Internships
Our larger-scale growing experiences began with farm internships. We gained experiential knowledge as well as valuable insight into the demands of organic vegetable production. It is hard work, but at the end of the day we know that we are living the life that seeks to change the ills we feel around us. If you are interested in becoming another droplet of rain in the collective bucket of water that is creating a different, healthier future then consider an internship with an organic farm.
If you are not in a place to immerse completely into a full internship, consider a work share with our CSA and glimpse into the demands and rewards of sustainable agriculture in exchange for a share of the harvest.
General Description:
We are young, passionate, hard-working growers ready to begin our fourth spring as a certified organic farm. Consisting of 20 acres, the farm is surrounded by woods on all sides in a quiet, rural area located 15 miles east of Frankenmuth. Seven acres of vegetables are grown and marketed through a 100 member summer CSA, a 25 member winter CSA, farmers markets and natural foods markets. Five hoophouses are used for germination and season extension. Laying hens, broiler chickens and a couple of pigs are raised on a very small scale.
Our crop focus is on high quality, staple vegetables along with some herbs and specialty crops. Anticipated projects for the 2012 growing season include the the construction of a “new” walk-in cooler made out of recycled materials, the erection of an additional 1/2 acre of high tunnel, the organization and welcoming of two dairy cows to be rotated on the fields, the construction of a milking parlor and further organization of fields and post-harvest facilities.
Interns will assist in plant propagation, transplanting, cultivation, harvesting, CSA and market prep, animal husbandry, composting, beehive maintenance, putting up the hoophouses and other projects. Interns will also manage and attend a weekly farmers market. We work 5 1/2 to 6 days each week.
Internship Starts: Open ended - February, March and April are all great times to start, but later throughout the season we accept new interns.
Internship Ends: Late October or negotiable for longer stay
Number of Interns: 3-4
Minimum Length of Stay: preferably at least 3 Months
Meals: At least one communal meal are shared weekly prepared by the farm. Interns prepare the remainder of their meals with free access to all produce grown and eggs on the farm.
Skills Desired: Priority is given to individuals strongly motivated to grow organic produce for their communities. Priority is also given to individuals who desire to experience the entire growing season of winter, spring, summer and fall. Quality is an extremely important component of our farm; therefore, attention to detail is imperative.
Educational Opportunities: We are committed to instructing interns in the "whys and hows" of the various techniques employed on our farm, mainly through periodic field walks, informal discussions during meals and fieldwork, and through meetings where intern goals are discussed and addressed. Interns will also manage and sell at a local farmers market. Tractor and welding experience as well as general construction and repair are additional avenues for learning if desired. For individuals committed to learning, this internship teaches the skills necessary in establishing a small farm.
Stipend: Interns receive housing, free access to produce and eggs on the farm, weekly meal prepared by the farm, between $400-$600/month. An additional bonus is paid out at the end of the season based on performance and commitment.
Housing: Interns live in a decagonal "ten-sided" house. Private sleeping quarters with communal kitchen and living area.
Contact: Jacob or Katie Mullane-Bach
Phone: 989-843-0678
Email: email@naturespaceorganics.com