Christopher Farm

Last Updated On: julio 19th, 2022 at 12:28PM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
5305 W 500 S
Modoc, Indiana, 47358

Primary Contact: Wendy Carpenter
Primary Phone:
    Type: Cell
    Number: 812-459-4475
    Email: wendy@christopherfarm.net

Website: https://christopherfarm.net

Internship information

General Farm Description: Christopher Farm works to regenerate soil health and community through production of nutritious produce and beautiful flowers in a part of the country where this work is somewhat rare and increasingly longed for. We are a 4 acre (~2 in cultivation), certified organic (through USDA and Real Organic Project), diversified vegetable and cut-flower farm. We practice season extension to keep the farm productive year-round. Our farm is woman-owned and managed by Wendy Carpenter, who for more than 25 years has been a prominent figure in the local sustainable food and environmental movements. At this point in time we attend 2 farmer's markets and have CSAs in 2 small local cities, providing fresh produce to folks from a large range of socio-economic backgrounds. For all of these outlets we strive to have the highest quality produce, namely fresh, clean, tasty, beautiful, and nutritious. While we grow a wide variety of vegetables, we are known for unique and specialty crops.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: End of July or Beginning of August
Internship Ends: End of October
Number of Internship Available: 2
Application Deadline: Rolling applications until position is filled.
Minimum Length of Stay: 3 Months

Internship Details:

The goal of our internship program is to help individuals to further their experience in regenerating and stewarding the land and feeding the community. In the day-to-day this means becoming a part of the operation – planting/transplanting, cultivating, caring for crops, preparing beds, harvesting, washing, packing, marketing, etc. Over the years we have done exploration in various methodologies, though at this point we are practicing organic no-till, with an emphasis on enriching the soil food web. Over the course of the season, members of the crew will have proximity to the seasons and the way in which they influence both operation and lifestyle. Our intention is to provide experience in all aspects of running a small organic farm.

Educational Opportunities: In addition to vast knowledge that can be learned from working closely with an experienced farmer who, over the course of several decades, has practiced and experimented with a variety of growing techniques, we have a large selection of reading materials available and access to online video courses. We have weekly lunchtime conversations discussing specific topics and gleaning from the resources we have available. Beyond this we build a crew culture that is conducive to questioning and discussing the work that we do. And of course there is a good deal to be learned through observation of the plants and the land.

Skills Desired: Prior agricultural/horticultural experience is preferred though not essential. More importantly we are looking for curiosity and interest in learning, a good work ethic, and willingness to communicate openly.

Meals: An abundance of vegetarian ingredients are provided. We share at least one meal a day, with a rotating cooking schedule.

Stipend: The stipend ranges from $800-$1000/month, depending on experience.

Housing: We have a once grain bin, now cheery farmhouse for the crew that has two bedrooms and a shared bathroom, kitchen and living area. The bin house is heated by a wood stove in the cold months and there is a shady porch for eating in the warmer months. Our camper serves as a third bedroom.

Preferred method of Contact: Email