Apprenticeships

If you are interested in learning about organic farming, raising animals, or experiencing the rural life, then a summer apprenticeship might be right for you.

For the 2010 growing season we are offering a shared apprentice program with Willo' Wind Farm, an organic farm nearby. We believe a shared placement will provide interns with a more varied and enjoyable work routine and a diverse educational experience. It will also help each farm in developing best growing practices.

Both farms are small-scale, family operations with a mixture of animals and vegetables.

Wheelbarrow Farm. Some of the learning opportunities include:

• 2 acres mixed vegetables
• "pig tractors" - using pigs in the vegetable garden
• beekeeping
• establishing orchard/vineyard
• food processing
• permaculture

Willo' Wind Farm is a 50-acre family run farm aimed towards enviornmental sustainability and stewardship of the land. We have a 1 1/2 - 2 acre market garden, and raise a wide variety of animals. The produce and meats being raised and grown on the farm are sold directly to consumers through a csa, farm gate and the Uxbridge Farmers Market. Also on the property is a Bed and Breakfast, a yoga studio and circus (coming soon), so it is a busy place. Some of the things you are able to learn about on the farm are:

• rotational pasture
• milking goats/cheese making
• growing fruits and vegetables
• sustainable building
• sheep
• manure/soil managment
• poultry

Apprenticeships are 6 or 1 month in duration

• 6 month apprenticeship - May to October
• 1 month apprenticeship - April to October (Wheelbarrow Farm only)

What we provide interns

• room and board
• Land. We provide garden space to grow and sell your own vegetables.
• $200/month plus $300 year end bonus for 6 month apprentices. $100/month for 1 month apprentices.
• Education. Learn about the many aspects of farming: from vegetable production to marketing. We will take the time to make every activity an eductional experience. Monthly CRAFT workshops at neighbouring farms. See CRAFT website.
• Self directed projects. We provide the space and resources for interns to take on self directed projects.

What we expect of interns

• 5 days of work per week
• shared cooking and cleaning responsibilities
• experience is not as important as enthusiasm and a positive attitude
• driver's license is a bonus, but not necessary

How to apply

Please send a resume as well as a cover letter explaining why you would like to apply and what you would like to learn.

For more information contact Tony Neale, wheelbarrowfarm@gmail.com or Adrian Stocking, adrianadrianadrian@hotmail.com.