NEWS UPDATE

Given the current layoffs and state of the economy this year’s postings for assistance are focused on annual production rather than the longer-range view proposed elsewhere on this website. 

Positions will be compensated wholly in food this year since off farm income supporting these activities with stipends and wages is unknown at this point.

General

A certified-organic 92-acre farm in Leelanau County, Michigan, is looking for assistance in 2020 to establish a diversified farming operation.  This property is intended as a Farm Incubator; a given individual or team assumes responsibility for a distinct aspect of the farm, from grain production using conventional equipment to mushroom cultivation.  In time this experience will enable the individual to obtain funding to start their own farm; bringing to the table collateral in their specialty: seed crop, piglets, spawn and logs.

Given current events, the thinking and approach behind the incubator is evolving. The farm owner’s off-farm income is likely to be heavily impacted by current events; many people will find themselves unexpectedly unemployed.  This brings urgency not simply to establishing the farm – in a carefully planned manner – but puts the focus on annual production in light of the very real possibility of food shortages/ability to buy.  As a result, more positions are being advertised this year than expected, as conditioned below.

While the farm owner’s background is directly relevant to the production of plants, he will focus his activities on finding and bringing to the farm off-farm income.  His ability to pay people is not guaranteed.  Therefore, participants will primarily be rewarded with a portion food crop prior to generating income through farm market sales. Compensation in food and money will be negotiated in advance with participants; those working on crops that will not produce in a single year will share equally in annual 2020 production.

The number of participants and job niches filled will be a balance between the skill sets applying; the willingness of experienced farmers to direct or facilitate less skilled labor will enable the farm plan, an abundance of directed labor will amplify the plan. Produce in excess of that allocated per individual will be sold at a farm stand and in farmers markets to provide cash earnings for both the farm and participants. Interested parties are asked to supply experience, ideas, and questions, and collaborative planning will begin.

Positions

Team Leader / Human Resources

Ability to Listen and Learn from Experience of Team Members

Ability to Develop a Plan Melding Above

Ability to Modify and Adapt Planning as Evolving

Conflict Resolution / Mediation

Experienced Conventional / Grain Production

Skilled in Servicing and Adapting Equipment

Experience with No-till Drill / Truax

Seed Cleaning with Vintage Clipper Equipment

Harvesting with 1970s era JD 4400 Combines

Drying and Storage

Livestock Farmer

Breeding / Husbandry

Livestock Fencing

Mob Grazing Experience

Growing / Mixing Feeds

Haying and Straw Production

Orchardist

Pruning and Grafting Feral Apples

Grafting to Root Stock

Disease Prevention and Control / Organic

Stock Selection and Establishment

Experienced Organic Market-scale Producer

Conversion of Sandy Soils to Berry and Produce Production

Cultivation from Seed to Harvest

Extended Season and Storage Techniques

Seed Saving and Storage

Experienced Gardener / Horticulturist (2)

Establishment of Irrigation Lines

Frost Prevention, Weeding, Cultivation Generally

Propagation from Cuttings

Developing Annual Cut Flower Beds

Seed Collection and Storage

Creation of Compost (see below)

Production of fiber and CBD hemp

General Labor

Assisting in all aspects of listings above

Work will be arranged to be educational