Bluestem Organic Farm

Last Updated On: November 1st, 2023 at 01:34PM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
4218 M-32
EAST JORDAN, Michigan, 49727

Primary Contact: Aaron Brower
Primary Phone:
    Type: Cell
    Number: 231-753-8887
    Email: bluestemfarmers@gmail.com

Website: https://www.bluestemfarm.net/jobs

Website: https://bluestemfarm.net/about

Internship information

General Farm Description: We have 12 acres in certified organic vegetable production, but the farm is 80 acres in all. The remaining acres are in permanent pasture and woods. We also have 4 hoophouses that produce both summer and winter vegetables. The core of our business is our CSA. Our members bring home what they want from our certified organic vegetables and pasture-raised eggs, pork, and chicken. We also have wholesale accounts. Our small, experienced, dedicated team consists of under 10 people. We don't have year-round work for everyone who's part of our summer crew, but there is year-round work for one or two people. Our farm is located just a few miles away from a premier Midwestern winter sports resort. Finding winter work to complement the growing season is usually no problem. On-farm housing is available in an off-grid tiny house in our woods. There is also a converted granary building with modern conveniences.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: Mid-May or mid-June
Internship Ends: November, depending on the weather
Number of Internship Available: 2
Application Deadline: Open til filled
Minimum Length of Stay: 10 weeks to 6 months

Internship Details:

Fair wages, great crew, free organic food, full time. Now accepting applications online at www.bluestemfarm.net/jobs. Want to take your vegetable production skills to the next level? Play a key role on our team of successful four-season farmers! Bluestem Farm is a year-round diversified organic farm located in East Jordan, Michigan. If you’re not familiar, picture the fingernail area of the ring finger of the state mitten. Primary duties involve:
– Hand-harvesting vegetables in the morning hours
– Sowing, transplanting, and weeding organic vegetables
– Washing and packaging vegetables for sale
– Doing field-related tasks like moving irrigation and garden clean-up
– Working inside hoophouses

Educational Opportunities: As a new farmer starting out, what do you need to spend money on, and what can you get by without? What can you do on a shoestring? How do you build soil fertility in a hurry? How do you go about finding a market niche for your new farm business, and go after it with everything you've got? We're first generation farmers with very recent experience starting from nothing and building a farm business we're proud of. In this job, there will of course be countless on-the-job opportunities for seeing everything from organic crop rotation to sowing and transplanting to successful crop varieties up close. But you'll also be with us to talk about the differences between the several models of beginning farms we've been part of: a non-profit farm in Europe, a raw milk dairy in New England, and our current 4-season farm. While not a direct focus of this position, other important aspects of our farm, from pasture-raised animal husbandry, to social justice, community events, and fermented vegetables, might also be of interest. Nearby organization Martha Wagbo Farm & Education Center holds monthly community potlucks, opportunities to learn about orchards + goats + maple sugaring. Learn more at www.wagbo.org.

Skills Desired: We’ve found a few different experiences + traits show up in people who are happy working here. - Have you had a year of experience being happy and working hard on another farm doing similar things? - Are you willing to be quick and hardworking and efficient with time? - Do you feel proud of this type of work? - Are you excited to absorb all the lessons this sort of life teaches? - Are you up for communicating with coworkers about the little or big issues that come up, so they can be handled in respect for everyone? - Do you have the type of attitude that looks at challenges positively? - Do you love working outdoors in all types of weather? - Do you enjoy the physical demands of working with your hands?

Meals: The farm doesn't prepare group meals, but we do set you up certified organic vegetables to take home. Pasture-raised protein is negotiable.

Stipend: - Stipend is based on experience, but you can expect a range of $14-17 per hour. More if you have significant experience. Full time positions are available through October or November 2023.

Housing: On-farm housing is available in an off-grid tiny house in our woods. There is also a converted granary building with modern conveniences. Stipend amount would be adjusted if you live in farm housing.

Preferred method of Contact: Email