Listing Information
Number of Workers Sought
1Type of Farm
Vegetable, Fruit/Orchard, OtherMarketing Strategy
Community Supported Agriculture, Farm Stand, Farmers' Market, Wholesale, OtherPaid
YesPay Rate
Yes. Varies depending on length of commitment and experience.What are the dates of your position?
March through NovemberAre you open to shorter periods of employment or do you prefer that workers stay the full season?
Prefer full seasonHousing
YesExplain the room and board arrangements or describe options in your area
There is a well-outfitted 3 bedroom bunkhouse, and 3 individual cabins available. All spaces have heat. Kitchen and bathroom facilites are shared in the bunkhouse.Please share three things you think people should know about living with you.
I am very active in the politics of agriculture and encourage apprentices to at least be aware of it. Organic farming is more than a "career" it is a belief and a way of life. I believe that it is the responsibility, and the privilege, of all organic farmers to maintain and improve our seed varieties. Thus Terrapin Farm is quite active in the organic seed community.Describe yourself, your family, background, farming experience, philosophy, goals and interests
40+ years of farming experience. 25 years certified organic and running an internship program. Building and respecting the soil is crucial.Describe the physical setting of your farm and the nature of the community in which you live
We have 18 acres, with approximately half farmed and half wooded. 7 miles to Whitefish and 16 miles to Kalispell. We love the water, and keep kayaks and canoes available to use.Describe your farm operation
Terrapin Farm is a certified organic diversified 7 acre farm. We have been farming organically, in our challenging climate, for over 40 years. The season starts in March in the earth-bermed greenhouse with a bedding plant operation. There are also 3 hoop-houses, 1 high tunnel, and assorted low tunnels. Seed production with variety development is an important aspect of Terrapin. We are involved in the Triple Divide Seed Co-operative; a group of all certified organic Montana seed producers dedicated to producing varieties appropriate for our bio-region. CSA has been our main calling, but we also do 2 farmers markets per week and wholesale deliveries twice a week. Located 40 minutes from Glacier Park, it is a 5 minute walk to the river and 5 minute drive to a great dipping lake!
Describe the work to be performed by applicant
What we do changes seasonally, but will involve all aspects of a mixed vegetable, herb and seed production farm. Bedding plants in the greenhouse early in the season, seeding and transplanting, then followed by weeding and harvesting. Use of equipment is optional.What do you expect of a worker?
A farming/gardening background is nice but not necessary. Must be familiar with hard work and capable of performing physical tasks. A desire to learn is a must, and a sense of humor is appreciated! Good communication skills are important.This is a hands on, learn it all as if you want to pursue a career in farming position. Must have ability to handle the physical aspects of the task and the desire to learn all aspects of organic vegetable, seed and herb farming. Ending date is mid November. Interns are expected to participate in all aspects of the farm. We strive to talk about everything we are doing. Hopefully, no "Why" goes unanswered. Equipment use and maintenance, season extensions, tools, materials, cover-cropping, pollination, interplanting, rotation, insect control, planting, weeding, marketing, variety descriptions are only some of the subjects to be learned.
Describe the learning and educational opportunities available to a worker
Learn all aspects of organic farming from the field to the office. Soil fertility, cover-cropping. season extension, greenhouse work, marketing, equipment use and maintenance, record keeping, certification, harvest, food storage and preservation, seed production and breeding, propagation, etc. etc.Are you a full-time farmer?
YesPlease attach any photos of your farm and operation
