Listing Information
Number of Workers Sought
2Type of Farm
Hay & Forage, Large Animal (cattle, sheep, goats), Small Animal (pigs, rabbits, poultry), VegetableMarketing Strategy
Community Supported Agriculture, Wholesale, OtherMarketing Strategy (Other)
wholesale, seed, directPaid
YesPay Rate
In addition to housing, farm food and utilities, we offer $1600/month as well as a bonus for staying to work with us the entire season.Housing
YesDescribe yourself, your family, background, farming experience, philosophy, goals and interests
We are a small family, with three generations of our family farming together for the last 20 years. . We like a whole systems approach to farming, and enjoy integrating livestock into our farm.Describe the physical setting of your farm and the nature of the community in which you live
We live in an incredibly beautiful place with a rich cultural history, and our farmland adjoins tribal land that leads to Mission Mountain Tribal Wilderness, with abundant recreational opportunities (swimming, hiking, cycling, etc.) within walking distance. Our farm is 3 miles east of the town of St Ignatius, which is a small town with 2 grocery stores, a post office, hardware store, etc. We are remote, but not completely isolated.Describe your farm operation
Foothill Farm is a diversified, certified organic multi-generational family farm in the Mission Valley of Western Montana focusing on fresh vegetables for wholesale, seed garlic and grass-fed beef. There are 70 acres which are made up of hay fields, pasture, 3 hoop houses, a propagation greenhouse and 7 acres of vegetables. We sell a variety of herbs, fruit, vegetables, pork, and beef through wholesale and CSA of the Western Montana Growers Cooperative as well as a large amount of seed garlic.
Describe the work to be performed by applicant
We are looking for two farm workers to join our crew and who would like to spend the majority of their time working in the vegetable gardens, and be willing to help out occasionally putting up hay and with beef cows in an intensive grazing system. It is a good way to gain experience and learn more about animal care and growing vegetables. We do some garden cultivation and other farm chores with horses, and there is opportunity to learn about working with the draft horses, if interested. There are many tasks throughout the growing season, including field prep, composting, irrigation, planting, weeding, harvesting, packing produce, as well as tree planting, orchard work, moving cows and pastures, helping in hay-making, and all manner of jobs associated with small scale farming.What do you expect of a worker?
The farm crew works 4 days a week, Monday – Thursday, an average of 8-10 hours a day depending on the time of the season. In addition, we ask that everyone be responsible for irrigation and farm chores one weekend per month. We do not require any previous farming experience, although it is helpful, but apprentices must be able to do hard physical work in all weather conditions, think ahead and pay attention to detail. Must be able to lift 60 lbs repeatedly. Should enjoy being with kids.Describe the learning and educational opportunities available to a worker
We are heading into our 20th farming season on this land, so we are able to show firsthand a successful model of small scale organic agriculture to those who are interested – including livestock care and pasture management, haying, irrigation, growing vegetables, and fruits. There are many other farms in our area, and established programs for touring farms and learning from other farmers. We hope you ask questions so that we can help further your interest and knowledge of farming.Are you a full-time farmer?
YesExplain the room and board arrangements or describe options in your area
We have pretty simple living accommodations, but comfortable and warm. Each person has a their own bedroom in a bunkhouse or camper and communal kitchen and bathroom, separate from the farmhouse. There is wifi, power and water in the bunkhouse.Please attach any photos of your farm and operation
