Prairie Drifter Farm

Last Updated On: enero 22nd, 2020 at 02:20PM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
61369 223rd St
Litchfield, Minnesota, 55355

Primary Contact: Joan Olson
Primary Phone:
    Type: Home
    Number: 320-693-5502
    Email: prairiedrifterfarm@gmail.com

Website: https://prairiedrifterfarm.com

Internship information

General Farm Description: Prairie Drifter Farm is a certified organic vegetable farm located in Litchfield, MN, approximately 40 miles south of St. Cloud and 70 miles west of Minneapolis. Prairie Drifter Farm is owned and operated by Nick and Joan Olson. The upcoming growing season will be our 11th season in operation, growing for approximately 150 CSA shares and several wholesale accounts including two local food co-ops and the Harvest for the Hungry program.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: end of April/early May
Internship Ends: end of October
Number of Internship Available: 1
Application Deadline: ongoing until filled
Minimum Length of Stay: 6 months

Internship Details:

Because we are a small farm, employees take part in aspects of our farm including greenhouse work, weeding and transplanting; harvesting, washing and packing for CSA deliveries/wholesale accounts; cover cropping, irrigation and record keeping; care of small flock of laying hens for farm use; and involvement with share member events.

Our employment opportunities are especially beneficial for, but not limited to, someone exploring or pursuing vegetable farming as a career as there will be opportunities for significant education on the farm as well as in conjunction with neighboring organic farms. Preference is given to qualified applicants who could return to the farm for an additional season or more.

Educational Opportunities: Networking with other area sustainable and organic farms. We are lucky to be in a region with several other organic and sustainable farms, which raise vegetables, fruits, sheep, dried beans, and grass-fed beef. We connect our employees to other farms to broaden their farm experience based on their interest. Educational gatherings in conjunction with a neighboring organic vegetable farm to include topics determined by the employees of both farms. In the past we have covered topics such as cover cropping, budgeting, soil health, post-harvest handling, organic certification, and pest management. Development of a growing season learning plan to help direct particular educational goals of each employee. Employee check-ins at the beginning, middle and end of each season to ensure employees are gaining the skills and background they need to be successful in their future pursuits. Ability to take on more responsibility of certain aspects of the farm as the season progresses based on interest and abilities.

Skills Desired: Prairie Drifter Farm is looking for individuals who are self-motivated, have great attention to detail and are eager to work and learn. Previous farm experience is a great benefit but not required. Crew members should be in good physical condition with the ability to lift 50 pounds. Farm work is physically demanding and we work in all weather conditions. Employees should expect to work efficiently and quickly and maintain our standards of high quality produce and customer service. Efficiency in production is what helps to make the farm financially viable; we work at a fast pace and expect our employees to do the same. A smoothly operating farm helps to create a positive living and working environment for the entire crew. Employees should be able to work independently and in a group and have an interest in sustainable agriculture and good food! It is important for us to work in an enjoyable environment for the benefit of our family, our crew and our membership.

Meals: Occasional farm crew shared meals but all crew members have abundant access to all of the food raised on the farm.

Stipend: $10+/hour base pay depending on past experience

Housing: Yes

Preferred method of Contact: Email