Listing Information
Currently Hiring
No, not at this time. Please check back next season!Number of Workers Sought
1Type of Farm
Hay & Forage, Large Animal (cattle, sheep, goats), Small Animal (pigs, rabbits, poultry), Vegetable, OtherType of Farm (Other)
Cut FlowersMarketing Strategy
Community Supported Agriculture, Wholesale, EducationPaid
YesPay Rate
Hourly. TBD. Part-timeWhat are the dates of your position?
April 15th-October 15thAre you open to shorter periods of employment or do you prefer that workers stay the full season?
Shorter periods of employment possibleExplain the room and board arrangements or describe options in your area
The intern will not reside on the farm. We are a no-smoking household and farm. Drug and alcohol use during work hours is prohibited.Please share three things you think people should know about living with you.
We have high expectations of ourselves and those who work with us, in that we work hard and focus on healthy communication while trying to achieve balance in our approach to farming.We also practice a strong co-existence approach to wild and domestic animals and demonstrate a deep respect for the lives of the animals we live with.
We are committed to a mutual relationship of respect, teaching and learning with whomever we work.
Do you have a website, social media account, or job posting anywhere else?
YesOnline Listing URL
https://www.meridianfarmandforge.com/ . instagram: @meridianfarmandforgeDescribe yourself, your family, background, farming experience, philosophy, goals and interests
Zach and Danielle are newer to farming, although Danielle is a lifetime gardener (Zach calls her the garden commander, now farm commander). Meridian is the result of a lifetime dream that we shared separately and now together, for 11 years. We LOVE living in Montana, and specifically, the Mission Valley on the CSKT reservation, where the mountains are just a few miles to the east, the bison range to the south. We enjoy working with what we have, learning as we go and working hard to transform our dreams into reality!Describe the physical setting of your farm and the nature of the community in which you live
The farm is 40 acres in the heart of the Mission Valley. We are about 5 miles from St. Ignatius. We have friendly neighbors and good friends nearby. The property is split into a few pastures and is mostly pasture for livestock at this point. We have about an acre of growing fields and a 10x30 straw bale greenhouse that we built. We have an abundance of trees near the house and barn with plans to plant many more throughout the property. A year-round creek runs across the south of the parcel that is also lined with golden willow. View of the mountains are incredible.Describe your farm operation
Heading into our fourth year on the farm, and our third year in operation, we focus primarily on cut flower operations and the forge. But, we also have a small flock of sheep for manure, fiber production and company. We live with a flock of about 60 chickens that provide eggs, manure and entertainment. As mentioned, we operate a blacksmith shop, creating forged functional art that interfaces with the cut flower operation when inspired. Lastly, we also grow produce internally for the farm. Pertaining to development and expansion of the cut flower operation, we follow organic growing practices and have used minimal mechanization. Our aim is to improve the property and slowly convert grazing pasture to a mix of natural habitat and flower/produce growing spaces, using principles of regenerative ag. Our philosophies regarding this farm project are that we are guest settlers on the land. It's our job to improve it and work it in a minimalist way to make positive changes in our community and in the landscape.
Describe the work to be performed by applicant
We are easy going and have a lot of fun, but we also work super hard! We hope that our intern can function in a similar way. Primary responsibilities are related to the cut flower operation and will include, but are not limited to: Soil Preparation, Planting, Harvesting, Infrastructure Maintenance, Wholesale Prep and Bouquet Assembly.What do you expect of a worker?
Generally we expect hard work inputs, good attitudes, honesty and healthy, mindful communication. Work tasks may involve constant bending, walking, carrying and lifting loads up to 50 lbs - things will be physical a lot of the time. In contrast, the position may require sitting whether while driving or doing some computer research. Western Montana climate can vary with snowfall into the early summer as well as daytime temperatures in the high 90's at times. Temps can fluctuate 50 degrees in a day. Wildfires can give us smoky conditions heading into July/August/September. We can offer a relatively set schedule 2-3 days a week, daybreak to noon or 1 p.m.Describe the learning and educational opportunities available to a worker
The intern will be working alongside both Danielle and/or Zach, or other workers, on a daily basis. There will be times where the intern is working solo, cranking out an assigned task, but this will be in coordination with others. Learning opportunities will be constant and reciprocal.Are you a full-time farmer?
YesDescribe what other occupation(s) you have
We are full time farmers and a few other things. Parenting is another full-time position for us. In addition, Danielle is a writer and Zach currently does some contract environmental consulting work. Also, as mentioned previously, Meridian Farm and Forge is a bit more than cut flowers including metalwork, fiber work and the bakery. The cut flower portion is the primary 'farming' initiative at this time.Do you require a trial period or require a prospective worker to visit your farm before hiring?
YesPlease attach any photos of your farm and operation
