Company description

Happy Acres is a 90-acre farm in the hills of Sherman, Connecticut. We primarily raise beef cattle, though we have been steadily diversifying to include laying hens, milk goats, an organic fruit and vegetable garden and a mini-food forest. We sell all our products locally at farmers markets, our own farmstand and a restaurant or two.

Internship description

We are looking for a summer intern to help with all aspects of our diversified farm operation.

We are seeking an individual (or possibly a couple) with a serious interest in permaculture, sustainable farming and living in harmony with nature’s rhythms. This person must be a quick learner, have an open mind, enjoy outdoor physical labor and demonstrate a willingness to help with any task, large or small.

Expect to work a flexible schedule six days a week (including weekends) for a total of 30 hours, on average. Some days will be long and grueling; others will be short and sweet with plenty of free time. A typical day might include milking goats, feeding chickens, weeding the garden, stacking hay, setting up electric fence, bringing water to the cows, and helping with equipment repairs.

Regular responsibilities (with guidance and some supervision) will include...

• Garden: sowing, transplanting, weeding, harvesting, washing, processing, cooking
• Animals: feeding, watering, milking, collecting and washing eggs, moving electric fence
• Land management: mowing, weed whacking, pruning, limbing, fixing fences
• Haymaking: operating tractor implements, stacking hay, fixing equipment
• Farmers markets: setting up, marketing/promotions, sales, tracking inventory

The intern will also assist with practical research projects to assess the viability of future business enterprises and alternative management practices. In addition, the intern will participate in Connecticut’s Regional Apprentice Farmer Training (CRAFT) program. This is an excellent opportunity to network with other young, aspiring farmers in the area and visit neighboring farms. We also have an extensive library of books pertaining to sustainable farming and will encourage the intern to read as much as possible during his or her free time.

Prospective interns must be at least 18 years old and have a genuine interest in sustainability. Onsite shared housing ($300/month) is available for the right person(s) willing to accommodate our family’s privacy, the needs of a free-ranging toddler and the arrival of baby two mid-summer.

This internship is sponsored by the Friends of Happy Acres, an independent local nonprofit organization. Their generous support includes hourly minimum wage pay to help cover basic living expenses. The intern will also receive eggs, meat, milk and produce from the farm.

Compensation

this position is: hourly, under $15/hr

Application instructions

Deadline

May 01, 2018