Restoration Agriculture Internship Available in Virginia

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Restoration Agriculture Internship Available at Our Halifax Farm in Virginia

Restoration Agriculture Internship: Our Halifax Farm is a start-up organic farm of 135 Acres, fallow for many years, in the rolling hills of the Virginia Piedmont, an hour north of the booming Research Triangle of Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill for those who like the occasional urban scene.  The internship position offers a fantastic opportunity to implement a hands-on restoration agriculture project as if it were your own farm. You will have back-up with a renowned farmer/teacher/author (non-resident), as your go-to guide and advise during your first year. Using a successful proven model, the farm uses perennial food systems that actually restore the soil and improve the quality of environment. For a detailed exposition see the book “Restoration Agriculture” by Mark Shepard. While the perennial system is being developed, some annuals and early harvest perennial crops will be used for cash flow. Multi-species rotational grazing, complementary to the ecology of the perennials, is also used.

Internship Starts: 09-01-2016
Internship Ends: 09-01-2018
Number of Interns: 1
App Deadline: 09-01-16
Minimum Length of Stay: 2 years

Meals: Food will be provided and the intern can prepare their own meals.

Skills Desired: Two years experience in agriculture is preferred. Two professional references and one personal reference is requested. Qualities/skills: Demonstrated work ethic, self-motivation, solution-oriented love of research, reading and learning, good health, good driving record, mechanical knowledge, good humor, professional manner in dealing with all work-related individuals, ability to formulate, communicate, and execute plans, animal care and breeding. It would be unlikely to find someone with all the characteristics above. So the most important quality is the character/personality with a positive upbeat attitude and basic decency who motivates the associates.

Educational Opportunities: In addition to working with the adviser/teacher, we will go to one or two agricultural conferences a year to for education and networking. In the area there are outstanding nurseries.

Stipend: $1200 per month

Housing: A private room in a colonial house in town 10 minutes by car from the farm. Your own car is not necessary.

Preferred method Of Contact: Phone or Email

Farm Internship Available: Hands-on Development of an organic restorative agriculture farm guided by a non-resident adviser/farmer who has already done this project and advised many others. The intern will work with the semi-retired owner and the adviser in formulating the farm plans. He will be responsible for the day to day work projects involving both long term development and short term income. A comprehensive water management program is scheduled for early October. After the two years, we will discuss a possible long-term stake in the farm for the intern. This is a rare opportunity to learn, execute, and become part-owner in a successful farm. We will have a written agreement in order to minimize any possible misunderstandings, possibly including a trial period of 60 days.

To Apply for the Restoration Agriculture Internship:

Our Halifax Farm 
Virgie Cole Road
South Boston, VA

Contact: Jim Collins

Phone: [Cell] 443-324-7934

Email: ourhalifaxfarm@gmail.com

Last Updated: 08-10-2016