Season-long farm internship

Heath MA

Description

We are a 60 acre certified organic farm growing primarily low-bush blueberries, is seeking 2-3 apprentices for the 2022 season. We are located in the beautiful hills of Heath, MA (one hour from Northampton/Springfield, half hour from Greenfield, 40 min from N. Adams). We manage the blueberry fields principally by hand and we focus on plant nutrient density to maximize crop health and boost immunity towards plant diseases and insects. In order to further support the blueberry crop as well as the health of the ecosystem, we are gradually planting out 5 acres of pollinator habitat designed for native bees. In addition to the blueberries, which are the mainstay of the farm, we run a diverse, integrated homestead with a herd of goats, a large minimally-hand tilled vegetable garden, meat chickens (which as of 2020 we raise commercially) and rabbits as well as mushrooms and a diversity of other fruits. We are also beginning to plant out a 6-acre chestnut and elderberry silvopasture. Interns will participate in and gain skills in the following areas: • Blueberries- nutrient dense management of crop health including foliar sprays, controlled field burning, integrated ecosystem management, pollinator habitat design and implementation, participation in SARE grant research • Vegetable Gardening- nutrient –dense management, no-till strategies for crops and cover crops, seed starting, harvest, processing, storage and mushroom propagation. • Goats- milking and cheesemaking (cabecou, chevre and several hard cheeses), herd health management,andscape management through grazing/browsing, harvesting and processing goats for meat, and assisting with goat births • Other- chicken and rabbit raising and processing, fruit tree and shrub management, firewood harvesting and processing, building and other infrastructure projects • Permaculture Design- interns will have an opportunity to participate in a small design project in the fall Interested applicants please send resume and cover letter.