Foothill Farm

Last Updated On: abril 27th, 2022 at 09:20AM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
61240 FOOTHILL ROAD
ST IGNATIUS, Montana, 59865

Primary Contact: Julie Pavlock
Primary Phone:
    Type: Cell
    Number: 4065315852
    Email: foothillfarm@gmail.com

Website: https://www.farmlinkmontana.org/intern_host/848/

Internship information

General Farm Description: Foothill Farm is a diversified, certified organic multi-generational family farm in the Mission Valley of Western Montana focusing on fresh produce for wholesale, flower and vegetable seed, seed garlic and grass-fed beef. There are 70 acres which are made up of hay fields, pasture, 3 hoop houses, a propagation greenhouse and 6 acres of vegetables, as well as livestock. We sell a variety of vegetables through wholesale and CSA of the Western Montana Growers Cooperative as well as a large amount of seed garlic. We live in an incredibly beautiful place with a rich cultural history, and our farmland adjoins tribal land that leads to Mission Mountain Tribal Wilderness, with abundant recreational opportunities (swimming, hiking, cycling, etc.) within walking distance.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: 1 May or 1 June
Internship Ends: end of October
Number of Internship Available: 2
Application Deadline: none
Minimum Length of Stay: 2 months

Internship Details:

There are many tasks throughout the growing season, including field prep, composting, irrigation, planting, weeding, harvesting, packing produce, as well as tree planting, orchard work, with the possibility of moving cows and pastures, helping in hay-making, and all manner of jobs associated with small scale farming. We are looking for three apprentices to work with our family and crew. The apprentices are expected to work 5 days a week, Monday – Friday, an average of 8-10 hours a day, and be responsible for irrigation and farm chores one weekend a month. Apprentices spend the majority of their time working in the vegetable gardens, and occasionally helping with animals. It is a good way to gain experience in a diversified farming system, and to learn more about animal care and growing vegetables. We do some garden cultivation and other farm chores with horses, and there is opportunity to learn about working with the draft horses, if interested.

Educational Opportunities: We are heading into our 18th farming season on this land, so we are able to show firsthand a successful model of small scale organic agriculture to those who are interested – including livestock care and pasture management, haying, irrigation, growing vegetables, and fruits. We also try to make the management side of the farm available for interns to learn as well, including seed selection, crop planning, sales, marketing and business management. We hold an informal class session once a week to focus on specific farm topics. There are many other farms in our area, and established programs for touring farms and learning from other farmers. We hope you ask questions so that we can help further your interest and knowledge of farming.

Skills Desired: We are hoping to find apprentices who are interested in farming on their own in the future, or learning more about a diversified farming system. Must have a strong interest in growing a wide array of produce and some livestock care. Beyond that, a desire to learn, a strong interest in agriculture, good communication skills, independence, and a cheerful outlook are the most important skills we are looking for. We do not require any previous farming experience, although it is helpful, but apprentices must be able to do hard physical work in all weather conditions, think ahead and pay attention to detail. Must be able to lift 60 lbs repeatedly. Should enjoy being with small children. Neat, clean and organized and able to work independently as well as with others are also very important.

Meals: Apprentices are responsible for their own meals, and housing is equipped with a kitchen and fridge, and farm produce is available for use.

Stipend: Stipend of $1400-1600/month is provided in addition to housing and utilities, and farm food. Bonus included for staying the entire season.

Housing: There is a bunkhouse provided with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities, and individual rooms with bed and bedding and a desk and storage space for each apprentice. Our farm is 3 miles east of the town of St Ignatius, which is a small town with 2 grocery stores, a post office, hardware store, etc. We are remote, but not completely isolated as we are a very active farm 45 minutes north of Missoula.

Preferred method of Contact: Email or phone