Better Farm is a sustainability education center and artists’ colony set on 65 acres in Redwood, New York, just 10 miles from the St. Lawrence River and Canadian border.

Better Farm’s internship program runs in one- to three-month intervals and is available to individuals interested in a myriad of sustainability issues. Each internship is carefully tailored to suit a specific person’s needs and goals. They offer internships geared toward organic small-scale farming and gardening, general farm management, alternative building, rain and graywater collection, aquaponics, community outreach, organic cooking, canning/preserving, participation in local supper clubs and/or food kitchens, and outdoor survival.

Click ‘read more’ for details and contact information. Read more »

Permaculture Design Certification Course in Ellenville, New York. Four 3 day Weekends June 1-3,  June  8-10,  June 15-17,  June 22-24, 2012

Meals included $1200, Bring a friend and save $100 each! Information/Registration contact@homebiome.com. For more information about the course www.homebiome.com

Join a group gathering for the first ever Permaculture Design Course to be held in Ellenville, NY.  A scenic 2 hour drive from NYC with bus service from Port Authority. They’ve been teaching PDC’s in the city for 5 years now and just finished their 11th course.

Get additional program and contact info by clicking “read more” -> Read more »

Hudson Valley New York Food Lovers Friends Of The Farmer Festival, Two Events:

1) Hootenanny! Friday, July 27^th 2012, 6pm till 11pm: This is a kickoff benefit for the CAMPFARMON!  Scholarship Fund and widely considered one of the best summer parties in the Hudson Valley. Join us for a sunset feast and dance party on the deck of the Copake Country Club, overlooking the Catskills and Copake Lake while the mists gather and the tents are erected for the Festival on the rolling fairways below. More info here

2) Friends Of The Farmer Festival Saturday, July 28^th 2012, 11am till 8pm: Enjoy the best of the Hudson Valley locavore movement in an exquisite setting and in all its glory! So much to choose from, bring the family, lots of kids events and entertainment. Highlights are 5 Mile Fresh Grill, Taste of the Farm & Locavore Village, Future of Farming Forum, It’s 5O’Clock Somewhere! & Local Libations Tent, Big Willy’s Fishing Camp & Fly Tying Table, Farm & Community Art Table, Tractor Parades, Farm Animals, Sack Races, Celebrity Picnic Table Auction, Miracle Tomato Tasting Competition & Silent Art Auction, Great Stuff & Gourmet Picnic Basket Silent Auction and so much more…! More Info Here

All proceeds to benefit CAMPFARMON!  Scholarship Fund Young Farmer Innovative Training in partnership with Cornell University & Columbia Greene Community College. This year they are expecting 5,000 guests for the Festival, Whole Foods is their anchor sponsor and it will be filmed for a television pilot.

Contact: tessa edick tessa@friendsofthefarmer.com, 518.325.9437, or Gianni Ortiz gianni@Gianniortiz.com, 518.392.8545

3 Internships Positions at Partners Trace in New Paltz, NY

Type: Internship

Application Deadline: April 1, 2012.

Partners Trace is a 6-acre practicing organic farm located in New Paltz, NY. They employ some biodynamic methods because they believe in treating the farm as a whole entity–they work for the land so it is able to work for them.

They are primarily a CSA Farm, 2-years old; founders have been growing on and off their whole lives. This year, they have teamed
up with a Brooklyn, NY-based distribution and marketing company called Plovgh and together they are exploring alternative models to a traditional CSA, and how social media can be used by small farms to create a community between the farmers and those who want and need their food. They are also working to grow the educational aspect of their farm by accepting food stamps, and educating people in how to plant, store, and cook with their produce.

Their Interns will have the opportunity to work on a very diverse, small farm employing organic and select biodynamic practices. They grow about 40 types of vegetables, 20-some herbs, and many flowers. In residence also are several varieties of chickens and turkeys, goats, sheep, and pigs, who’s primary job it is to fertilize the fields. Interns will learn how to organize and plan for a 100+ member CSA operation, and gain hands-on experience planting, harvesting, weeding, and fighting pests using organic and biodynamic methods; greenhouse work; learn low-cost, moveable alternatives to deer fencing; to grow, care for, and harvest vegetables, flowers, and herbs; and learn about companion planting and other sustainable pest, weed, and disease-control systems. Read more »

