Aeonian Farm

Last Updated On: November 1st, 2023 at 01:39PM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
3 Stone Fruit ln
Westport, Massachusetts, 02790

Primary Contact: Andrew Ashbrook
Primary Phone:
    Type: Cell
    Number: 203-917-7544
    Email: aeonianfarm@gmail.com

Website: https://aeonianfarm.net

Internship information

General Farm Description: Aeonian Farm is a hand-tended microfarm in Westport, MA established on leased land in 2020. Our produce is grown organically in no-till soils. Our fertility comes from local, organically certified compost and OMRI listed amendments. Because our vegetables are hand tended, we're able to offer a product of the utmost quality. We grow on about 1 acre, most of which is devoted to diversified annual vegetables with an expanding cut flower enterprise. We have four unheated high tunnels on the farm which we use to grow year round. We sell exclusively to farmers markets throughout the year, with our main market season running from May - November and a special winter market from January - March. On our farm we grow intensively in order to maximize the productive potential of the limited space available to us. In order to achieve this level of production we prioritize using human scale tools that offer flexibility and efficiency while minimizing the disturbance of our soil. With two successful seasons behind us, we are expanding production this year and looking for two hardworking, passionate individuals to join our team. This is a unique opportunity for someone interested in learning the intricacies of small scale, intensive agriculture.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: May
Internship Ends: October/early November
Number of Internship Available: 2-4
Application Deadline: April 30th, 2023
Minimum Length of Stay: 6 months

Internship Details:

Hours: We are looking for help beginning in May, with the season ending sometime in October, possibly November. Work days will start at 7/8 AM and end at 4/5 PM, Monday – Friday, depending on the season. Lunch is one hour, unpaid. Help at our weekend farmers market will be needed and farm crew will alternate work on Saturdays, approximately 6 AM to 3 PM. Whoever works the market on Saturday will get the next Monday off.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Field work/Crop production: participate in all aspects of field management including soil amending, bed preparation, transplanting, weed management, harvesting and bed flipping. Some pest management, propagation, pruning and trellising work as needed.
Harvest: Weekly harvests of produce for our farmers markets. We take quality very seriously on the farm, so close attention and care will need to be paid to quality of produce and efficiency of harvest.
Post-harvest: ensure that all produce is washed and cooled with care and efficiency, paying close attention to quality control. Maintain a clean and organized wash station and walk-in cooler.
Farmers market: Create a welcoming and cheerful environment for customers. Be able to speak with passion and experience about the produce, our growing practices and share recipe ideas.
Other: Infrastructure projects including greenhouse repairs, road maintenance, tool maintenance, fence work, etc.

Educational Opportunities: Many opportunities for cross training, mentorship, and responsibility while working directly with the farmers.

Skills Desired: Required Skills: Have an interest in farming as a career, and desire to learn the ins and outs of diversified, small-scale organic vegetable production. Must be able to lift 50lbs repeatedly, should be in fit physical condition. Must be able to walk, stand, squat, and kneel for extended periods. Must be willing to work outdoors in all types of weather. Good communication and listening skills, able to follow instructions when given. Openness to receive and share constructive criticism. Understands the importance of following systems and working efficiently. Attention to detail. Works well independently and with others. Can maintain focus and work efficiently while working solo or with others. Reliable transportation to and from the farm and a valid driver's license with clean driving record so you can drive farm vehicles and be added to our insurance. Some previous experience in vegetable farming is preferred, but not required.

Meals: No, though some produce that returns from market is available for the crew.

Stipend: Hourly pay starts at $16.00 an hour.

Housing: No

Preferred method of Contact: Email