Organic Farm Seeking Apprentices – Oregon

Chickadee Farm is currently seeking applicants for its advanced apprenticeship in small farm management and organic seed and vegetable production. Chickadee Farm is a certified organic family farm specializing in high quality produce and vegetable seed grown using organic and biodynamic methods. Located in Talent, Oregon, Chickadee Farm is owned and managed by Kelly Gelino and Sebastian Aguilar who, since 1997, have been farming and working to create healthy farms, food and communities.

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Their farm goals include enhancing the farm’s ecology, making the farm profitable and being a positive social force. They take their role in the apprenticeship model seriously and dedicate themselves to being valuable educators and mentors for their apprentices. They have trained over 35 aspiring farmers over the years, many of who have stayed for a second year and/or gone on to start their own farms. Their goal each year is to help their apprentices develop both a thorough understanding of, and practical skills in, all aspects of the farm operation… in the hopes that by the end of the season, they have the capacity to assist in co-management of the farm. To accomplish this, they take weekly farm walks where they observe and discuss the changes and needs of the entire farm, as well as teach weekly classes where they discuss the concepts that guide the practical work. Classes cover a wide range of farm production and farm business topics, including soil science, irrigation design and management, crop planning, financial planning, record keeping and more. In-field demonstrations and discussions for each new task ensure that apprentices understand the goals, factors, strategies and potential challenges of each farm task. Their goal is that apprentices become confident and adept in accomplishing farm tasks efficiently and successfully.

In exchange for their efforts to educate, they expect apprentices to be passionate about farming and dedicate themselves to working hard to ensure the farm’s success, learning as much as possible and contributing to creating a positive farm atmosphere. They strive to live and work a balanced life and most weeks the farm crew works M-F, 7am-4pm though occasionally they work extra if needed.

The farm currently grows organic seed crops for national seed companies as well as organic fresh vegetables for the local wholesale market. Cover crops play an important role in the farm’s fertility program and space is dedicated to enhancing the beneficial insect population of the farm. Please contact the farm to visit or learn more.

Internship Starts: March 2^nd, 2015

Internship Ends: October 30^th, 2015

Number of Interns: 3

App Deadline: Until filled

Minimum Length of Stay: 8 months

Stipend: $100/week plus housing, produce and education

Housing: Small cabin with kitchen, bathroom and utilities

Website: https://chickadeefarm.wordpress.com/

To Apply: contact Sebastian Aguilar via email or phone for more information or to set up an interview

Email: chickadeefarmer@gmail.com

Phone: 541-301-9657