Fraga Farmstead Creamery LLC
Last Updated On: diciembre 19th, 2022 at 07:42AM MST
Contact information
Farm Address:54655 NW Old Wilson River Road
Gales Creek, Oregon, 97117
Primary Contact: Lise Monahan
Secondary Contact: Steve Monahan
Primary Phone:
Type: Cell
Number: 503-784-4812
Email: elimonah@gmail.com
Secondary Phone
Type: -----
Number: 5033677100
Email: fragagoatcheese@gmail.com
Email: fragagoatcheese@gmail.com
Website: http://www.fragafarm.com
Internship information
General Farm Description: "We operate an Animal Welfare Approved farmstead goat dairy in NW Oregon and have recently added a flock of fiber animals. A farmstead dairy is a dairy that produces all the milk processed on site. That means there really are two distinct businesses under one roof- the barn- part of a pasture based livestock farm and then the cheese make room which is licensed and regulated as a food production plant . Any successful internship applicant should have a deep interest in learning about both aspects of the business since the time spent working is split between the two sides. We do rotational pasturing and soil building on our 33 ac farm and assure a very high quality life for our herd of about 60 milking goats. The milk produced is processed on-site into a variety of aged, raw and fresh/pasteurized cheeses and caramels. Our cheese is sold locally at Farmers Markets and specialty grocery stores.. We are looking for an intern that can dedicate an entire season to learning about responsible, and ecologically sound dairy practices. We are offering two full time paid position as an internship. We are looking for someone who is deeply curious about sustainable agriculture and is willing to ;put in the work-both of learning and of keeping a busy little farm running. The intern would work alongside farmer Lise to learn about goats and grazing and cheese maker Steve to learn all about making cheeses. No prior dairy experience is necessary but the ability to work and learn hard and fast while never loosing sight of how cool it is what we are doing is required . We do request that applicants have educated themselves about the reality of farming- this is not a good position for someone who has just had a change of heart about their previous career and is looking to dip a toe into the waters of farming. Farming is intently meaningful work and the right kind of farming sequesters carbon thus addressing the biggest challenge of our time- climate change. That said farming is work- day after day. It also also is financially very difficult. As a fully paid intern your pay will likely be much higher than that of most folks engaged in farming! . I am happy to talk to folks who are at the "toe dipping" stage of farming and can suggest some ways of learning more about this to assure that this is really the right thing for you (and you for us!). Please contact us through email, including a resume and cover letter as well as a phone number for an informal phone interview. We are accepting applications on a rolling basis. Visuals are on instagram as Fragafarm and on FB as Fragafarmsteadceramery. Please note- Instagram and FB are not showing the whole story! No pictures of muddy boots and long long days.... "CRAFT Member Farm? No
Internship Starts: February
Internship Ends: Our season slows down at the end of November.
Number of Internship Available: 2
Application Deadline: accepting applications now.
Minimum Length of Stay: 8 month
Internship Details:
We offer one full time (40 hours/week) paid position ($16/hour) for the 2023 season (February to November). Room and Board is available at reasonable cost. The Intern works and learns alongside of us on both “sides” of our farm. There is the “barn side” consisting of goat herdsmanhip and milking as well as the “dairy side” a Grade A licensed on farm creamery that produces a wide range of organic dairy products. We encourage additional training through Oregon State University Dairy program and other educational opportunities available locally and on-line. A portion of those trainings will be paid hours but we expect interns curiosity to carry over into their own time to further deepen learning. We are open to interviewing persons brand new to farming but the amount of dedication and stamina required to succeed in this field is often underestimated by folks brand new to it. Farming is very meaningful and often tedious work! An interest in Livestock and its role in the soil-plant-animal relationship is essential. Previous experience with livestock is not necessary but we expect any intern to recognize that our goats are our “production partners” but they are not pets.
For 2023 we are increasing the number of value added products and events held at the farm. Interns have the opportunity to learn about the process of Research and Development of new products.
What we look for:
The ability to commit to the full season (February/March thru October of ’23. Work is available until the end of November./the end of October is the minimum time commitment. Occasionally we hire part time folks for a shorter period of time/and or help during peak work weeks. intact us if that is something you are looking for.
The ability to follow verbal and written instructions precisely and to seek any needed additional information in a timely manner.
The physical ability and stamina to work a full day (8-10 hours) on your feet, reaching, kneeling, scrubbing and lifting as needed.
The ability to communicate clearly and respect the decision making processes on the farm.
The desire to become highly proficient) at all aspects of dairy farming including the many cleaning tasks. This requires receive continued constructive input well. A willingness to learn as well as to teach and contribute your own knowledge to the benefit of the farm .
Many of our employees come from fields other than farming and contribute valued skills to our farm business venture.
Educational Opportunities: "We love to teach, in addition to our hands on teaching interns will be encouraged to also attend short courses at Oregon State University dairy program as well as educational events of the Oregon Pasture Network and Friends of Family farmers. "
Skills Desired: "Ability to be work independently while also work well with us. Able to gage ones own skill set and ability and know when to ask for help. Fluent in English and legally able to work in the US. Able to work all day on your feet and to lift up to fifty pounds, able push a wheel barrow etc. Tolerance to cold, hot, muddy, dusty environments. The right candidate enjoys being physically active because that is pretty much what farming is about. A high energy level as well as the ability to not get flustered easily is helpful. Knowledge of construction/marketing/sales/IT/ culinary are very helpful!
Meals: For interns choosing to live on site we provide all meals and take turns in preparing them. Meals are family style and based on a very local omnivore diet.
Stipend: $16.00/hour position is forty hours a week.
Housing: Room and Board is available at a very reasonable cost.
Preferred method of Contact: email please