Seed Peace – Farm Apprentice

Last Updated On: January 3rd, 2024 at 09:39AM MST

Contact information
Farm Address:
6333 Highway 133
Carbondale, Colorado, 81623

Primary Contact: Nick Owings
Primary Phone:
    Type: Cell
    Number: 9703190711
    Email: community@seedpeace.org

Website: https://seedpeace.org/

Website: https://www.thefarmcollaborative.org

Internship information
General Farm Description: Seed Peace is a market garden and vegetable seed farm located at Sunfire Ranch in Carbondale, CO. We are focused on producing the highest quality produce and seed using minimal tillage and regenerative techniques. Seed Peace is also focused on research and seed breeding, creating vegetable seed that is vigorous, adaptable and unique. The farm is a non-Profit organization with a mission to accelerate the transition to regenerative agriculture in the Roaring Fork Valley through seed, education and innovation. Seed Peace is a part of Farm Collaborative, a non-profit farm organization, near Aspen, that works to accelerate regenerative agriculture through farmer support programs, children's summer camps, and farmer training. We are in our second year as a merging non profit business. Learn more about the farm at wildmountainseeds.com, seedpeace.org and farmco.org

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: April 15th or May 1st
Internship Ends: November 1st
Number of Internship Available: 3
Application Deadline: March/15/2023
Minimum Length of Stay: 7 months

Internship Details:

Join Seed Peace/ Farm Collaborative and learn the necessary skills to grow seed and high quality produce organically in an alpine climate. The apprentices will participate in all aspects of farming from seed to table.

We are looking for 3 apprentices to join us for the 2024 harvest season! Ideal timeframe is (April 15th or May 1st – Nov 1st)

Tasks include (but not limited to):

  • Growing healthy nursery starts
  • Minimal tillage and no till garden bed preparation
  • Watering nursery starts
  • Direct seeding
  • Transplanting
  • Maintaining weeds
  • Pruning and maintaining greenhouse crops
  • Operating and maintaining alpine hoop house
  • Cover cropping strategies for soil maintenance
  • Using tarps for weed control
  • Breeding annual crops like (tomato, cucumber among others)
  • Breeding bi-annual crops like (carrot and onion among others),
  • Vegetable and seed harvesting
  • Post harvest washing and packing of vegetables
  • Helping set up and run a farmers market
  • Helping run spring nursery sales
  • Cleaning of vegetable seeds
  • In class farming education
  • The apprenticeship at Seed Peace is a hands on educational experience where the apprentice completes tasks 4 days per week. With a half day of in class education with farmer Casey.

Housing and amenities provided:

  • 3 bed/2 bath home (shared)
  • Toilet Paper
  • Fresh farm produce
  • Frozen farm produce
  • Local grains and flour
  • Coconut oil

Ideal candidates:

  • Have enthusiasm for hands on learning
  • Are focused on education during the apprenticeship time frame
  • have compassion and respect for all involved
  • respect the land and all the life
  • enjoy cooking and sharing meals
  • are open and respectful of others perspectives (especially on food and diet)
  • Are respectful of others cultures

Educational Opportunities: The farm apprentice will be learning the ins and outs of a small organic vegetable and seed farm, growing in cold climates, running a market stand, machine operation, low-till growing practices, building soil health and other farm related skills that will help them further their career in agriculture.

Skills Desired: Some farm or gardening experience preferred Able to work in intense heat and cold Can work well with your hands Ability to do repetitive up and down motions Can lift 50 lbs Can work long hours when needed Observation skills Communication skills Ability to take initiative Interest and enthusiasm in agriculture

Meals: Interns are provided bulk organic grains (rice, beans, chickpeas, lentils), flour, farm produce is available for use. During most work days one crew member is designated to cook lunch and is encouraged to use ingredients from the farm.

Stipend: compensation is equivalent to $20/hr Note: this number encompasses the value of the apprenticeship which includes housing/utilities, bulk food/vegetables provided by farm, classroom learning taught by local ag experts, etc...

Housing: 3 bed, two bath manufactured home on site with fully furnished kitchen, furnished bedrooms, and laundry machine/dryer is provided. Apprentices are responsible for cleaning and upkeep on the property.

Preferred method of Contact: Email

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