Farm Description
Turkeyfoot farm is focused on human scale farming, regenerating the land, building soil, and enhancing and increasing biodiversity. We are located at the tip of Lake Michigan at the edge of where the ice age glacier ended in a rural area. We are 90 minutes out of Chicago and 10 minutes from Lake Michigan beach’s. The farm is 10 acres with a 1/4 acre in veggie production, an acre in fruit guilds, and 5 acres in wetland forest. This is a Certified Naturally Grown market farm. We grow vegetables, herbs, flowers, and perennials. We market to local restaurants, health food stores, a CSA and local farmers markets. We also run a pastured egg operation, pasture raised Turkeys and pastured goats. This is an intimate experience in which you work side by side with the farmer daily. We have 1 -2 interns at any given time and 1 farm crew member.
Farm Values
We focus on the diversity and abundance of life on the farm as the basis of health in our plants, ourselves and our customers. From creating our own compost from our animals to feed soil microbes to selecting a wide variety of veggies and herbs to bring to market every week. Our farming methods of limited till means we do almost all field work by hand. The farm’s economic health, ecological integrity, and role in the community are all connected.
Farm Positions
Farm Crew 3 month – 1 position open
This position is a learn-by-doing immersive experience covering the full breadth of work on the farm. The work is like that of a farmhand position, but generally more varied and a little bit more responsibility. This position is well suited for those looking to gain more experience. Prior experience working outdoors with your hands is a plus.
Internships for 2 or 6 weeks – multiple positions
This is an intimate experience in which you work side by side with the farmer daily. We have 1 -2 interns at any given time. Every intern will be trained in the tasks required to run each area of the farm. Two week interns will get a general overview of each area. The six week interns will start off with 2 weeks of learning the basics of all areas and then will take part in managing certain tasks on the farm for the remaining four weeks. Focusing on but not limited to; seed starting and plant nursery, pasture raised eggs, garden bed prep and crop planning, harvesting and farmers market.
Start and End Dates
All positions are open at this time. We run from April 15 thru Oct 30.
Desired Qualities
It is essential to understand that farm work is very physical. During our intensive production season. We vary the tasks throughout the day; however, farm work is often repetitive by nature and very physically demanding. It is important to be realistic and honest about your physical stamina. We work in all types of weather conditions.
We’re especially excited to work with people who are interested in affecting meaningful change through farming. No prior farm experience needed but you must be 21 years of age.
Compensation
A farm crew member will earn $ 1,000 a month. We provide basic housing with a bed and linens, dresser and simple composting toilet.
A two week intern will be compensated with a $100 stipend and a six week $300. We provide basic housing with a bed and linens, dresser and simple composting toilet.
All meals are included and prepared in the house kitchen and we all eat together. Weekends will be optional with farm produce available. We provide shower facilities and internet.
Work Schedule
We work rain or shine Monday – Friday 6:00am – 5:00pm with an hour lunch break. Some Saturdays you are off but all Sundays you are off.
Farm crew will need to work four Saturdays at the farmers market during their stay. Six week interns will need to be available two of their Saturdays for farmers market.
Two week interns get Sunday afternoon off.
HOW TO APPLY
We ask you to send us an email through our contact page with a letter of intent and availability. We offer internships mid April through October. No prior farm experience needed but you must be 21 years of age.
On receipt of your letter of intent we will review and set up an online interview.
TurkeyFoot Farm 