In Good Heart Farm
Last Updated On: febrero 8th, 2022 at 07:57AM MST
Contact information
Farm Address:456 Friendly Pooch Lane
Pittsboro, North Carolina, 27312
Primary Contact: Patricia Parker
Secondary Contact: Benjamin Shields
Primary Phone:
Type: Cell
Number: 9196370666
Email: ingoodheartfarmnc@gmail.com
Secondary Phone
Type: -----
Number: 9194170705
Email: info@ingoodheartfarm.com
Email: info@ingoodheartfarm.com
Website: https://www.ingoodheartfarm.com
Website: https://www.instagram.com/ingoodheartfarm
Internship information
General Farm Description: We are a small, family produce farm of 11 years located about 7 miles west of downtown Pittsboro, NC. The farm was loved and cultivated by the late Bill Dow, who was the first NC farmer to have his farm certified organic and was also one of the founders of the Carrboro Farmers’ Market. The farmland is now owned and operated by Patricia Parker and Benjamin Shields with help from our employees and volunteers. We strive to continue Bill’s legacy and farm in a way that is ecologically healthy & communally strengthening. Currently we grow year-round on about 5 acres (3 in orchard and 2 in garden). Rotation, cover crops, mineral balancing, and other generative methods are central to our production philosophy of feeding the soil biology to feed the crops. We grow a little over 100 different varieties of vegetables, a few different fruits (strawberries, apples, pears, and blueberries), herbs, as well as some annual cut flowers. We also make value-added products such as garlic braids, dried herb blends, teas, tinctures, salves, and more. We grow year round by using season extension tools and variety selection and market through our CSA, 2 farmer's markets, local restaurants and our local cooperative grocery store. We believe access to healthy and culturally relevant food is a human right. We offer sponsored CSA shares for community members in need and pay-what-you-can opportunities for community members in need at markets. Our food security efforts are financially supported by many of our community members. We like to be part of the community and we enjoy participating in the Abundance Foundation's PepperFest, the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association's (CFSA) Piedmont Farm Tour, and the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) Farm to Fork fundraiser, among other events.CRAFT Member Farm? No
Internship Starts: asap, preferred no later than early March
Internship Ends: mid-December 2022 at the earliest, but would prefer through March 2023 (or longer, with pay raises with time working)
Number of Internship Available: 1-2 (we prefer to hire one full time employee, but are open to two part-time employees)
Application Deadline: Until the position is filled.
Minimum Length of Stay: at least through December 2022, but a full year is preferred
Internship Details:
This is a paid position. We would like someone to start as soon as possible, but no later than early March. We prefer to hire one full-time employee, working 40 hours per week, but we are open to the possibility of hiring two part-time employees.
Looking for an inquisitive and positive person who enjoys working hard and learning by doing. Must be self-motivated to learn & work. Must take initiative and ask questions. We explain our agricultural practices and techniques as we work. We focus on performing tasks efficiently & with a sense of urgency in the field, but we also like to encourage critical thinking & fun times too. We are open to discussing Eco-agriculture practices, business and management. Also open to talking about farm finances and experiences of farming as a full time job. Your time will be spent working alongside Ben, other employees, or volunteers, as well as completing farm tasks independently. You will do work associated with growing vegetables, fruit, and flowers; duties include mixing potting soil, making soil blocks, seeding, watering, transplanting, weeding by hand, cultivating (weeding) with hand tools, harvesting, washing and packing. You will also assist with post-harvest storage, irrigation, bed prep, cover crops, compost making, tunnel and row cover management, farm construction projects, as well as weed, disease and pest monitoring and management. You may also assist with CSA distributions, farmer’s market sales and restaurant deliveries. Please email us with your letter of interest and fill out the application here: https://forms.gle/K5XV51j4MWEgEVTf9
We prefer to do an on farm working interview (about 2 hours). We will compensate you with produce for your interview time.
Mostly, we are looking for someone who is serious about learning and doing the work. Most likely, this is someone who wants to have their own farm someday. Outdoor work experience is preferred, but farm work experience is not necessary. We need someone with a strong work ethic, a strong desire to learn how to farm, a good sense of humor, the ability to work quickly & efficiently (smarter, not harder); the capability to work in adverse conditions with cheer (rain, cold, heat, humidity, mosquitoes, gnats, being tired, etc. are facts of farm life). Must be physically able to lift & carry up to 50 lbs.
Educational Opportunities: We believe we need to grow farmers and that is as much part of our vocation as feeding the soil and growing food. We will share our library resources with you. We are transparent about all aspects of our farming and enjoy talking shop while working. If you have specific learning goals, please mention those when you reply. There will be opportunities to help create hugelkultur beds and pollinator hedge rows and also plan a food forest.
Skills Desired: We find that folks who are used to paying attention to detail, have a good sense of humor and ability to work with a team, and willing to work through the tough times (the weather can be challenging) are the best fit for farm work. You may not have acquired these skills in a garden or on a farm.
Meals: No, though we do have semi-regular potlucks. And we are more than happy to share produce and other farm goods.
Stipend: We will start at $12-$14/hour, depending on skill set and experience. We will give regular raises with time and development of skills. The longer you stay with us, the more you will earn. You are also welcome to as much produce as you would like to take for your household.
Housing: No, though we do have a spot for a camper if you have one.
Preferred method of Contact: email