Job: Farm Manager at Blenheim Hill Farm in Blenheim, NY, 2012

Blenheim Hill Farm is seeking a Farm Manager to take charge of the overall planning, implementation, organization, and management of its farming activities. The individual must be hands-on and proficient in critical tasks involved with setting up a new farm — clearing land, building infrastructure such as greenhouses, sheds and fences, as well as livestock and produce production. In addition to being hands-on, the individual needs to be skilled in strategic planning (both short-term and long-term), staffing, and financial management as described below. For all Responsibilities and Qualifications click MORE.
Read more »

Farm Apprentice or Partner wanted for Solstice Hill Farm in Cobleskill, New York (2012-?)

For the Partner: If you have years or many farms experience Solstice Hill would be into profit sharing…. you know who you are, give them a call.

For Apprentice and possibly later partner: Solstice Hill Farm is located on 28 acres with four in vegetable production. The farm serves two bustling farmers markets, a CSA, a health food store and a very interesting wholesale account. The whole sale account ships to low income neighborhoods located in “food deserts” of NYC.

They enjoy working with people who are really excited about agriculture. The head farmer has worked with Guatemalans and local high-schoolers but prefers people with a real passion, or at the very least, curiosity about agriculture; people who farm for more than just a paycheck.

Hours are long on a new farm like this. It seems some project is always getting squeezed in around veggies. Creating quality compost in large windrows is going to be one of the more exciting new endeavors this year. Tilling up the new orchard, finding time for the bees and hopefully getting some extra spots for housing started. Helpers would be sharing in the goals and creations that the farm undertakes. The main goal is of course veggie production and in that regard lots of  planting, greenhouse management, soil testing/amending, cover cropping and… (dramatic pause) hoeing (weeding). In short, all aspects of vegetable production will be experienced.  The farm has moved into some mechanical cultivation (tractor weeding) so some weed pressure is relieved by that. Clemens very rarely sends anyone to do a job he is not doing himself (he’s got to get over that someday). At this stage of the farm you would be working very closely with a farmer with six years experience.

The location is really stunning. Solstice Hill Farm is located on a ridge line with beautiful views all around and a ½ mile to the pond. Room and board is included with space in the main house. The women and children on the website will not be in the house most of the summer. Classes will be taught every other week on Wednesday for topic of choice. One day a month off to attend NOFA sponsored events (can be banked) or for whatever you choose. Clemens really would like to develop a plan that could make the best possible experience for young or aspiring farmers. Stipend dependent on experience but competitive and includes extra groceries for goodies.

Contact : Clemens Mackay at Clemensmackay@hotmail.com, 518-231-8623

Small Farmers: Shape Your Future! Free Registration Open for the 2012 Small Farms Summit in New York

The Cornell Small Farms Program is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 2012 statewide Small Farms Summit to be held Wednesday, February 29th, from 9:30am – 3:30pm. The Summit is an interactive meeting with an opportunity for all participants to take part in lively discussion and provide important feedback, both locally, and across the state.

At the 2012 Summit, participants will be asked to reflect on recent successes and identify new concerns and challenges affecting the growth of the small farm sector.  We’ll be issuing a preliminary e-survey in early Febuary to capture feedback from voices that can not attend the Summit.  In the morning session, we’ll discuss issues that emerged in the survey and generate additional ideas from participants.  In the afternoon session, participants will work within their regional sites to prioritize areas of importance over the next 5 years.

The Summit is free to attend and lunch will be provided. Farmer participation is especially encouraged, but educators, agricultural service providers, policy makers, non-profit organizations, students and community members are all welcome.

2012 Summit Host Sites – Please contact your local host to register:
Central NY
Location: Mann Library, Agriculture Quad, Cornell University Campus
Address: Tower Road, Ithaca, NY 14853
To register: Violet Stone at 607-255-9227 or vws7@cornell.edu
Eastern NY
Location: Albany County, Cornell Cooperative Extension office
Address:  24 Martin Road, Voorheesville, NY 12186
To register: Gale Kohler at gek4@cornell.edu
Northern NY
Location: St. Lawrence County, Cornell Cooperative Extension office
Address: Extension Learning Farm Classroom at 2043 SH 68, Canton, NY  13617
To register: Brent Buchanan at bab22@cornell.edu or 315-379-9192 Ext 231
Western NY
Location: Wyoming County, Cornell Cooperative Extension Office
Address: 401 North Main Street, Warsaw, NY 14569
To register: Joan Petzen‎ at jsp10@cornell.edu or 585-786-2251
Long Island
Location: Suffolk County, Cornell Cooperative Extension Office
Address:  423 Griffing Ave, Riverhead, NY 11901
To register:  Sandy Menasha at srm45@cornell.edu or 631-727-7850

