Biodynamic Farm Apprenticeships in NC

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Biodynamic Farm Apprenticeships Available at Green Toe Ground in Celo, North Carolina – 2019

The main body of our farm sits on a bend in the South Toe River. We are definitely not the first ones to coax a living from the sandy loam. We are always reminded of those who came before as we pick points and pottery from our soils,some thousands of years old. We grow six acres of Biodynamic vegetables in a scattering of soil types and fields, from sandy loam to clay loam. As a wife and husband team of Nicole DelCogliano and Gaelan Corozine we  have been here since 2001, along with our two daughters.

We started practicing biodynamic farming on the land in 2004. We feel it speaks to our philosophy and perspective of approaching our farm as a whole organism. Husbanding animals is also very important for us as we make our own Biodynamic compost from their manures.Farming is more than economics to us.It is a lifestyle and a culture that we strive for. Our two daughters have grown up from birth on our backs in the fields and we are immensely proud of that.

We grow vegetables of all kinds, a mix of heirlooms and hybrids, outdoors and in 3 high tunnels. We have worked hard to find which varieties work well for our land, but are always exploring new products. We use a 45 hp Kioti Tractor for bed preparation, primarily using a Imants spader. As inquisitive people we nurture an understanding and study of the land we farm on. All of our cultivation is done by hand with scuffle hoes or hand weeding. Over time we have seen our weed load lessen along with disease pressure and now we have cut back severely on supplemental watering.Believing that good veggies taste better when they have to work a little to get what they need.

We market 9- 11 months a year, selling at the oldest market in Asheville, North Asheville Tailgate Market and Asheville City Market. We also sell to regional restaurants

Our farm is certified Appalachian Grown.

Products

• Vegetables
• Fruit
• Agritourism
• Flowers (for drying and wreathmaking)

Events

We host 1-2 farm dinners per season.

We have been farming for twenty years and we still love it. During that time we have worked side by side with over twenty young folks most of whom have gone on to form a relationship with farming in some manner. As certified farm nerds we love to share our experiences and anecdotes but love to hear yours as well. We want folks who are engaged and interested in pursuing agriculture in some manner. Being farmers does not define who we are as we have traveled extensively and are active in social justice work. You will take part in ALL aspects of farm work, from harvest management to animal husbandry, to greenhouse work and long hours weeding and harvesting.You will also have the opportunity to learn marketing, sales and some aspects of agritourism. Above all we would hope that you make our farm YOUR farm for however long you stay.

We offer Biodynamic Farm Apprenticeships mid April thru October, with the possibility to extend. We work Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5 or 6 p.m. as needed, with a 2 hours lunch break. As the weather gets warmer, we often start earlier in the morning. Tuesdays and Fridays are harvest days, and Wednesdays are delivery days to restaurants in Asheville. The Asheville City Market and North Asheville tailgate markets require us to leave the farm by 5:15 on Saturdays. Apprentices come to market on a rotational basis, and when not at market, cover other chores such as feeding and watering of animals, watering starts in the greenhouse, etc.

With our Biodynamic Farm Apprenticeships we offer a weekly cash stipend and monthly food stipend to use at our local food cooperative or the farmers market. Apprentices live in an off the grid cabin with water catchment system for washing dishes. There is an oven and stove, outdoor toilet, and a solar shower bag at the cabin. Apprentices do have access to a refrigerator. We offer vegetables from the farm, and eggs, and milk as available. Apprentices get a full paid week off each season, organized in advance. We also make room for days off as needed for friend and family visits. We also pay for apprentices to attend the Southeast Regional Biodynamic Gathering each October in TN as well as membership in CRAFT, an apprentice and farmer network.

We do not offer Wifi but locally the Celo Community Center (right down the road) also has wifi access and it is open to the public to use. We request limited to no cell phone use during farm working hours.

Biodynamic Farm Apprenticeships with us will give you a breadth of knowledge about how to grow and market veggies. Farming is hard and takes commitment, but the rewards are great if you put in the time.We recognize that we are asking a lot as farmers but feel that we have a lot to offer, not just basic farm work, but a deeper connection to land and environment.

We live in a beautiful place in the South Toe River Valley at the base of the Black Mountains, in the township of Celo, NC. Once summer starts, there are lots of music festivals and events in Burnsville and the surrounding regions. We have a large party for the 4th of July, with music and a DJ, Farm Olympics, and fireworks. Celo has a pickup soccer game every Sunday. Biking and walking and hiking trails are abundant in Celo and in Pisgah National Forest, and we have the best swimming holes in the area right on our property!

We request applicants for the Biodynamic Farm Apprenticeships come with an open and curious mind and a willingness to adapt, persevere, work hard and learn. These are critical skills to success at our farm.

A car or truck is handy to have at our farm so you can leave when you’d like.

To apply for the Biodynamic Farm Apprenticeships, please contact us by email or phone or visit our website for further information and application.www.greentoegroundnc.com and nicoleandgaelan@yahoo.com

Green Toe Ground Farm

Email: nicoleandgaelan@yahoo.com

Phone Number: 828.675.0171

Website: https://www.greentoegroundnc.com

 

• Learn more about farming and food jobs and internships, or learn how to post a job, internship, or apprenticeship opportunity on beginningfarmers.org by going to https://www.beginningfarmers.org/internship-and-employment-opportunities/