Farm Apprenticeship Program in Virginia

The Seven Springs Farm Apprenticeship Program began in 2000. It involves hands on experience on our 125 acre sustainably managed farm located in Floyd County, Virginia. The farm is home to a 100 family Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) garden and, a retail organic farming & gardening supply products business. The farm is a beautiful property, nestled in a very private setting, with rolling hills, lush pastures, orchards, 55 acres of forest and a 1-acre pond. Our program is designed to give the applicant some experience into the workings of running an organic farm. Following is a list of some of the kinds of work they will do: *  All aspects of organic vegetable production *  Small tractor use *  Organization & management of a CSA *  Safe use of hand and power tools *  Equipment maintenance and repairs *  Building maintenance and repairs *  Fence repair and installation *  Firewood and tree pruning *  Homesteading skills such as, food preserving *  Landscape beautification; flower, shrub, and tree planting. *  Working with beef cows *  Haying *  Irrigation system maintenance, repairs, and improvements

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Work Requirements

The average workweek is 5 1/2 days per week, Monday throughSaturday noon.

The average is eight hours day, though weather and other needs may vary the schedule occasionally.

Accommodations

There is a private camp like setting for the apprentice, with a cabin, an outdoor kitchen with eating area, and an outhouse. There is a small solar electric system that produces enough electricity for lights, water pump, and perhaps the boom box depending on the weather. Elsewhere on the farm is a hot shower and washing machine. The site is located away from the other dwellings on the farm, and the apprentice needs to be comfortable living alone in this setting. There are a number of other farm apprentices in the county so there are opportunities for socializing.

Compensation

There is a stipend of $125.00 per week. We do provide some food that is produced on the farm, as well as some basic kitchen, bath and laundry supplies.

If you are interested in applying for our apprentice program please fill out the attached application and send it back to Polly Hieser, or call for further details. Please be prepared to arrange for a visit to the farm, if possible.

Polly Hieser 540-651-3226

pollyhieser@gmail.com

Seven Springs Farm

426 Jerry Ln. NE. Check, Va. 24072