Internship/Incubator Opportunity:  “The incubaternship”

Ready to take your farm education to the next level?

Green Being Farm offers a unique part time farm incubation/part time internship position, and is accepting applications for the 2011 growing season.

We feel there is a gap between programs geared for beginning farmers and being prepared to run your own farm business. We want to help bridge this gap so that new farmers can begin an exploration into farming for themselves while receiving the guidance of a mentor. This allows you to operate in a low-risk environment, where the land and infrastructure is already provided for you.

What we are looking for and what we can offer you:
We are offering our farm as a place to incubate your farm business. This is a chance for you to try out your own ideas while building on your farming knowledge through a part-time internship.

How will that look?
3.5 days of the week, you will work for Green Being Farm, and will learn through doing. (We also run annual workshops on soil health, pastured pigs and poultry, and buying a farm, which you will also be invited to take part in.) The other 3.5 days of the week are yours to structure as you like: incorporating time to work on your own project, pursue learning opportunities specific to your needs, and have a weekend. You will have our land, machinery, tools, implements, irrigation system, cold storage, greenhouse space, a farm vehicle to use during that time and our services as mentors to help you get started. We can help with locating inputs, and finding a market for your product. Room and board, including laundry, telephone and internet will be included; any money you earn on your own enterprise is yours to keep.

Requirements:

Candidates must already have a minimum of one season’s experience on another farm and a desire to pursue the goal of making a living from farming. We will also need to make sure that your proposed venture is something that is compatible with our own operation, and something we feel our land base could support.

An aptitude for building, fixing things, cooking, and eating ethically raised pastured meats from Green Being Farm are bonuses. Drivers license is required.

Lots is possible! Maybe you want to try your hand at raising bees, seed saving, or market gardening. Perhaps you are interested in cut flowers, or cornering the organic pigeon market. Or perhaps you just want to take the time to structure your own learning curriculum, or take the time to perfect your photography skills, write a book or finish your Masters degree.

Interested?

Contact us with your resume and ideas for a venture by January 8. This gives us a month’s time to help you develop a full proposal so that it will work on our farm. This is free consultation for your business plan! We can discuss production details, help you find a market, and we will let you know what kind of support our farm can offer you for your particular venture. The successful applicant will be notified by February 8.

Volunteer

Want to get your hands dirty and learn more about sustainable farming practices?  We accept volunteers from May until November.  Spend the day in the gardens or tending to our critters.  Whether experienced or a complete newbie, you are welcome to participate and learn by doing!  We provide lots of hearty farm fare and can put you up in a cabin or trailer on site.  Stays can be as short as a day or as long as a few weeks.

Contact us if you’re interested!