Sward Family Farm

Last Updated On: mayo 21st, 2021 at 06:51AM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
78284 Snauer Lane
Cottage Grove, Oregon, 97424

Primary Contact: Shawn Broderick
Secondary Contact: Nancy Sward

Primary Phone:
    Type: Office
    Number: 541-767-3625
    Email: SwardFarm@gmail.com

Website: https://www.facebook.com/SwardFarm/

Internship information

General Farm Description: We are a small 5 acre Organic Farm that sells most of our product direct to our customers at the local Farmer's Market in Eugene Oregon We grow a complete range of fruits, vegetables and raise Shetland sheep. Shawn Broderick the lead farmer has been growing organic produce for family and market for more than 40 years. He has dedicated his life to perfecting his craft and fruit growing in particular. Organic fruit growing requires a high level of dedication that Shawn appreciates and commits to. An apprenticeship here is an exceptionable opportunity for an individual wanting to learn about organic fruit farming. We are very committed to high quality product, practices and service here on our farm. We are always striving to do things the best way possible for our customer, our product and the environment. Being that we are a very small farm as an apprentice you will get direct one on one experience and learning working with the lead farmers and marketers.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: 6/02/2021
Internship Ends: 10/31/2021
Number of Internship Available: 1
Application Deadline: 6/1/2021
Minimum Length of Stay: 5 months

Internship Details:

On our very diversified small farm, our Apprentice works directly with our very experienced lead farmer to complete and learn all aspects of growing and marketing the crops that we raise. Apprentice will have access to our experienced lead farmer and marketer on a daily basis for the best possible direct one on one learning scenario. Tasks including, soil prep, planting, picking, weeding, thinning, fertilizing, market truck loading, market setup, market customer service, and market stocking. Learning includes soil amending, varietal selection, pest/disease control, spacing, vegetable/fruit succession planning, irrigation, equipment, customer relationships, produce quality care, produce display principals, sheep care and more.

Educational Opportunities: Direct one on one training and teaching with very experienced lead farmers. Topics such as planting, timing, thinning, organic pest/disease/weed control, organic fertilizing, equipment, pruning, irrigation, inspecting, insects, varietals, seed care/sourcing, display, marketing, customer service, and quality control. Access to our farm library.

Skills Desired: Farm experience is not necessary. But experience with and a history of physically demanding work or activities is required. Must be able to lift heavy boxes repeatedly up to 50lbs. and be able to work in bent over, kneeling and squatting positions for extending periods of time. Best if not already attached to a specific methodology or discipline of growing. it is very important that you are able to commit to the entire five months and you are very interested and excited about furthering your education and experience growing Organic Produce.

Meals: Farm fresh produce provided as available.

Stipend: $1100 per month minus state/federal tax withholding. Worker's compensation insurance provided.

Housing: Private modern high quality tiny house. House has hot water, shower, oven, composting toilet, queen sized bed, and heat. A beautiful unit for you to live in.

Preferred method of Contact: email