|
We are sorry but our 2012 Apprentice/Intership positions have been filled. We do still accept volunteer apprentice positions though. More on that below.
VOLUNTEER
Realizing that many folks are in the need of an educational and experiencial
outlet for their farming and gardening growth, we offer volunteer apprentice
positions. In exchange for working at least four hours with us at the farm
volunteers receive on-hands training, a chance to experience the effort needed
to run, maintain and grow a 125 member CSA, our undying gratitude, and whatever
produce we can spare. Contact the farm to arrange your visit and set up a
schedule.
APPRENTICE
We are looking for apprentices that are serious about learning the
craft of small to medium scale organic vegetable production. We highly
favor those who are considering CSA farming in their future. We'd
like to learn more about prospective apprentices experiences, future
goals and abilities, and require a working visit to the farm as part
of the interview process.
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, no-till farming and livestock management (small seasonal sheep flock). 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.
2012 will be the ninth 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. Housing is 15 minutes away in Excelsior Springs, in a comfortable bungalow, and will be shared by the apprentices. Fair Share Farm also participates in the Growing Growers program which offers 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, food preservation 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