Introduction

We aim to minimize cost associated with machinery, stored feed, grain, and inefficiency, while maximizing knowledge, creativity, letting the animals do the work of harvesting their own food through rotational grazing. We ask that interns share our passion for hard work and the resulting personal rewards along with the challenge of always trying to maximize the effectiveness of your efforts. In exchange, we offer you the knowledge of management-intensive grazing and all aspects of raising livestock naturally from conception of the calf to consumption of the steak. This knowledge encompasses a wide range of skills from homeopathic use to knowing how to cook various cuts of meat, from low stress herding to marketing our products.

The endless pursuit of knowledge is the most exciting aspect of working on this farm.

Expectations

• Have fun and be fulfilled
• Work hard
• Think hard
• Accomplish tasks by yourself
• Ask questions
• Show up to work on time and prepared
• Use your work time to the fullest
• Understand that we will have long and hard days but also short and easy days

Responsibilities

• Daily maintenance of livestock such as checking livestock health, rotational grazing, replenishing mineral supply, erecting electric fence, and record keeping
• Market our products on the farm and at farmers’ markets and buyers' clubs
• Assist in projects such as permanent fence construction, water line installation, working livestock, preparing for public events, and welcoming the public to the farm
• Assist in research
• Run errands
• Make recommendations

Internship Details

The work week is usually 5 ½ days and between 40 and 55 hours.

The 2008 internship/apprenticeship requires a trial period of a few weeks and then a minimum stay of three months. The pay is $600/month with a pay increase for those who decide to intern for eight months or more. Comfortable, but simple, on-farm housing is provided and interns receive a 20% discount on meat.

If interested, please email us a letter of intent and a resume with three references along with a list of agricultural books you have read. We will send you more detailed information.

Free Time

When you work and live on a farm, time off becomes very valuable and we respect that. We believe that rest is essential to ensure prime performance while working.

Shenandoah National Park is just a few minutes drive from the farm. The town of Sperryville is a quaint little town offering a corner store, bakery, galleries, and restaurants. Waterpenny Farm, which is a vegetable CSA farm across the street from us with about 7 interns each year, has been the primary social outlet for our interns in the past. A wonderful trout stream runs through our farm and our farm includes a mountain of 400 acres with trails available. Rappahannock County is ideal for outdoor activities, including cycling, running, photography and fishing. There is a deep swimming hole on the farm.