Applications now being accepted for 2012 Farm Education Apprenticeships in New York at The Jewish Farm School. The Apprenticeships are held at Eden Village Camp in Putnam Valley, NY, about an hour north of NYC.

The Farm Education Apprentices are involved in a multidisciplinary program where they are both farm staff and farm educators. They will work directly with our farm manager and farm educators to participate in all aspects of the 2 acre farm: seeding, greenhouse production, soil preparation and amending, composting, cultivating, harvesting, weeding, animal care, fruit and orchard management, and tractor work.

Since our farm is only in its third season, apprentices will also have the opportunity to create and develop new facets of the farm, such as helping us start beekeeping, build grape arbors and orchards, expand flower production, research and implement alternative composting methods, or other ideas.

Click here for more information about the farm.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: During summer camp, apprentices will lead a variety of farm-based activities and educational programs for campers of all ages, while also assisting in maintaining the daily operations of the farm, and various agricultural projects around camp. When camp is not in session, Jewish Farm School and Eden Village run a variety of educational programs on the site and the farm, including Sunday farm volunteer days, a fall harvest festival coinciding with Sukkot, and other skills workshops. Apprentices will be the lead farm educators for all of these programs.

APPRENTICE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:

• Weekly seminars in organic, small scale agriculture.
• Trainings in Jewish environmental education, including the Teva Seminar.
• Participation in the Hudson Valley C.R.A.F.T. Program, a network for young organic farmers.
• Participation in various on-site workshops, such as natural building and herbal medicine.
• Field trips to various organic and educational farms in the area. Read more »

Jobs available at Essex Farm in Essex, New York State. Seeking experienced and highly motivated farmers who want to joint a fast-paced and team-oriented organization in 2012. They are dedicated to providing a full diet, year round, for our CSA members.

Applications are being accepted for various positions:

Butcher – The successful candidate will be in charge of slaughtering and butchering cattle, pigs and chickens for our weekly CSA distribution.

Vegetable Farmer – The successful candidate must have a minimum of 5 years experience in seed-to-storage vegetable production. The individual will be responsible for 10-20 acres of land, purchasing of seeds, field preparation, weeding, harvesting, and crop storage. Horse experience preferred but not required. Management experience required.

Livestock Farmer – The successful candidate will be responsible for daily chores and the overall well-being of livestock on the farm, including but not limited to: chickens, pigs, cattle and horses. Practical experience with rotational grazing is required.

Draft Horse Manager – The successful candidate will coordinate use of our herd of draft horses for daily farm chores and will be responsible for their management, care and wellbeing. The draft horse manager also trains new teamsters to work with horses and farm machinery. Teamster expertise required; familiarity with horse-powered farm tools preferred.

Carpenter – The successful candidate will be responsible for building and maintaining farm infrastructure.

Farm Mechanic/Engineer – The successful candidate will create, maintain and repair farm machinery. Experience in welding, small engine repair, and general handiness required.

Grain Farmer – The successful candidate will sow, grow and harvest grain for livestock and humans and should have experience with machinery, small grain rotations, post- harvest handling and milling.

Orchardist – The successful candidate will work with exiting departments to design and plant an orchard that will supply the membership with year-round fruit. Experience with apples and/or pears required; with cherries, cane fruits, strawberries and grapes a plus.

Office manager – The successful candidate will be skilled and experienced with bookkeeping, records, payroll, and communication.

Distribution Co-ordinator – The successful candidate will be in charge of communicating with and taking care of our farm members. He or she will manage our weekly distribution, collect payments, field questions, offer suggestions and provide a voice for the 170 people who eat from our farm.

Serious interested applicants should submit three (3) professional references, cover letter, and resume of related work experience to: Essex Farm Attn: Farmer Search, 2503 Rte 22 Essex, NY 12936 e-mail: essexfarm@gmail.com