Sheep & Poultry Apprenticeship – Dashing Star Farm

Last Updated On: November 1st, 2023 at 01:41PM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
157 Indian Lake Road
Millerton, New York, 12546

Primary Contact: Lynn Mordas
Primary Phone:
    Type: Home
    Number: (518) 789-4576
    Email: dashingstarfarm@gmail.com

Website: https://www.dashingstarfarm.com/

Internship information

General Farm Description: Dashing Star Farm is a humane and sustainable, NYS Grown & Certified sheep and poultry operation in Millerton, New York. We are a woman-owned business in our 30th season, producing high quality, hand-crafted fiber products, Grade AA eggs, and USDA inspected lamb. We have 30-50 sheep and 150-250 hens that have free range on rotated pastures, in addition to shelter in a historic barn that has been on the property since the 1840s.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: April 1, 2023
Internship Ends: indefinite
Number of Internship Available: 1
Application Deadline: March 20
Minimum Length of Stay: 6 months

Internship Details:

We are dedicated to mentoring the next generation of agricultural professionals. The farm apprenticeship is initially a part-time (25-30 hours, 4-5 days/week) position with the possibility to become full-time (40-50 hours, 5-6 days/week) for the right person. Pay is commensurate with experience ($15-20/hr). This is an excellent opportunity for someone interested in learning all aspects of a small pasture-based farming operation.

Tasks include (but are not limited to):

• Providing livestock with feed and water, including moving buckets of grain and water, and bales of hay.
• Assist in moving and securing sheep and lambs including the use of halters and other restraints.
• Regular FAMACHA scoring checks
• Basic observations of livestock conditions and discussing any concerns with employer.
• Wool sorting
• Brushing and processing sheepskins
• Barn cleaning
• Mucking stalls
• Weeding fence lines, pruning shrubs and brush and weeding herb gardens.
• Moving irrigation hoses, setting up outdoor waterers and water/feed troughs.
• Product inventory management
• Accepting packages that are delivered to the farm and providing packages to couriers.
• Assisting with social media and website content.

Employees are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and up to date on Tetanus vaccine, and is responsible for providing their own suitable work clothing, outerwear, and footwear. PPE like work gloves, hand sanitizer and facemasks are supplied by the employer. At this time, there is no housing available on the farm. Please submit a brief cover letter, resume and three professional references.

Educational Opportunities: In addition to training in all aspects of our business, periodic opportunities for continuing education such as workshops and seminars through local professional groups and associations will be offered as they become available.

Skills Desired: Skills Desired: Demonstrated interest in food, animals, and farming. Experience working on a farm, farmer’s market, or community garden is a plus, but not required. Ability to meet physical requirements of working outside in varied weather conditions (including extreme heat and cold, rain/snow/humidity). Ability to lift 40-50 lbs. Excellent time-management, communication, and organizational skills Ability to work quickly, independently, thoroughly, and efficiently on repetitive tasks for long periods of time. Willingness to operate machinery such as a weedwhacker, wood splitter, drill, etc. Calm and gentle demeanor with animals, as well as a comfortability with being around animals.

Meals: No.

Stipend: Commensurate with experience, $15-20/hr.

Housing: No.

Preferred method of Contact: email