Flying Cloud Farm

Last Updated On: February 3rd, 2025 at 01:36PM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
1860 Charlotte Hwy
Fairview, North Carolina, 28730

Primary Contact: Annie Perkinson
Primary Phone:
    Type: Cell
    Number: 8287683348
    Email: flyingcloudfarmnc@gmail.com

Website: https://www.flyingcloudfarm.net/

Internship information

General Farm Description: Flying Cloud Farm produces vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers for direct sale to our customers. We follow organic practices, although we are not certified, due to the fact that we direct market the majority of our produce and have relationship with our customers. We sell at two farmer's markets each week, prepare CSA shares and tend a self-serve stand at the farm. Up to 75 families sign up for CSA shares, receiving a box of produce every week for 19 weeks, some with an additional flower bouquet, which make up our Community Supported Agriculture group. Our farming practices rely on cover cropping, amending the soil by annual testing, crop rotation, cultivation and planning for insect and weed issues in order to consistently produce food for our customers. The farm is located 12 miles outside Asheville on 74A East in the last valley before the road climbs the mountain to the continental divide. The farm's name is inspired by the name of the stagecoach that traveled Drover's Road (route 74A) in the mid-1800's. The Flying Cloud made a stop at the historic Sherrill's Inn, which was purchased in 1916 by Annie's great-grandparents. There is close access to hiking and biking trails. We are fortunate to be located in a wonderful part of Western North Carolina with beautiful vistas, a great climate, and a vibrant culture.

CRAFT Member Farm? Yes

Internship Starts: April - May
Internship Ends: August - October
Number of Internship Available: 3
Application Deadline: May
Minimum Length of Stay: 2 months

Internship Details:

The focus of the apprentice program is education through experience. Flying Cloud Farm is a great place for learning how to successfully operate an organic farm. Our farm is well organized and we have years of experience growing a wide variety of products and utilizing a diverse marketing strategy. This combination creates an environment of knowledge for those who want to become produce growers.

We have 4 positions starting in April and lasting through October. Generally the start dates are staggered throughout the month of April and the end dates are staggered from early October until Thanksgiving. We will also be hiring for 2 summer positions, which should work well for folks with a school schedule.

The typical schedule is 6 days per week, 4 full days of 8-10 hours per day, and 2 shorter days, Thursdays and Saturdays. Most Sundays are free. We sell at 2 markets per week in season, so there are plenty of opportunities to get into town to sell our produce at market. This gives you a chance to sell the produce and flowers, interact directly with customers, meet and interact with other area farmers, as well as a chance to work off the farm for a day.

Educational Opportunities: Throughout your apprenticeship you can expect to participate and learn about all areas of the farm operation, such as farm planning, starting seeds, transplanting, weeding, pruning, harvesting, washing, packing, marketing, and sales. As part of your apprenticeship we sponsor you as a member of CRAFT, where you have an opportunity to visit other farms, network with other apprentices and farmers, and learn from their programs and potlucks.

Skills Desired: We are looking for people who are willing to work hard, enjoy physical labor, have a good attitude, work well in a team environment, excited to learn, are open minded, and have a good sense of humor. Previous farming experience is a plus, but not necessary.

Meals: Produce from the farm is available for you to prepare in the shared kitchens for your meals.

Stipend: We pay a weekly stipend that will increase throughout the season as performance is reviewed. Payroll taxes are paid and we provide you a W-2.

Housing: We will provide you with a place to live as long as you're employed on the farm. There are various housing options available. We have 3 converted school buses, and a small cabin. There is an outdoor kitchen, and bathroom, and an outdoor shower available during the warmer months.

Preferred method of Contact: text or email