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Description
We are a family run organic fruit farm, in Southwest Michigan about 2 hours East Chicago. We grow strawberries, raspberries, currents, peaches, tomatoes, melons and pears. We sell by way of u-pick, and retail. We also produce various value added products.
General Internship/Apprenticeship Information:
Internship starts: May 15 th
Internship ends: October 15 th
Application Deadline: open
Minimum Length Stay: 3 months
Number of Interns: 1-3
Education Opportunity:
Growing fruit organically in the Midwest is no small feat. We use cover cropping, compost tea, ipm scouting & trapping as well as manual and chemical field hygiene techniques to control disease and pest damage. You will have every opportunity to learn from and with us as we share these jobs. We produce value added products in a commercial kitchen, you will learn to can and process fruit into products for sale. We are happy to share our books and our processes in order that you learn as you experience life on a Midwestern Organic family fruit farm.
There is great variety in our work we do much picking and weeding as well as planting and pruning. Among other things we will be erecting a green house and reclaiming some old buildings for farm use. We expect 30-60 hours a week and we generally expect 5 days of help weekly. You will take part in working farmers markets, operating the u-pick and delivering fruit to local customers. We will expect you to be productive as others work along side of you or as you work alone.
Work/Experience Desired:
We are looking for people with experience doing and enjoying physical outdoor work; rain or shine we work outside. You must be able to bend, climb and carry 40#'s. A strong sense of humor and a hearty work ethic is as important to us as prior agricultural experience. This domestic setting demands someone to be motivated, sensitive and independent.
Stipend/Compensation:
50$ weekly as a minimum for residents. Other pay rates available for day workers. There is additional paid work available on other local organic farms should time and desire be present.
Housing: We offer accommodation with kitchenette for you in our home as well as camping out on the land with your own supplies.
Meals: As part of your work time you will be expected to help in the vegetable garden and in doing so reap its bounty. We will also provide you some fruit, bread, basic grains and legumes. You must provide for yourselves otherwise. We can provide access to wholesale natural foods cooperatives if you like. There will be one or more shared meals with our family weekly.
Contact us: Please e-mail us for a prompt reply. You may call but if could take a few days for us to respond.