I am offering one farm internship position for the 2012 season. I am flexible
with the start/ finish date depending on whether you are a student or not.
Ideally, you would start at the end of April/ beginning of May and commit to
mid October unless you are attending school at the beginning of September,
which would not be a problem.
I am looking for someone who is passionate about learning to farm. Someone who
is pleasant, self-motivated, independent, and enjoys getting up in the morning.
Someone who is enthusiastic about good food, cares deeply about the earth, and willing
to work in all weather/bug conditions. Someone who wants to physically work
hard, have fun, be dirty, and enjoy the peace and quiet of the great outdoors.
I am passionate about teaching others who are willing to learn about organic
farming, formally and informally. I believe the more farmland we have going
into organic practice the better. What we are lacking in, is the farmers! I not
only practise organic farming but have taken a great interest in biodynamic
farming over the last few years. I practice a good portion of biodynamics,
including moon cycle planting.
This intern position will basically be a 1 on 1, for 1 full season, with
exception to the odd wwoofer helping out in busy times (eg. garlic season).
Majority of the work opportunity will take place in the garden. This is the
first year that I have purchased a small garden tractor for cultivating row
crops and doing other small odd jobs.
The farm is located 15 minutes south of Ottawa. I am farming a small portion of
my father’s 240 acre farm that has been in my family for 4 generations. What
once was a 3rd generation dairy operation is now home to a herd of charolais
beef cattle, some dogs, cats, and my small organic operation. This mixed,
beautiful farmland has never seen chemicals. This is my 4th season operating a
3 acre market garden that supplies approximately 35-40 CSA shares, the Metcalfe
Farmers Market, plus a new market stand that I would like to start this season
at my CSA pick up point within a nearby community. I am also running a
small-scale CSA grass fed beef rotational grazing system. Last year was the
first year I raised and sold 2 beef cows. This season I would like to raise 4,
possibly 5 cattle. I feel it is important to incorporate different animals on
your farm.
The selected intern may live in a small trailer (off grid) that is situated on
the outside perimeter of the garden beside a beautiful maple bush and man made
pond. A small cabin 10×16 will be transformed into a kitchen and small walk in
fridge in the spring. We will prepare and eat meals together. There is an
outhouse for daily bathroom needs and a hot shower in my father’s house. I will
offer a stipend of $75.00/week. The selected intern is expected to work
approximately 8 hours/day for 5-6 days a week.
How to apply:
Please send me an e-mail explaining a bit about yourself and why you would like
to spend a season on my organic farm, to:
arcacres@hotmail.com
I am looking forward to hearing form you!
613 324 0411
Thanks,
Amber Payne
http://www.arcacres.ca
