Regenerative Farm Assistant – Academy Mill Farm

Last Updated On: junio 11th, 2024 at 09:37AM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
4521 Davis Academy Rd.
Rutledge, Georgia, 30663

Primary Contact: Alan Jenkins
Primary Phone:
    Type: Cell
    Number: 4703670419
    Email: jenkins.alan73@gmail.com

Website:

Internship information

General Farm Description: Academy Mill Farm is a 250 acre farm 45 minutes east of Atlanta and 45 minutes south of Athens, GA. The land has deep family roots and a longing history. For years, the pastures (125 acres) and pecan grove (20 acres) have been leased out to traditional cattle farmers. I am transitioning the farm to regenerative, organic practices, first with the pecan grove (silvopasture w/ cattle) and adjacent nine acre pasture. In the coming years, I will take on the 125 acre section. The rest of the acreage includes protected hardwoods, ponds, creeks and a named stream with high aquatic bio-diversity. Great bass fishing and pond swimming are available for interns/assistants and your friends. I am a part-time Presbyterian minister (chaplain) committed to protecting this farm from future development while initiating organic, regenerative agriculture with animals. Inspiration comes from the likes of Joel Salatin (Polyface Farms in Virginia), Greg Judy (Green Pasture Farms, Missouri) or Will Harris (White Oak Pastures in South Georgia). I have had training on other such farms, am currently managing 15 cows (owned by friend Dennis) with rotational grazing for forage and soil development. I would like to add 15 pigs or sheep to the rotation for meat sales and income generation, and an assistant would be the key to moving Academy Mill Farm to a level of success. The farm has a new LLC, but I need help getting the farm business started with sheep or pigs, care for pecan trees, and developing marketing and sales of meat.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: As soon as possible
Internship Ends: Minimum 3 months, ideally 6 - 12 months with possible extension
Number of Internship Available: 1
Application Deadline: June 15th, 2024
Minimum Length of Stay: 3 months

Internship Details:

Seeking a part-time farm employee for a new farm operation. Responsibilities include the regenerative rotating of animals (cattle, with sheep and pigs to be added), strategizing for grazing, including introducing native grasses, assistance with fence work, and business/admin assistance. Hours and compensation are flexible, depending on availability and experience. Commitment to regenerative, organic agriculture is a priority, either through experience or willingness to learn.

Possibility exists for further development of the position to increase compensation and hours.

Re: Housing – I, Alan, am a 50 year old single male living on the farm in a one story, newly renovated 3 bedroom farmhouse. With the right match and boundaries, the intern/assistant for this position could possibly live here, though not ideal. Purchasing a used Tiny House for intern/assistant residence is being considered.

Also of note I am a part-time Presbyterian Church (USA) chaplain not always on the farm. I am forward thinking on social and environmental issues, and faith / practice of a more peaceful, just world is important to me. If the applicant shares some of those values, all the better.

Please send a resume and references to Alan Jenkins at jenkins.alan73@gmail.com

Educational Opportunities: Intern / Assistant would ideally be learning alongside me, Alan.

Skills Desired: Commitment to regenerative, organic agriculture is a priority, either through experience or willingness to learn. Assistant will join Alan in thinking through grazing strategies and estimating carrying capacity of pastures with the addition of sheep and/or pigs. More pay available for the intern / assistant who is also willing to help with the business-side of the farm (primarily with sales, website, keeping records, sending emails to customers). Alan plans on selling direct-to-consumer, so early morning local farmers market sales will not be a part of the work. Physical labor is required, but no heavy lifting. Rather, moving animals in rotational grazing daily, setting up temporary electric fencing, assistence with the outer perimeter permanant fence, removing invasives. I have an international background (Latin America), am forward thinking on social and environmental issues, and faith / practice of a more peaceful, just world is important to me. If the applicant shares some of those values, all the better.

Meals: Some, but not all meals. If the intern / assistant helps with food prep, then meals / ingredients will be provided.

Stipend: Yes. $15 - $20 per hour, depending on experience and commitment.

Housing: Re: Housing - I, Alan, am a single male living on the farm in a one story, newly renovated 3 bedroom farmhouse. With the right match and boundaries, the intern/assistant for this position could possibly live here, though not ideal. Purchasing a used Tiny House for intern/assistant residence is being considered. 

Preferred method of Contact: email