OUR FARM
The most important thing is to make the benefits of our agricultural preparations available to the largest possible areas over the entire earth, so that the earth may be healed and the nutritive quality of its produce improved in every respect. That should be our first objective.
- Rudolph Steiner founder of Biodynamics
Biodynamic Agriculture
What is Biodynamic Agriculture?
A different viewpoint is required when approaching agriculture from the biodynamic perspective. In our “conventional chemical” or “organic” approach to agriculture, we tend to think in terms of substances (or more specifically, chemical requirements that can be met by this or that substance). In chemical-based agriculture, we bring nitrogen to the soil via ammonia or urea, and in organic-based agriculture we bring nitrogen via manure. For phosphorous the substance of choice is super-phosphate or rock phosphate. We are thinking in terms of chemical substances or NPK, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the soil. With biodynamic agriculture and biodynamic preparations, we learn to think in terms of forces in addition to substances. This does not mean discarding all knowledge of soil chemistry; it means we need to go beyond solely the chemical point of view. Just as the effects of the force of gravity or the force of magnetism can be observed without actually being able to see these forces, so too can we recognize the forces that are released through biodynamic preparations.
Biodynamic agriculture originated out of the spiritual scientific research of the Austrian scientist and philosopher Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Anthroposphy and Waldorf education. In 1920s Europe, the use of chemicals in agriculture was causing great concern for a number of farmers and soil scientists; especially with regard to its effects on seed viability, deterioration of food quality, and health related problems in both livestock and crops. In 1924, Steiner presented a series of eight lectures on these issues, which are now published as Spiritual Foundations for the Renewal of Agriculture. During this lecture series, Steiner gave indications for producing several different preparations to be used in agriculture which are now referred to as Biodynamic Preparations (BD preparations).
This definition of Biodynamics is taken from the Josephine Porter Institute for applied Biodynamics.
How do we apply Biodynamics on the farm?
As a Demeter certified biodynamic farm we provide our own on-farm fertility through: biodynamic compost, cover cropping, and crop rotation. All of our direct-seeding and transplanting happens in correlation with our Biodynamic planting calendar. The calendar breaks down planting into 4 categories: leaf, root, flower, fruit. We therefore break our fields and planting beds into these same groups. We also apply Biodynamic preparations in our greenhouses, fields, and compost heaps. We have been applying Biodynamic preps to our entire property for over 4 years and each year we continue to see an increase in the vibrancy of the land and the crops.
For education and local resources on Good Farmers.
Greenhouse Manager
Must have at least 1-2 years greenhouse experience and experience running a crew. Extensive knowledge of organic production, varieties, and greenhouse watering preferred. Must be available to see the full season March- November. We grow and sell organic starter plants- vegetables, fruits, and culinary herbs as well as all of the starts for our own farm- every vegetable you can think of. Run the greenhouse operation in the spring then move into field and hoop house work as the season progresses. Work at the farmers markets too.
Equipment Manager
Must have 3 yrs experience operating farm tractors, skid steers, trucks, and trailers. Some mechanic skills preferred. Good MVR and good communication skills are required. Leadership skills a plus. This is a very important positions and assists in all aspects of the Farm! Full-time. Seasonal or year-round. 5 days/week M-F & 2 Sa/month= 55-60 hrs/week.
Field Manager
Minimum 3 yrs experience in a leadership role on a vegetable (or similar) farm. Good MVR, good communication skills, and knowledge of organic farming practices required. 5 days/week M-F & 2 Sa/month= 55-60 hrs/week.
Intern
We will hire 3 or more interns each season. We have housing for 3-4 interns on the farm. Please email your resume and then we will send you a detailed description and application. Intern positions are meant for those wishing to pursue a career in farming. Previous farm experience preferred. Work to learn and learn to work! Must be able to commit to the full season of March/April- November. We sometimes hire again in June/July.
Crew Lead
Previous crew leader experience on a production farm is preferred. Must have at least 2 years previous vegetable (or similar) farm experience (full time for full seasons). Good communication skills and knowledge of organic farming practices needed.
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Field Crew Leader (irrigation, planting, composting, cultivating, row cover, etc…). 5days/week M-F & 2 Sa/month= 55hrs/week.
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Harvest Crew Leader (planting, harvesting, bunching, record keeping, CSA, Farmers Markets, etc…). 4 days/week M,W,F,Sa= 40-45 hrs/week.
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Greenhouse Lead (seeding, transplanting, organizing, watering, soil prep, record keeping; moves into hoop house and field work as the season progresses). 5 days/week M-F & 2 Sa/month= 55 hrs/week.
Flower Lead
Must have 1-2 years previous farming experience with some work in flowers. An artistic eye is preferred (we can teach you to make bouquets). This position could be a shorter season June- September or this position can be the full farm season with flower emphasis during that time.
Farm Crew
Weed, plant, harvest, bunch, and prepare for markets and CSA- all outside. If you like to farm and work outside then check us out. Full and Part time positions may be available. We often hire again in July.
Office Manager
Must have experience in office work specifically quickbooks, Excel, Outlook. We need someone techy who is comfortable learning new software quickly. Some marketing experience preferred. Some familiarity with organic farming industry (or being a CSA member) is preferred. This is a great position for a good farmer who wants out of the field and weather. Assist the farm in all aspects behind-the-scenes. 25-30 hrs per week. Year-round position. Exact schedule is flexible and weekly adjustments are flexible as well. perhaps M-Th 8-2/3pm