Stonewood Farm is a small, certified-organic vegetable farm going into its fourth season. The Farm’s mission is simple: (1) to use our land to support the next generation of farmers; (2) to create a connection between our land and our local community by growing healthy food of the highest quality; and (3) to feed those who are less fortunate than ourselves. We strive to create a balance that fosters the farm as a whole living organism, nurturing and feeding itself and, in return, feeding our growing family of local customers. We are blessed to be part of a community that embraces and encourages us. We currently sell at the Millbrook Farmers’ Market and to our local restaurants and grocery store. As a vital part of our outreach is to provide to those in need, we co-founded and share our bounty with our local First Harvest Food Pantry.

 The Farm is located just outside the Village of Millbrook in New York’s pastoral Hudson Valley. The area is known as the bread basket serving New York City due to its abundance of farms, vineyards, and other culinary offerings. It is also known for its natural beauty and quiet, rural sophistication. Being less than a 90 minute drive to a wide range of destinations - everything from New York City to the Catskill, Berkshire and Adirondack mountain ranges - the lifestyle here is both civilized and bucolic.

We are looking for a farmer (or farmer couple) to manage our two-acre, certified-organic vegetable and flower market garden operation for the 2017 season and beyond. This is an excellent opportunity for a farmer who has the ambition and skills to operate his/her own farm but doesn't have the necessary resources.

We are offering a property that is entirely deer fenced, including soil suitable for farming, a ½ acre pond, irrigation from a designated well, a small apple orchard, a ½ acre of raspberry and blueberry bushes, and a tractor, bcs tiller and other farm equipment. We have a new equipment barn, a heated 26 by 48 foot greenhouse, a walk-in cooler, a washing station, and a chicken house with fenced yard. The person hired will have significant input into the direction of the farm as well as decisions regarding layout and design, plant selection, propagation, growing, and distribution.

The Farm will eventually be part of a small agri-tourism business on the property. Because of the nature of the future business, the Farm should be inviting, very well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing, as well as productive. Weed management is essential.

The applicant must have at least three years growing experience (including working in a managerial capacity) with demonstrable business acumen to operate a successful farm. S/he must be able to create and implement a business plan that allows the farm to be economically self-sustaining.

Experience should include the following:

• organic vegetable, flower, and berry production;
• record keeping and budget planning;
• crop planning and rotation;
• compost, soil and organic pest management;
• raising chickens for egg production;
• use and maintenance of all types of farm equipment and tools;
• greenhouses and drip irrigation systems;
• maintaining a social media presence;
• familiarity with selling to wholesale restaurant accounts and at weekly farmers’ markets;
• managing interns and/or volunteers; and
• community outreach and education.

The applicant must be hardworking, an organized manager of his/her time, and be able to efficiently balance the multiple demands of farm life. S/he must be articulate, well spoken and a people-person who can build and foster relationships with customers, chefs and the local community. S/he must be a self-starter, resourceful, creative, detail-oriented, very neat, and respectful of the surroundings and living space. No pets (we have a farm dog) and tobacco/drug-free.

This is a full time, year-round position. Compensation and benefits are competitive with an incentive plan, opportunity for growth, continuing education opportunities, a share of the vegetables you grow, and use of our farm van. A one bedroom, on-site apartment, including utilities, can be part of the package. Details to be negotiated based on candidate’s experience. We will be flexible for the right person. Farmer couples are encouraged to apply. Check us out at facebook.com/stonewoodny and “like” us if you like what you see.