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The farm welcomes those interested in either an apprenticeship or volunteering for the 2006 season. This will be the fourth year of operation of Fair Share Farm. The farm uses organic practices to grow a wide range of vegetables, fruit, and herbs for the farm’s 75 –member CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). The farm is located in the rolling hills of northeastern Clay County, about 45 minutes north of downtown Kansas City, a relatively easy drive on I-35. A wonderful state park, Watkins Woolen Mill, is next door with a swim beach, trail system, fishing, historic buildings & heirloom garden.
The farm has been in Rebecca’s family for four generations and has been farmed using organic practices since late 2002. We have “transitioned” (actually more like “cold-turkey”, not much transition at all) conventionally-farmed fields to organic practices, which has its own challenges and rewards. We were apprentices ourselves before starting our farm and feel we can offer a great experience of what it is like to start a farm after learning the trade through apprenticeships. Last year we hosted several volunteers and had one short-term intern. This year we are increasing production and would like to have an intern for the majority of the growing season (April – October). We grow a wide variety of vegetables and herbs (& some fruit) on 5+ acres including many heirloom varieties.
VOLUNTEER
Volunteers receive our undying gratitude and whatever produce we can
spare in exchange for working at least two hours with us at the farm.
Contact the farm to arrange your visit.
APPRENTICE
Our apprenticeship position for 2008 has been filled. However,
we will need an apprentice for 2009, so feel free to contact us or
come out
to the farm anytime to meet us and see the farm. Our program is described
below.
As an apprentice at our farm, you will learn all aspects
of running a small diversified vegetable operation, including planting,
cultivating,
pest & disease strategies, cover cropping, harvest, and post-harvest
handling. You will also have an opportunity to learn about good soil
management. We plant in permanent beds with grass & clover strips
between them, use annual cover crops, incorporate organic amendments,
and prepare the soil with a reciprocating spader. Farm work is demanding
physically & mentally, but yet it is the best work we know of.
If you dedicate yourself to the effort, the rewards of working with
the land more than make up for the bug bites, sweatiness, and sore
muscles.
2008 will be the fifth year of the Fair Share Farm CSA. Members receive weekly shares from the farm during the 24 week growing season. Apprentices will learn how to grow for a continuous harvest from May thru October. CSA membership involvement is very high on our farm, giving apprentices and volunteers a unique opportunity to see community farming in action. On Wednesday and Saturday mornings we harvest the CSA shares with the members’ assistance. These mornings are essential to the apprentice experience and are required worktime. We also have a couple CSA social events during the season.
In exchange for your labor, you will learn the skills you need to manage a diversified organic farm on your own. The apprentice will work alongside us for 5 full days & one half day on Saturday., for a total of 44 hours. Apprentices will receive housing, a share of produce, and wages. Lunch is provided at the farm house. Separate lodging for the apprentice is provided. Fair Share Farm also participates in the Growing Growers program which offers free workshops & farm tours to apprentices. Apprentices will attend the workshops/tours during the course of the season as part of their 44 hours/week. In addition, the farm will offer 12-15 hours of on-farm training during the course of the season on specific areas of knowledge including: greenhouse production, field production, soil management, farm planning, planting for a diverse market, post-harvest handling, and CSAs.
If you’d like to know more about us, the farm, and the CSA, give us a call at (816) 320-3763 or email us at:
We welcome prospective applicants to visit us at the farm.
Come join us!
Rebecca & Tom