Veggies Fruit Cattle Op

Last Updated On: November 1st, 2023 at 01:36PM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
412 Gurley Dr
Norwood, Colorado , 81423

Primary Contact: Sam Andrews
Primary Phone:
    Type: Cell
    Number: 970-708-8430
    Email: Samdelasalt@gmail.com

Website:

Internship information

General Farm Description: Birdhouse Farm is a fruit, veggie, and beef operation that uses organic and regenerative principles to grow a wide range of food at a high (7500 ft) elevation farm on a beautiful mesa near Telluride, CO, a hiking and other outdoor recreation Mecca year round access to those kind of experiences (river running, biking, trail running and hiking, outdoor music festivals, etc) Veggie operation is a little over an acre of permanent beds and some additional acreage available to expand when water and labor needs allow. There is 1/2 acre of hardy fruit trees and berries, which we propagate each year to expand that part of the farm. In addition there is a small herd of cattle that supplements the food available at the farm, offerings at the market, and contribute to the compost created on farm. Cattle are run on about 90 acres plus some leased land nearby. We also have a milk cow for fresh milk. The farm sits on a beautiful creek with green pastures and views of the surrounding mountains. We are about 5 miles from the town of Norwood. The creek is our irrigation water, and there are storage ponds on the property. We predominately use drip irrigation in the market garden and orchard. Main market is a large CSA program feeding families in Telluride / Mountain Village and Norwood and we participate in 2 farmers markets in those places. Those marketing aspects of the farm are supported by a local non-profit, the Fresh Foundation, which seeks to increase the growth of and access to local food.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: May 1, 2023 or later
Internship Ends: Nov 1, 2023
Number of Internship Available: 2
Application Deadline: Open until filled
Minimum Length of Stay: Full season

Internship Details:

This is a paid internship. Pay will be DOE but highly competitive, starting at $400 and up per week for motivated individuals who wish to learn all aspects of the market garden business.  All workers pay goes through a payroll and workers will be covered by workers compensation insurance.
Opportunities to advance as the farmwork grows every year.
Starts May 1, 2023 and runs through October 2023
Hours will start at 40 per week but may run longer in the summer and taper off in the fall for more time off.   We hope to maintain 2 days off per week and an efficient, hard working  farm crew will help us towards that end!

In addition to field and garden work there will be 2 days spent at the farmers markets, so a friendly and enthusiastic personality is required. There is also work available with the local non-profit if you have experience or interest in that.

Educational Opportunities: Learning all aspects of market gardening, tree farming, cattle, farmers markets, record keeping, and how to run a successful farm business.

Skills Desired: Farm or other manual labor experience preferred

Meals: Plenty of food from the farm available for meals. Some meals will be eaten together.

Stipend: Yes

Housing: Camping available, possible housing nearby. A vehicle would be required for transportation if housing is preferred.

Preferred method of Contact: Email, phone