Company description

Located on 106 acres in Amenia, NY, we grow organic vegetables and pasture-raised livestock for our CSA and markets in the Hudson Valley and western Connecticut. Our CSA includes over 50 types of vegetables and culinary herbs, and we pride ourselves on amazing quality, taste, and freshness! We are committed to the best ecological and humane practices and believe that if you put love and kindness into farming, the result will be natural, healthier, better-tasting foods.

We're a small but dedicated team (five people total in 2017), going into our third year in operation. In 2017, we'll be marketing our vegetables through an 80 member CSA program as well as a weekly farmer's market in Piermont, NY, and we'll be expanding to four-season growing as well. For more info about our farm, check out our website at www.maitrifarmny.com.

Job description

Small-scale diversified farm in Amenia, NY looking for a livestock farmer to build a complementary livestock enterprise.

(Full-time, year-round position)

The ideal candidate will have a desire to commit to and build a livestock enterprise that will include production of pasture-raised meat and eggs.

We currently have an organic vegetable CSA, a flock of 150 laying hens, and 4 honey bee hives. The farm has excellent infrastructure and equipment available, and we plan to begin construction on a livestock barn in 2017. Our goal is to have vegetable and livestock operations that work together and co-contribute to the overall financial and ecological health of the farm.

This position requires flexibility and a willingness to work on all aspects of the farm if needed, including assisting with the vegetable operation and general property management.

In year one, the livestock farmer will work with the farm manager/head grower to develop the livestock enterprise, present budgets for investment to the farm owner, and build a strong, integrated farm.

Required skills:

• experience in high-quality, holistic animal care and meat production

• able to drive a 50-100HP tractor, control forks, bucket loader, & brush hog

• plan and implement pasture management and rotational grazing

• present and follow budgets to develop livestock enterprise

• good driving record

• willingness to learn and work on all areas of the farm

Year one responsibilities:

• responsible for existing laying hens and egg packing

• plan future of livestock enterprise to include ruminants, pigs, and more laying hens

• start building markets and bringing on animals according to well-developed expansion plan

• work with farm manager to plan and implement pasture and fence line management including mowing and repairs

• work with current beekeeper to take over care of beehives and honey production

• help oversee construction of livestock barns

• possibly assisting with the vegetable operation: including helping with greenhouse and hoop-house production, field work, harvesting, and packing produce

• participate in the rotation of CSA deliveries and Farmers’ Markets, possibly on weekends (weekend animal chores can also be included in a whole-farm rotation to enable rotating weekends off duty)

• assist with administration of farm including bookkeeping, marketing and social media

Fall/Winter start date flexible depending on right candidate.
Salary commensurate with experience, starting at $28,000
On-farm shared housing available
Employer contributed health insurance available after six months.

Compensation

this position is: salaried, less than $50,000

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline