biodynamic methods
In farmers’ absence (for conferences and vacation time), take responsibility for day-to-day operation of farm and garden
Where interest and skill permit, provide support and expertise in care of livestock
Horse farmer
The horse farmer will coordinate with the farmers and garden manager to prepare garden beds for planting, do row cultivation in the garden, and prepare, plant, irrigate, and harvest field crops of hay, grain, and pasture for the farm. The farm has six 4-acre fields, five 2-acre fields, and some 1-acre fields, all with access to irrigation. Some of the horse farmer’s work will be shared with the farmer. The work can include
Harnessing and daily work
Maintaining and developing horse equipment
Cleaning and maintaining horses’ feet
