Tomten Farm
Last Updated On: November 1st, 2023 at 01:42PM MST
Contact information
Farm Address:50 Dale Dr
Green Bay, Virginia, 23942
Primary Contact: Brian Garretson
Secondary Contact: Autumn Campbell
Primary Phone:
Type: Cell
Number: 4343921896
Email: info@tomtenfarmva.com
Website: https://www.tomtenfarmva.com
Internship information
General Farm Description: Tomten Farm produces high-quality vegetables using organic and sustainable methods focusing on the long-term health of the land. Brian Garretson and Autumn Campbell started the farm in 2012 in Prince Edward County, VA, 10 miles SE of Farmville. We intensively cultivate 2.5 acres of annual specialty vegetables crops using both traditional and progressive farming methods. In addition, we have a moveable flock of 100 laying hens and we pasture raise 125 broiler chickens and 50 Muscovy ducks each year. Through seasonal cover cropping, compost and mineral amendment, and moving poultry flocks through our spent cropland we are actively working to improve the fertility of our soil. We both worked for many years in the food and beverage industry developing a strong passion for cooking and eating. This passion has been transferred to what we raise and grow, seeking out the tastiest varieties of vegetables and optimum growing conditions to maximize on the quality of our produce. Our food is sold at 2 Richmond area farmers markets, to a small group of wholesale restaurant & grocery customers, and through our 40-member CSA.CRAFT Member Farm? No
Internship Starts: Hourly Positions - April 2023 / Summer Interns - May 2023 (flexible start date)
Internship Ends: Hourly Positions - December 2023 / Summer Interns - September 2023 (flexible end date)
Number of Internship Available: 2+
Application Deadline: When filled
Minimum Length of Stay: Hourly Position - 6 months / Summer Intern - 8 weeks
Internship Details:
Our small intensive farm offers a wonderful opportunity for those interested in learning about how a market farm runs. We are hiring both part-time hourly farm hands and summer full-time interns. Our main season runs from April through December. As on any vegetable farm there is always a lot to do. Farm duties will include crop transplanting & cultivation, field preparation, plant management, harvesting, washing, and packing produce. As the owners, we both work exclusively on the farm and are invested in creating a profitable farming system that builds community and a love of food and cooking. Our business is committed to embracing diversity of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and ability. We welcome applications from those that also embrace this diversity.
Part-Time Hourly Farm Workers: We are seeking motivated individuals with prior outdoor or physical labor work experience. We can offer 10 – 30 hours per week, dependent on your availability. We ask that you commit to a minimum of 6 months; with options for year around employment. Pay rate is hourly based on experience. Other perks include farm veggies to take home and hot lunch provided by us.
Summer Interns – We are seeking summer interns between May and September, requiring a minimum stay of 8 weeks and a maximum of 16 weeks, with flexible start and end dates. The internship requires approximately 40 hours (5 days per week), plus assistance in daily animal chores, and periodic weekend responsibilities. You will work in most aspects of the farm operation alongside the two owner/farmers as well as have responsibilities working on your own. Previous farm experience is not necessary, but experience with physical labor of some sort is a must. We slaughter our poultry on the farm and will require that you help out with the summer processing. We also have on-farm events periodically throughout the season; which include either our CSA members or the public and we ask that interns participate as well. In addition to the farm duties you may assist with seeding, greenhouse management, pest and disease control, irrigation setup and operation, mulching, and miscellaneous fieldwork. There is also daily and weekly duties for the poultry.
Educational Opportunities: Summer Interns - You will work closely with the two farmer/owners throughout the season and there is ample time for focused discussion on methods and systems used. There is also a small book and publication resource available at the farm. There can be opportunities to visit other likeminded farms within our region.
Skills Desired: We are looking for individuals with strong work ethic. One that enjoys doing physically taxing work (must be able to lift 50lbs), even in adverse conditions. The summers are very hot and humid in Southside Virginia and although we do our best to schedule hard work for the cooler times of day, this job requires a positive attitude and the will to work through difficulty. Other necessary skills include the ability to learn quickly, take direction well, do repetitive tasks, and multitask. A person who is attentive, has fun working, and has a desire to learn to work faster and more efficiently. Our quality standards for our produce and poultry are very high so we are looking for an individual with a passion for food and cooking and an interest in developing their craft as a farmer. Needs a valid drivers license and on farm interviews are preferred.
Meals: During the workweek, we provide 3 hot meals per day, having a rotating schedule for meal preparation. We love cooking and hope you will too. Weekends are on your own; but the kitchen and food is available to you. All food expenses are covered as part of the stipend, which often includes local artisanal bread, cheese, mushrooms, specialty coffee, and an unrivaled pantry of spices, asian condiments, and staples.
Stipend: We offer an $900 per month stipend plus we provide housing (a private room in our home), utilities, Wi-Fi, and all food (an approximate value of $900). The stipend rate is negotiable for candidates with past vegetable production farming experience.
Housing: A private room in our beautiful 1880’s farmhouse plus access to all of the downstairs, including a well equipped kitchen, a large porch, bathroom with claw foot tub, and living areas. All utilities (heat, woodstove, and AC), wifi, and household basic supplies are included.
Preferred method of Contact: email