Organic Farming Internships in Indiana

Creme de la Crop USDA Certified Organic Farm is offering four internships for the 2014 season

Location: 208 N. 250 W., Valparaiso, Indiana 46385

Contact: Leann Landgrebe Pelzel; Phone: [Cell] 219-510-4547; Email: cremedelacrop@msn.com; Website: https://www.cremedelacrop.com

General Description:

Welcome to Creme de la Crop, A USDA Certified Organic Produce Farm!

This farm is a diverse enterprise embedded in a midsized college town in Valparaiso Indiana, about one hour from Chicago, IL. It has much to offer an apprentice as a result of its community setting.

Markets of Creme de la Crop

- Community Supported Agriculture

- Wholesale to fine dining restaurants

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Skills Desired: – While previous farming experience is not a prerequisite, this position is most suitable for those who feel they have a serious vocational interest in farming and/or agricultural development.

– Passion about the local food movement is a must and a desire to see our local economies rebuilt through meaningful work makes a strong foundation.

– Ability to work in a fast paced, strenuous and dirty environment is a must.

– Must be 18+ years old

– Candidates must be flexible and have a strong work ethic.

– Quick thinking and strong problem solving skills required.

– Must be able to work individually and as a team member.

Internship Details: – Plant propagation in the greenhouse – Preparation of fields with tractors and implements (to be determined) – Transplanting of vegetable plugs and direct seeding – Cultivation of beds (both mechanical and by hand) – Monitoring and tending to soil water and fertility needs – Harvesting and processing of produce for all markets – Manage CSA distribution or wholesale sales – Implementing disease and pest management – Routine machine and tool maintenance – Complete special projects as assigned by the Farms Manager – Set-up and attend to on site Saturday farmers market every third weekend (to be determined) – Minor construction: Example – animal housing, farm stand displays, packaging room shelving – Upkeep and cleaning of residential quarters, each apprentice is responsible for their own bedroom and the shared space will have a maintenance rotation schedule – Feeding and watering of poultry and goats this may include moving their housing to a new grazing area daily – Egg collecting washing and packing – Attending to egg pick up for those on the waiting lists – Weekly barn and bedding removal and replacement – Learning our QuickBooks accounting program and help with entries – Developing preformatted newsletters based on weekly produce distribution – Record keeping is a huge part of being a Certified Organic Farm. You will as a team, record all aspects of crop care/harvest, fertilization, pest/disease management, weather

Housing: What is Provided in the Housing: – Basic: Washer & Dryer, Cleaning supplies, Recycling Bins, Trash Cans ect. – Bedrooms: Bedding (2 sets of sheets per room), Dresser, Nightstands, Clothing Hangers, Table Lamp ect. – Kitchen: appliances small and large, pots/pans, bake wear, cooking/serving and eating utensils, mixing bowels ect. – Bathroom: Toilet paper, hand soap, towels, shampoo and conditioner – Living room: Sofa seating area and side chairs, TV with Netflix, large fresh water fish tank

Meals: Everyone is responsible for making their own food. Field produce is available for all interns when available as well as extras through the Winter/Spring Cooperative & 1/2 dz chicken eggs.

Educational Opportunities: As an apprentice you will work directly with owner Leann Landgrebe and learn hands on, every step it takes to grow and distribute to a multitude of markets. Throughout the season co-owner, Executive Chef, Jason Pelzel will demonstrate his advanced culinary skills and mentor you. Leann and Jason continually develop value added products and you’ll be there working and learning at their side. This season’s farm experience will be inspiring, educational, rewarding and a great deal of hard work.

Stipend: Apprenticeship start time will vary this will depend on the amount of farm projects, weather and time of year. The length of the farm day varies during the course of the season. Generally we organize the work in such a way that we work approx. 35-60 hours per week during the summer/spring months, less in the fall/winter. This includes a certain amount of weekend work. There are two breaks during the course of the day: one for breakfast and one for lunch. More details about the daily and weekly schedule will be discussed during the orientation at the beginning of the season. Farm Apprentices receive a total monthly stipend of $450.00, a professional shiatsu massage if desire or needed, professional hair cutting (optional), access to farm crops and our farm chicken eggs. All time off needs to be scheduled and approved in advance. A three-day weekend may be taken off after Labor Day weekend. Any extra days off for special reasons need to be cleared with manager and scheduled ahead of time. We are a year round operation but can only educate interns when we are at out busiest. The internship program begins mid-April and goes through the end of December. We will stagger the start and finish date of any potential intern based on this schedule. Please state what time frame you are able to commit to the farm below.

To apply: Send cover letter, resume and 3 references

Send to: Leann Landgrebe by email cremedelacrop@msn.com, Fax 219.477.2001, or mail to Crème de la Crop, 208 N. 250 W., Valparaiso, IN 46385

Internship Starts: Internships Available as of 5.14.14

Internship Ends: Year round program

Number of Interns: 4

App Deadline: Open till filled

Minimum Length of Stay: To be determined