Certified Organic Diversified Farm Internships – Montana

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Certified Organic Diversified Farm Internships in Montana

Terrapin Farm is a certified organic diversified farm with 7 acres under cultivation. We have been farming organically, in northwest Montana’s challenging climate, for over 35 years. The season starts in March in the earth-bermed greenhouse with a bedding plant operation. There are also 3 hoop-houses, 1 high tunnel, and assorted low tunnels. Seed production with variety development is an important component of Terrapin Farm, and one of our passions. We are involved in the Triple Divide Seed Co-operative; a group of all certified organic Montana seed producers dedicated to producing varieties appropriate for our bio-region. CSA is our main calling, but we also do 2 farmers markets per week and wholesale deliveries twice a week. Located 40 minutes from Glacier Park, it is a 5 minute walk to the river and 5 minute drive to a great dipping lake!

Certified Organic Diversified Farm Internships have staggered starts beginning in March and going until mid November. Full season commitments are preferred, although volunteer positions of at least 6 weeks  are possible. A farming/gardening background is nice but not necessary. Must be familiar with hard work and capable of performing physical tasks. A desire to learn is a must, and a sense of humor is appreciated! Good communication skills are important.

Learn all aspects of organic farming from the field to the office. Soil fertility, cover-cropping. season extension, greenhouse work, marketing, equipment use and maintenance, record keeping, certification, harvest, food storage and preservation, seed production and breeding, propagation, etc. This is a hands on, learn it all as if you want to pursue a career in farming position. Must have ability to handle the physical aspects of the task and the desire to learn all aspects of organic vegetable, seed and herb farming. Ending date is mid November. Interns are expected to participate in all aspects of the farm. We strive to talk about everything we are doing. Hopefully, no “Why” goes unanswered. Equipment use and maintenance, season extensions, tools, materials, cover-cropping, pollination, inter-planting, rotation, insect control, planting, weeding, marketing, variety descriptions are only some of the subjects to be learned.

Financial compensation for the Certified Organic Diversified Farm Internships varies depending on length of commitment and experience. Room and board is included, with all food being organic. Most meals are ovo/lacto vegetarian, with some adaptability to personal needs. There is a well-outfitted 3 bedroom bunkhouse, and 3 individual cabins available. All spaces have heat. Kitchen and bathroom facilities are shared in the bunkhouse.

I am very active in the politics of agriculture and encourage apprentices to at least be aware of it. Organic farming is more than a “career” it is a passion, a belief, and a way of life.

Please contact me for an initial interview by phone, if possible. Plan to send a cover letter, a resume, and three references. I look forward to hearing from you!

Terrapin Farm
6505 Farm to Market Rd.
Whitefish, MT 59937

Judy Owsowitz

[Office] 406-862-6362
[Cell] 406-871-6313

email: terrapin@aboutmontana.net