Live Power Community Farm- Crew Member

Last Updated On: November 1st, 2023 at 01:44PM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
25451 East Ln
Covelo, California, 95428-9861

Primary Contact: Gloria A Decater
Primary Phone:
    Type: Home
    Number: 7079838196
    Email: livepower@livepower.org

Website: https://www.livepower.org

Internship information

General Farm Description: Live Power Community Farm, located in the heart of Northern California, is a unique, legendary, biodynamic, horse powered farm. Live Power was one of the first community supported agriculture farms in California, started in 1974. In a pristine environment, Live Power land is secured in a specialized agriculture land agreement that permanently dedicates the 50 acres to Biodynamic farming. Live Power’s commitment is to Biodynamic agriculture. It is a whole farm organism which attempts to generate all of its needs-animal feed, fertility, tillage and mechanical power, out of this organism. This is unique in today’s largely fossil energy dependent agricultural model. This is healthier for the climate, the earth and all living beings than modern input/output agriculture. We believe that besides transforming farming practices, we also need to transform economic practices. We believe market based business/economics needs to move towards associative and cooperative practices, including social relationships, where the bottom line is the good of all the players involved. This requires developing concern for others, self-discipline, and recognition that everything in the farm is giving to and serving others. The diversified garden utilizes both raised beds and row crops, all watered with overhead irrigation. While soil preparation and row crop cultivation are initially done with the horses, there is a good deal of handwork in the garden. We generate our own fertility through compost, no till regenerative cover cropping, and field rotation. Field crops include annual and perennial pasture, alfalfa, 26 acres of hay and occasional grain and other forage crops. The farm produces most of its own hay and uses intensive rotational grazing for a small herd of cattle and a flock of sheep. We keep three draft horses, dairy cows and a flock of hens for our own eggs and dairy, and raise feeder pigs each year. We also maintain a small orchard of apples, pears, peaches, and plums. The farm is in a beautiful rural setting at 1300 feet elevation in a 7 mile wide mountain valley bordered by the Mendocino National Forest and Eel River. It is 1.5 miles from the downtown of Covelo, population 3500, which has an excellent library. It is 30 miles from the main Hwy 101 corridor and 50 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. It is not easily accessible to public transportation. The area receives approximately 45 inches of rainfall from October through April or May. It is a clear, dry, and hot Mediterranean climate in the summer months with winter low temperatures in the 20's at night and warmer in the day. Frost generally ends in early May and returns in mid-October. Summer temperatures range from 100-110 Fahrenheit but cool to 50 or 60 at night with low humidity and light afternoon breezes in the summer. We also host 7-10 school classes of 3rd and 6th graders each year. During their three-day stay on the farm, the children participate in all aspects of life on the farm, including plowing with the horses, shearing sheep, and making compost. Live Power also hosts various workshops and field days throughout the year.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: ASAP
Internship Ends: October 30th-flexible
Number of Internship Available: 1
Application Deadline: ASAP
Minimum Length of Stay: 6 months

Internship Details:

Seeking farm crew members! Live Power Community Farm is a biodynamic farm with a rich history in beautiful Northern California. As well as a large vegetable garden, the farm is home to horses, cows, sheep, chickens, and pigs. We host frequent 3-4 day school class visits during the spring and fall, connecting children to the soil, the plants, the animals and the system that feeds hearts, minds, and bodies. The farm crew will participate full time in the daily running of the farm, learn how to care for the many animals and vegetable garden, and engage school children in farming life. This is an incredible opportunity for someone who wants to learn about small scale farming with animals and believes in the importance of connecting children with the bounty of nature who cares for and supports them.

This is a full-time position with time off on weekends. We are looking for a minimum commitment of 6 months, and longer stays are welcome.

Room and board provided. WIFI available. Monthly stipend.

For more information about the farm, visit http://www.livepower.org/. To apply, please contact Gloria Decater at 707-983-8196 or email livepower@livepower.org.

Educational Opportunities: 1. All aspects of the vegetable garden. 2. Biodynamic field practices. 3. Feeding and caring for livestock. 4. General farm maintenance. 5. Participation in school class visits. 6. General farm planning and management. Full day work schedule with ample meal times and afternoon break in hot weather. 5 1/2 days a week.

Skills Desired: Skills Required: Good communication skills, a grateful and respectful attitude and willingness to receive and implement techniques specific to this Bio - dynamic farm. Skills Desired: We prefer to work with people who have at least one season of farming experience and who are committed to pursuing a career in agriculture. Knowledge of, or interest in, Biodynamic agriculture is helpful.

Meals: yes

Stipend: yes

Housing: yes

Preferred method of Contact: email