Seasonal Hero – The Yurtstead

Last Updated On: November 1st, 2023 at 01:35PM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
11885 5800 Rd
Montrose, Colorado, 81403

Primary Contact: Jenn Mueller
Primary Phone:
    Type: Cell
    Number: 435-210-0016
    Email: theyurtstead@gmail.com

Website: https://www.theyurtstead.com

Internship information

General Farm Description: The Yurtstead is a small, regenerative off-grid farm that raises produce, weaner hogs, poultry, eggs and (some years) cut flowers in Western Colorado, on ten acres of valley land. The farm is a woman-owned and operated farm that practices very minimal tillage, little or no black plastic mulch, and land and material conservation. This is my ninth year providing fresh, intentionally grown and harvested products at local farmers' markets, and a winter CSA. I grow all year and foster healthy symbiotic relationships of mutual support with families in valley and mountain communities. My seasonal heroes are welcomed into my farm family, and we share communally cooked meals, our mutual and personal struggles, and daily labor in a genuinely supportive environment. Critical feedback is encouraged (yes, actually!) and discussion about fine-tuning processes and efficiency is expected. The farm is located in a sagebrush desert climate, and my practices reflect adaption to a marginal growing environment (8-10 inches of precipitation, and not when you need it) that may helpfully contribute to the challenges we face with the escalation of climate change. In 2021 a 100-year-flood swept the farm, and the fascinating process of soil development and flood rehab is ongoing, even as we continue production. Plants are excellent at communicating when their needs are not being met, so I have the best informants for this complex process.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: negotiable, early May preferred
Internship Ends: negotiable/season dependent, mid-to-late October
Number of Internship Available: 1
Application Deadline: May 1
Minimum Length of Stay: whole season preferred

Internship Details:

Interns are primarily responsible for assisting with vegetable (80%) and flower production (10%), with animal chores and field maintenance (10%). Most of these efforts are moderate but physical hand labor.  This generally consists of bed prep and amendment early season; seeding, cultivating, and harvesting in all seasons, with opportunity to assist with a market available for those that would like that experience. Aspects of plant health, soil development, weed identification and (never chemical) weed management, crop rotations, regenerative and no-till practices, creation of micro-climates as desert adaptation are discussed as we encounter them. We determine the 8 hour day based on weather and personal preferences season by season, and workers have two consecutive days off every week. Interns have single occupancy small cabins; all of the basic needs for life are met by my accommodations, but these systems are simple and perhaps “rustic,” but actual running hot water, onsite laundry, and etc. are present.

 

To apply, please send a letter of intent, needn’t be super formal, a couple of references of people who have managed you in the past, and a resume.  Resume needn’t be super formal, i just want to sort of see what else you have been interested in, or how you’ve worked, in the past.

Educational Opportunities: Local non-profit hosts events, user's choice to attend (evenings, usually).

Skills Desired: Previous experience preferred, but I've trained many newbies. Demonstrated willingness to work hard, outdoors is strongly beneficial

Meals: Yes

Stipend: Yes, hourly wages

Housing: Yes

Preferred method of Contact: email or text