Highgate Farm


Contact information
Farm Address:
1 Rigsby Rd
Marshall, North Carolina, 28753

Primary Contact: Melissa Harwin
Secondary Contact: John Kunkle

Primary Phone:
    Type:
Cell
    Number: 828-450-0709
    Email: highgatefarm@earthlink.net

Secondary Phone
    Type:
Cell
    Number: 8284-50-0708
    Email: highgatefarm@earthlink.net

    Email: highgatefarm@earthlink.net

Website:

Internship information
General Farm Description: "Highgate Farm is a small Certified Naturally Grown market garden and off-grid homestead surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Marshall, NC where we produce high quality mixed produce for sale at area tailgate markets, to area chefs, and through our CSA.Our business model is inspired by the traditional French Market Garden, producing a broad selection of products with great attention to detail. As a small scale CNG farm, our practices are closely aligned with NOP standards. We employ a walk-behind and small tractor, hand tools, drip irrigation, a passive solar propagation house, spun row cover, NOP compliant inputs and integrated pest management (IPM)."

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: 4/1/2022
Internship Ends: 12/31/2050
Number of Internship Available: 4
Application Deadline: none
Minimum Length of Stay: "Employee 8-12 months"

Internship Details:

Hourly Full & Part-time seasonal and year-round employee/crew member will be expected to participate in farm-related operations as needed 16- 40+hrs/wk.
Crew members will participate in all aspects of market garden operations or specific duties as assigned, from soil preparation, seed starting, crop cultivation, pest and disease management, harvest, wash & pack, and market sales. Engagement and morning meetings and weekly farm assessment and planning.
Activities will include greenhouse propagation, all aspects of field work from seeding/transplanting through cultivation, harvest and clean-up, processing and packing product and participating in market sales. Regular field rounds, and a weekly planning and debriefing meeting are also part of the schedule. A minimum of one day off each week will be provided to each individual. Occasional group outings for swimming, ice cream, beers, music, etc. are also included”


Educational Opportunities: "We offer on-the-job training and education, in all aspects of market gardening following organic methods, from planning through sales, including propagation, fieldwork, harvest, handling and record-keeping. We are happy to share our 30+ years of organic farming experience and related knowledge, a love and knowledge of food, cooking, and our natural environment, as well as our extensive library on related and other topics of interest. Other nearby farmers and beekeepers are often willing to offer opportunities for work and learning. The NC Cooperative Extension Service is nearby, and provides resources including education, training, information and facilities. As a member of CRAFT, interns/apprentices may take advantage of the many educational and networking opportunities offered, often at nearby farms.

Skills Desired: "Employee: A strong interest in food and food production, a minimum of 2 full seasons of full-time experience in small produce operation, and a willingness to adapt skills and techniques to meet our needs, is required. Ability to take direction and follow detailed plans, work independantly and lead a small crew. Flexibility and collaboration will be expected. The ability to work long hours performing physically demanding work in sometimes harsh conditions. General work skills of reliability and follow through, clear, respectful communication, and attention to detail are expected. A cheerful disposition is most appreciated! Apprentices/Interns: A strong desire to learn about food and food production is required. Those who are ready to learn and find satisfaction in hard work and a job well done will find much success here. Some experience working with plants and food is helpful. All applicants should expect to get up early, and to work long hours performing physically demanding work in sometimes harsh conditions. General work skills of reliability? and follow through, clear, respectful communication, and attention to detail are expected. A cheerful disposition is most appreciated!"

Meals: Basic snack & lunch staples are provided to hourly paid employees.

Stipend: Experienced farm crew employees recieve an hourly wage, PTO, and produce.

Housing: Hourly workers may find housing within the community, or here on the farm.

Preferred method of Contact: email