Two Sustainable Farm Internships Available in Texas for 2012

Two internships available at The Greer Farm in Texas 2012 Address: 1444 County Road 1125, Daingerfield, TX 75638 Phone: 903-645-3232 Website: www.greerfarm.com Photos on Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/Greer-Farm/117383061628847?sk=photos Contact: Sid Greer, email sid@greerfarm.com to apply Term: February –September 2012 (does not have to be for the entire duration) Greer Farm is a family farm practicing sustainable agriculture techniques seeking to be as organic as practicable.  We farm and ranch almost 400 acres in northeast Texas.  We have a vegetable CSA and sell in farmer’s markets locally and outside of Dallas.  In June and July we have a pick-your-own blueberry/blackberry patch and we pick and sell for our own account.  Year-round we have an egg mobile and sell eggs and raise grass fed cattle welling beef. We plan on raising pastured meat chickens and pigs this summer. We have a small flock of Suffolk sheep and boar mix goats.  Farm to fork cooking classes are taught on a scheduled basis at the farm.  We make jams and sauces from our berries and local fruit for sale.  There are four log cabins on the farm that are rented as part of our agritourism focus. We maintain flower display gardens and sell nursery plants in season. For complete details click "read more"

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Number of positions:  Two resident interns

Hours are generally Monday-Saturday with occasional Sunday picking during berry season in the morning.  Most of the time, we start at 7:00 am, but during June July berry season 5:30 am when picking.  The work week is 35-50/60 hours or so. Flexible based on what is going on. There is break time in the day, especially when very hot.

Compensation:  stipend of $100 per week plus allowance for food you cook yourself.  Farm vegetables available in season.  End of term bonus possible depending on performance.

Skills Desired:  Preference for someone that has prior experience growing and caring for vegetables, but not required.  Must be quick learner and not afraid to work.  You need to have a passion for farming, be reliable; will follow instructions and be able to work without constant supervision.  Job tasks cover every aspect of our farm activity from making beds and cleaning cabins, feeding animals, picking and packing berries, weeding, picking and packing vegetables, assisting in repairs, construction and maintenance, delivering CSA boxes or setting up and selling at farmer’s markets, barn cleaning, etc.   You should be non-judgmental, have physical endurance, can focus on detail and have no issue working with other persons on the farm. A majority of your time will be spent outdoors. We sell on the farm, so you need interpersonal skills to react with all types of people.

Educational Opportunity:  Northeast Texas community College which also has 4 year degree classes, a sustainable agriculture program, certification classes in welding, culinary arts, etc.  (www.ntcc.edu)

Recreation: State parks in Daingerfield and Caddo Lake, fishing, hiking, good back roads to run or bike, horseback riding on the farm. There are many nearby lakes.  We are a rural area so city life is in Shreveport (90 miles) and Dallas (130 miles).

Special conditions:  No smoking on the farm, no illegal drugs, alcohol in moderation after work. Have the ability to lift 50 pounds.  You must have valid driver’s license and responsible driving record.  No felony convictions.  You must have your own transportation.

Room & Board:  Accommodation is in shared bunkhouse with kitchenette and bunk beds.  Wi-Fi 9streaming movies difficult at times) and satellite TV. Meals are self-catered, but some may be with the farm family.  Building is air conditioned, has toilet and shower.

Applicants should prepare a statement of why they are interested in the farm internship and what do they bring to the position that make them attractive candidates along with a standard resume with references.  This should be sent to sid@greerfarm.com with “farm internship” in the subject line. We will interview in person or by phone.  A two week trial period is required before joining us for the term we agree for you to work.