Three Charm Farm

Last Updated On: February 25th, 2021 at 02:01PM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
12 Olde Farnham Road
ALFRED, Maine, 04002

Primary Contact: Ingrid Claesson
Primary Phone:
    Type: Cell
    Number: 2072526511
    Email: threecharmfarm@gmail.com

Website: http://threecharmfarm.net

Internship information

General Farm Description: APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED - PLEASE CHECK BACK AT A LATER DATE FOR MORE OPPORTUNITIES AT OUR FARM! We are a small goat and sheep farm and farmstead cheesemakers. As a small family farm, we raise Mini-Nubian, Nubian, and Nigerian Dwarf Dairy goats and a variety of dairy sheep. (We also have pigs, cats, dogs, chickens, and turkeys!) We take pride in providing a peaceful, loving structure and daily affection to our animals while also living in peaceful coexistence with the surrounding wildlife. Several of our abutting neighbors also provide access to their land at no charge so that our animals can naturally maintain the land—we are so grateful for their support! Our animals enjoy various pasture units and small wooded areas (for rotational grazing/browse) and are given a diet of garden herbs and vegetables, grains, kelp, minerals, and the highest quality hay to ensure their health and happiness. We raise our animals with a holistic approach to their health, the micro-environment, and as an integral part of the preservation of the farm. You are strongly encouraged to view our website to become familiar with our farm.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: March 15, 2021 (Somewhat flexible)
Internship Ends: November 15, 2021 (Somewhat flexible)
Number of Internship Available: 1-2
Application Deadline: February 22, 2021
Minimum Length of Stay: 6.5 months

Internship Details:

We are looking for a single person (or couple) that is passionate about learning about, working with goats, sheep, dairy, and cheesemaking! The milking task is something that we will need the most help with throughout the season and we will ensure that you are fully trained by having you observe, do, be observed. There is a lot of time and training that will be provided to ensure your comfort & mastery of milking; animal/udder health; animal behavior/emotional-physical safety; milk safety/hygiene/sanitation; equipment training, cheesemaking, etc.. We will teach you whatever you would like to learn if we have the knowledge and experience! We also grow garlic, rhubarb, herbs, and have a family vegetable garden and old perennial beds that you will learn about and work to maintain. You will be expected to work 5.5-6 days per week. The busiest time is from April 15 – June 15th when it will be likely that you will work up to 50 hours per week (birthing season and the start of milking and cheese season). The rest of the time will be 40 hours per week. We have a lot to teach and give the candidate who wants to learn!

Educational Opportunities: You will learn A LOT! About animal husbandry, breeding, rotational grazing, health care, animal psychology, operating a small scale dairy and creamery, cheesemaking, marketing/sales, basic carpentry, basic small machine maintenance, teamwork and management, and so much more!

Skills Desired: Candidates that have worked on ANY farm for 1 or more seasons given most consideration. It is critically important that the candidate be able to lift/move 50lbs + on a regular basis (everything from grain bags, to hay bales to picking up/wrangling sheep & goats). One of the primary tasks (no experience necessary, but it would be helpful) will be milking (by machine) and that will require upper body strength.

Meals: We will provide all the goat/sheep dairy and meat, eggs, produce from the garden, and up to 2 dinners per week with us.

Stipend: Yes - between $700 - $1200 per month. This will be based on what the candidate brings to the table and is a conversation.

Housing: Yes. We have a renovated 1956 camper with new Queen sized mattress, small working kitchen, heater, fan (possible AC), free Wi-Fi & electricity. It is very nice in a peaceful setting. We are within walking distance of 2 ponds and one stream - access available to kayaks. You will have use of a farm vehicle as long as you have a valid license.

Preferred method of Contact: Email