North Plain/Blue Hill Farm

Last Updated On: November 1st, 2023 at 01:14PM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
342 north plain road
Housatonic, Massachusetts, 01236

Primary Contact: Emma Bagnardi
Primary Phone:
    Type: Cell
    Number: 573-631-6169
    Email: opportunities@northplainfarm.com

Website: http://www.northplainfarm.com

Internship information

General Farm Description: We are a family run 100% grassfed raw milk dairy and multi-species livestock farm in the Berkshire Hills of Western MA. We are committed to sustainable and organic practices and high standards of animal welfare. We have been in operation for 20 years and have gained the devotion and respect of local customers and national food-lovers alike. We have a close working relationship with Blue Hill Stone Barns/Blue Hill New York restaurants that keeps us on our toes- striving for flavorful products with earnest and interesting origin stories. We have an on-site farm store and vend at our local farmers-market and sell to local farm to table restaurants.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: ASAP
Internship Ends: TBD
Number of Internship Available: 2
Application Deadline: we accept applications year-round
Minimum Length of Stay: 1 year

Internship Details:

Are you interested in operating your own farm business and understanding the ins and outs of a successful small farm?
This apprenticeship will allow you an immersive working experience with dairy cows, beef cattle, chickens (layers and broilers), pigs, vegetable growing (we produce a huge amount of heirloom tomatoes), and all the equipment and tools required to do so. We graze our animals in thoughtful rotational systems on over 300 owned and leased acres in order to maximize animal health and build healthy soil.

some skills we focus on include:
-livestock fencing
-water systems
-tractor operation and maintenance
-farm building and carpentry
-hay making
-milking in a raw dairy system (we also have a small batch pasteurizer)
-farmers market set up and marketing
-greenhouse veg growing and harvest
-various aspects of livestock health and how to identify common issues
-rotational grazing systems
-reseeding pastures with a no-till drill
*and much more!

We are looking for apprentices to start ASAP with the intent of a year-long commitment. Start and end dates can be negotiable. We strongly suggest an overnight (or day) working visit before commitment. Educational workshops and industry conference opportunities are provided if applicable.

Housing is on-farm with a shared kitchen, bathroom and common space with other farm employees and apprentices. Apprentices often eat meals together. We like to have a non-mandatory farm gathering about once/week. The Berkshires is a naturally beautiful location with lots of hiking and swimming and within 2+ hours of both Boston and New York City. Our community strongly supports local food and thoughtful living.

Educational Opportunities: Industry Conferences & Workshops when available

Skills Desired: Ability to lift 50lbs, willingness to ask questions, experience with livestock or veggies a plus but not required, drivers license required, a passion or interest in farming as a long-term lifestyle.

Meals: some meals are communal- eggs, milk, veggies and a meat allowance from the farm store is provided

Stipend: yes, weekly pay plus additional food stipend and farm food allowance

Housing: yes if needed

Preferred method of Contact: email