Farm #2
Primary production: mixed vegetable animal operation
This farm accepts couples
This farm may be able to accommodate children
This farm offers a stipend
Apprenticeship term: Apr 1 to end of November (but flexible)
This farmer has signed SOIL's host charter
Homesteader with degree in agriculture located near Kingston Ontario continues to offer an apprenticeship opportunity which requires the successful applicant to provide four solid morning hours of help (Sunday off) each day on a mixed organic farmstead in exchange for room/board, stipend of $500 per month plus an in-depth education regarding the agrarian/rural way of life. To be clear this is opportunity does not offer a volunteer summer holiday camp type experience. You will be required to earnestly apply yourself as you learn new homesteader skills while also diligently working as a farmhand.
This is a functioning homestead (presently NOT a commercial enterprise), originally purchased by my parents. I have rejuvenated some of the outbuildings and the house over the last few years but a couple of structures still require renovation. If you want to experience a busy, modern, conventional business type farm enterprise then this opportunity is not for you. However, if the ins and outs of small-scale natural agriculture/permaculture is of interest, or you desire to purchase your own homestead/family farm, then this apprenticeship will be of benefit.
The apprentice will be part of the seasonal daily regimen which could possibly include chores such as fruit tree pruning, gardening, food preservation/canning, lumber milling, cider making, livestock tending, fencing, firewood gathering, grounds maintenance, machinery maintenance, renovation projects etc.
Recreational activities could include running your own agricultural side projects or hiking, cycling, camping, swimming or fishing at the nearby lake. If hunting is an interest, you can learn compound or cross bow practices or trapping. You may try your hand at primitive living/survival skills which I can guide you in Permaculture and self-sufficiency practices can be investigated as well
The farm house has high speed internet available to you as well as a cozy private room or alternatively you may elect to stay in a large private RV trailer.
The homestead is intended to be a peaceful enclave so no drama please.
If you are serious about learning what the rural lifestyle has on offer, value the personal attention that I can give you in fostering the new found skills you desire and are also forthright in your approach then I invite you to apply for this opportunity.
Location: Seeley’s Bay
Farm #6
Primary production: vegetable, honey, shiitakes, occasionally free-range pork
This farm does not accept couples
This farm is not able to accommodate children
This farm offers a wage
This farm does not provide accomodation
Apprenticeship term: Apr 15 to end of October
Our operation was established in 2011 when I rented 1 ¾ acres of pasture and 200 square feet of hay barn near Ottawa, Ontario. I grew mixed produce and hay, started a CSA, and built some infrastructure to support my fledgling farm.
In 2018, my partner and I moved to a permanent location near Lanark, Ontario. The farm we purchased had fallen into disuse and I set about rebuilding; Julia took a course and started bee keeping.
Currently, the farm is in a state I refer to as “almost there”. There are some major projects that I would like to initiate, but I need to expand the CSA to generate the revenue required. A full time CSA is preventing me from fulfilling the building projects – I need someone to share the workload with.
I am not able to commit to hiring a full time job, but would be prepared to payroll an aspiring farmer for a negotiated period of time this spring, summer and or autumn. As there are plenty of opportunities to learn here, I would be happy to share all of the knowledge that I have gleaned in both my career as a farmer, and the relevant aspects of previous careers that I augment my farm knowledge with.
Location: Perth