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General Description: Our farm is located in the Columbia River Gorge about 15 miles east of Hood River, OR but on the Washington side of the river in a small but friendly community. We are now in our third year of farming on our own property and 4 acres that we are leasing nearby. We are quickly becoming THE place to buy pastured chicken for meat in our area We raise both conventional Cornish Cross and Heritage Delaware which we pasture raise in tractors, with organic GMO free feed, and butcher in our own on-site Washington State Department of Agriculture certified butchering facility. We are also raising hens for laying, turkeys for meat, have a one acre garden for market vegetables, and a 30' x 70' poly greenhouse. Although we have a tractor, much work is done by hand. We sell at two farmers markets have CSA delivery to another point, have gotten orders with a local hospital and are in negotiations with a nearby grocery chain for 50 turkeys. the last couple of years were all about getting all of our major infrastructure in place, working on building fertility in our garden, and establishing a customer and volunteer base. This year our goals include an increase in poultry production to a little less than 1000 chickens and 100 turkeys, To continue to build soil and fertility, to add bee hives to the farm, increase our vegetable CSA shares, and perhaps to add some ungulates to the farm. Here is a video article that was done on our farm http://www.chewnorthwest.com/scratchalotfarmfinal.mp4
Skills Desired: No particular skills are necessary, but interest and enthusiasm for the farm and poultry welfare are an absolute must. Ideally successful applicant will have some experience in one area of farm operation, garden or animals, permaculture, irrigation, sales, marketing or some other aspect of farming. Creative problem solving and a strong work ethic are important. Drivers license and own insurance helpful but not necessary. Sales requires being personable and engaging with customers. Must be able to carry 40lbs repeatedly throughout the day.
Educational Opportunities: Because we are a new farm, applicant will be in the unique position of getting a hands-on education in starting and building a business. Intern would be encouraged to try their own project using the resources that are already available on site. They will learn about brooding and pasture raising chickens for market and butchering, as well as basic gardening skills. They will learn knife sharpening skills. If the intern is working on a business plan, farmer will commit to helping them complete the plan ready for submission. Nearby farmers would be happy to host the intern for exposure to operations such as garlic/tomatoes, or fermented foods, and beef, pork, lamb production.
Stipend: A intern working a full time 5 1/2 day work week will receive a $200 a month stipend, For an intern that wishes to work a 3 1/2 hour work week no funds are available at this time, however we are willing to get a knife sharpening system so that intern can set up at market and keep all profits from anything they make at it. Also I know of some opportunities, for instance some nearby senior citizens routinely ask for help, and one nearby farm routinely hires help.
Housing and Board: Intern will share our rustic home in the cool fir forest with a lovely stream, or are welcome to camp on site. Home has small kitchen, washer/Dryer, wood heat, shower. Intern's room will be in the loft. Lot's of recreation opportunities in the extended area such as hiking, fishing, and windsurfing. The community has a few events each year.
Applicant will be sharing our food and any of the meals that we sporadically cook. Any food that is in the house is fair game and interns are encouraged to share in the cooking, but they will be responsible for their own special treats (such as coffee and beer) or special dietary needs (like gluten free) We cook for our farm volunteers on butcher days and applicant will be asked to help with those special meals.
Looking for someone from April 1 to Nov 14, but I'm flexible.
Our Facebook Page is https://www.facebook.com/ScratchALotFarm
Please attach a resume and references to your response. Tell us if you are interested in a 5 1/2 day work week or a 3 1/2 day work week. If it looks like it might be a good fit for both of us we will set up a time for a phone or Skype interview with our family.
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