Ploughshare Farm

Listing Information

Currently Hiring

Yes

Number of Workers Sought

Type of Farm

Hay & Forage, Vegetable

Marketing Strategy

Community Supported Agriculture, Farmers' Market, Wholesale

Paid

Yes

What are the dates of your position?

May 1 to mid October.

Are you open to shorter periods of employment or do you prefer that workers stay the full season?

Shorter periods of employment possible, Prefer full season

Housing

Yes

Explain the room and board arrangements or describe options in your area

I have rooms and a kitchen for workers seperate from my home. Bathroom and shower is in our home, but located in a walk in basement and rarely used.

Please share three things you think people should know about living with you.

I have a daughter who is 13 and a son who is 16. My parents also have a home on the property. We do our best to provide workers with privacy and adequate free time. there is always a lot going on here and there will be times you will be asked to work a little harder or longer. I live in a quiet, beautiful place and I think exploring the area is an important benefit to workers.

Describe yourself, your family, background, farming experience, philosophy, goals and interests

I'm 42, and have been involved in farming for 20 years. I have been operating a very well-established market and wholesale farm business in Moiese for 15 years. My kids and parents play a very active role in the farm work and overall health of the farm. Besides learning how to grow produce, I think gaining an understanding of what it is like to raise a family on a small farm and be part of a rural community are the main things to take away from this experience. This is a great hands-on opportunity for someone interested in running their own farm one day.

Describe the physical setting of your farm and the nature of the community in which you live

My farm is located within a mile of the Lower Flathead River. It is in a small rural community of farms and ranches. It is a half hour drive to the nearest towns and an hour drive to Missoula. The river and local reservoirs are favorite places to cool off, fish, float, and reflect. There are endless opportunities for hiking in the Mission mountains and surrounding areas. The National Bison Range is only a few miles down the road, and a great wildlife viewing area. (See the elk in the picture below) There are opportunities to socialize with neighbors and other organic farm workers in the area. Other than that, there is not a lot going on for social activities or entertainment.

Describe your farm operation

We have about 6 acres in produce and 8 in hay. We own 18 acres altogether. We grow a wide range of produce for farmer's market and a collective CSA and wholesale through the Western Montana Grower's Cooperative. I would say we are mid-range as far as our level of mechanization goes. We have a few goats, and several border collies all of which are more pets than productive parts of the commercial operation.

Describe the work to be performed by applicant

i am primarily looking for someone that lives locally to work with me 2 days a week. I also am hiring 1 full time intern that could live on the property. at least one day would be spent harvesting and processing for wholesale and another to help with projects including hand weeding, tractor cultivating, and other plant and farm care duties. i would consider somewhat more or less time commitment so if you are interested let's talk.
I am also hiring for a farmer's market management position. This is a position for someone who has experience on a market garden and is ready to step up and run things independently. income would be based on a percentage of market sales and would have the potential to be quite profitable. Full time housing is available for this position.

What do you expect of a worker?

I am looking for a worker who is self motivated and invested in the success of the farm. You must be able to follow directions and do things according to this farm's standards. There is a fair amount of heavy lifting and stoop labor involved in what we do. hours per day will average 9 depending on work load.

Describe the learning and educational opportunities available to a worker

Mainly, the knowledge to be gained in this position is how to efficiently and effectively harvest and process different crops. on non-harvest days I am happy to focus time towards training in the tasks that you are the most interested in so long as they are among the top priorities for the day. That could include greenhouse work, tractor work, various weeding techniques, irrigation etc.