Listing Information
Number of Workers Sought
1Type of Farm
Hay & Forage, Large Animal (cattle, sheep, goats), VegetableMarketing Strategy
Community Supported Agriculture, Wholesale, OtherMarketing Strategy (Other)
Direct to consumer, local grocery, wholesalePaid
YesPay Rate
DOE $15-$25. Housing private bunk house with separate bathroom.Housing
YesDescribe yourself, your family, background, farming experience, philosophy, goals and interests
Eric founded Groundworks Farm with first growing season in 2010. He has a BA in biology and MEd in science education. Native to Montana he has done diverse work over the years.Eric describes farming as the "confluence" of his understanding and interests in economy, ecology and energy. Philosophy is that to affect positive interaction in the world, we can work to build models and relationships that reflect our values.
Long term goals are to contribute to conscientious food production and economic systems that accommodate integrated health for ourselves, the landscape and neighbors.
Describe the physical setting of your farm and the nature of the community in which you live
Groundworks Farm is a 40 acre irrigated farm located in the fertile prairie of the Sun River Valley in Central Montana. Some additional organic acreage is leased for pasturing cattle. The farm is located 25 miles west of Great Falls (pop. 55,000) in the small village of Fort Shaw. There are no retail businesses in Fort Shaw. The nearest convenience store/gas station is 5 miles away and the nearest other services are 13 miles away.We are within an about an hour from the public wildlands of the Rocky Mountain Front and there is plenty of other outdoor recreation to be had in the region. Great Falls has all expected features of a small city.
Describe your farm operation
Groundworks Farm has, to date, been built on direct to consumer marketing of vegetables and livestock products. 2024 will produce certified organic garlic and grass fed cattle with a Management Intensive Grazing (MIG) model. All practices are organic with a focus on integration.
We utilize a tractor and other mechanization as applicable to our scale, but there is much hand tool work to be had.
We value conservation and regenerative practices along with low-input and other approaches that allow for economic viability.
Our current crop portfolio requires a relatively low-level of processing.
Describe the work to be performed by applicant
Garlic production and cattle management with associated property tasks.What do you expect of a worker?
Open to interests and capacities of the worker.Describe the learning and educational opportunities available to a worker
Farm owner has a graduate degree in education. In addition to several years of managing and training farm workers, he spent several years managing and teaching in a field-based learning program. Most learning occurs hands-on/experientially.Describe what other occupation(s) you have
Community water system operator. Hiking guide.Do you require a trial period or require a prospective worker to visit your farm before hiring?
YesExplain the room and board arrangements or describe options in your area
Independent bunkhouse or camper with bathroom in main house accessible through outside door.Please attach any photos of your farm and operation
