Misty Brook Farm is an organic family farm in Albion, ME. We produce really high-quality foods using regenerative farming practices. We rotationally graze our cows, pigs, sheep, and chickens. We make our own compost and employ cover crops to build soil health and fertility. We even grow most of our own cover crop seed. Our products include grass-fed raw cow & sheep milk, soy-free eggs, pastured heritage breed pork, 100% grass-fed beef & lamb, and dry beans. Our priority is the health of our soil, crops, and livestock. Recently a visitor stated, “I saw happy cows!”

We distribute our own products to health food stores all over the state of Maine. To make our trucks more efficient we work with other local farms to deliver their products too. We love working together with farms and businesses to make the local economy stronger.

Our goal is to employ local people and pay a fair wage. Most of our current employees have been with us for at least three years. We especially like working with people who share their ideas for making improvements. Employees with energy and motivation have the opportunity to turn their work into more than just a job. Many of our previous employees have gone on to build their own successful farm businesses.

Misty Brook Farm Livestock Flerds Person

(A flerd is a mixed species group of livestock; flock plus herd.)

Type: Full-Time Position 40hr/week

Category: Livestock/Milking/Grazing/Chores

OVERVIEW

Milking cows and sheep; Feeding & bedding livestock; Collecting eggs; Moving temporary fencing for cows, sheep, pigs, and chickens; Assisting in other aspects of the farm as needed; Managing livestock help

OPPORTUNITY

Opportunity to be an integral part of an organic pasture-based livestock farm using rotational grazing and mob grazing with a variety of livestock. If you are passionate about livestock, soil, and human health this position offers a great opportunity to gain experience and further develop the Misty Brook livestock operations. We enjoy collaborating with employees to create new enterprises and eventually new farm businesses. Many of our previous employees now run their own farms.

REQUIREMENTS

Candidates must:

• Be able to lift 50+lb.
• Be able to walk 3+ miles per day.
• Be able to start the day early (usually 5am).
• Wear appropriate clothing for the weather.
• Possess high levels of energy & self-
• Be able to work well independently and with others.
• Be observant and able to see both the details and the whole.
• Learn how we do it and then make it better.
• Live nearby and hold a valid driver’s license.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Daily chores including milking, baby animal care, grafting nurse moms, feeding and bedding, egg collecting. Set up and moving fences and water for all species of livestock. Problem solve and fix fence and water issues. Observing pasture and livestock for peak animal performance and health. Communicating with other livestock help and farm leaders to keep all aspects running smoothly. Keeping the fencing shed and fencing truck tidy.

Must be able to:

• Follow multiple detailed instructions.
• Have attention to detail (especially with cleanliness in the milking process).
• Be able to read livestock body language.
• Be tolerant of adverse weather conditions.
• Be able to change and adjust plans based on observation (especially with fence moving).
• Be self-motivated and work alone.
• Complete tasks efficiently.
• Focus on the task at hand.
• Take responsibility.
• Asist in other farm tasks as needed.

Communication:  

• Effectively communicate observations and needs.
• Communication of livestock health and happiness.
• Communication of pasture quality.
• Communication of grazing plan adjustments.
• Communicate the need for grain and other livestock supply purchases with enough lead time for orders to be placed and received before items run out.

COMPENSATION

Hourly position paid $13-15/hr. depending on ability to be reliable and take responsibility.

Once hired there will be a two-week trial period to make sure this is the right fit.

This position is until November 1st with the opportunity for year-round employment.