Meat Production

Winter Green Farm

WINTER GREEN FARM


  • POSITION: 3 APPRENTICESHIPS 

  • FULL TIME (40 hrs/week) 

  • APPROX START/END DATES: May - November

  • LOCATION: Noti (mid-Willamette Valley)

  • NO ON-FARM HOUSING OFFERED 

  • VEHICLE REQUIRED? Yes

  • ON FARM VISIT REQUIRED? Video conference is acceptable.

  • LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English. Conversational Spanish.


Winter Green Farm is owned and operated by Chris and Shannon. Our farm is nestled in the foothills of the coast range about 25 miles from Eugene and 40 miles from the Oregon coast.  The farm is about 100 acres, and we lease 34 acres down the road as well.  The closest town that offers basic amenities is Veneta which is five miles away.  

Our farm enterprises include a CSA (500 members), 3 farmers markets a week, direct wholesale to stores and restaurants, plus wholesaling to schools, Organically Grown Company and a small grass-fed lamb operation.  We grow 22-25 acres of mixed fruits and vegetables a year that are certified organic by Oregon Tilth. We also use biodynamic farming methods.  We practice a six year rotation where our ground is mixed vegetables and forage production for our animals for three years, and then a beef herd managed by neighbors is on the farm for 3 years. We make all of our own compost on-farm which is our main source of fertility.

We have an average of 20-25 people on payroll during the year.  Apprentices would work closely with harvest managers as primary mentors. We grow a variety of fresh market vegetables and most are hand harvested, although we do have specialized mechanical harvesting equipment. Most of our tillage and cultivation is mechanized and done with tractors.

Winter Green Farm was founded in 1980, has been certified organic since 1984, has had a CSA since 1992. Chris came to the farm in 1995 with no agricultural experience, a degree in biology and a commitment to help make the world a better place.  His initial role on the farm was to help process medicinal herbs. He then went on to become the irrigation person. As his passion grew and knowledge base broadened, he was given more and more responsibility on the farm.  In 2008 He and his wife Shannon were given the opportunity by the other owners to partner in the farm and in 2015 they purchased all of the assets and secured a long term lease to run the vegetable operation on the farm. 

Chris helped teach the Urban Farm at the U of O in the late 90’s.  He has run farm crews, led field trips for Trout Unlimited, and taught and trained employees on a variety of tasks on the farm. Shannon was an Apprentice at Horton Road Organics in 1999 and then stayed on to help with their Apprenticeship program for 3 years afterwards.


TRAINING & EXPECTATIONS

We are looking to teach people production agriculture. They will take part in planting, harvesting, and processing of fruits and vegetables.  Depending on experience and aptitude they may also get to take part in tractor work and other equipment operation.  Depending on experience and desire to learn, Apprentices will be exposed to record keeping, fertility management and  food safety protocol.

Apprentices will be given all the training they need for tasks that they are asked to do.  Ideally they would work on average 40 hours a Monday through Friday.  If someone is interested in doing farmers markets, their schedule would be adapted so they would work on Saturdays and still average 40 hours/week.  Farming is hard work. An Apprentice should be able to work hard at an efficient pace during all types of weather. Time off is honored if scheduled in advance (unless for urgent needs).  Apprentices will get paid sick time as well.

We provide instruction by explaining, showing and working with the skill being instructed on.  The people learning the task are given goals and techniques that we have worked on over the years to make the job more efficient , safe and less taxing on the body and mind.  They will be given the chance to ask questions and work on their own after hands-on instruction is given.  We follow up a couple of times after the training to make sure that the skill has been acquired and that the person is reaching their fullest potential at that skill.


COMPENSATION & ACCOMMODATIONS

We start all crew workers at $15.00 hour. Workers are given a 50 cent raise after 250 hours of employment and then raises are given based on hours accrued after that on July 1st and January 1st.  Bonuses are given at the end of the year if the farm is profitable. We give paid time off after the first year of employment. Every employee is given paid sick leave (up to 40 hours a year) and if necessary can get paid family leave as well.

Apprentices will receive a ½ share of our CSA and are able to access other farm produce as well.

We give each employee three pairs of work gloves when they start. They are also assigned rain gear, a harvest knife, and shears for the duration of their employment at the farm.

No housing is provided. Our farm is pretty rural so finding housing in the immediate area is difficult but not impossible.  We are aware of some rentals in our area and if we hear of openings we will share with folks.  A large part of our work force lives in the Eugene area and carpool to the farm.

Cell service is spotty on the farm. We do have Wi-fi at our office on the farm if needed.


QUALIFICATIONS

People with previous farm experience would be ideal but not necessary. 

Someone with the attributes listed in the ‘Training & Expectations’ section above would be a huge plus.  


EQUITY & INCLUSION

We believe that workers have the right to meaningful work, fair treatment, and decent compensation.  We are eternally grateful for the love and care that our employees invest in our farm.  In a very real way, our farm is the manifestation of the energy of our workers.  Many deep relationships have developed over the years at the farm, among workers and between workers and owners. We see our workforce as our farm community and look forward to supporting this important aspect of our farm.
Just as Winter Green Farm’s ecosystem exists within a global ecology, so does our social activity exist within a broader community and societal context.  We believe that supporting local community organizations, specific cause related endeavors, and certain agricultural organizations are important.  Similarly, we believe that by opening the farm as a place where members of the community can support us, we help strengthen the bonds of community and help heal the rural/urban divide.

Shannon and Chris.

Rainshine Family Farm

Rainshine Family Farm

  • POSITION: 1 APPRENTICESHIP 

  • FULL TIME (32-40 hrs/week) 

  • APPROX START/END DATES: early April - mid Nov

  • LOCATION: Outside of Philomath (Willamette Valley)

  • NO ON-FARM HOUSING OFFERED 

  • VEHICLE REQUIRED? Yes.

  • ON FARM VISIT REQUIRED? Preferred.

  • LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English, basic Spanish.


Rainshine is owned and operated by Elias and Rachel. We have farmed for 15 years, and have been certified organic through Oregon Tilth for the past four. We generally grow 4-6 acres of diversified row crops with emphasis on root crops and greens, and also manage 6 acres of apples and a 30 head flock of meat sheep. Our veggies and fruit are marketed through our 100-150 member CSA, to local restaurants, at the Corvallis Saturday market, and Willamette Valley grocery stores. Most work is done by hand (i.e. harvest, planting, transplanting, weed control) but we do have some small scale labor saving tools (mulch layer, potato digger, rototillers,  manure spreader, etc).  We incorporate 1-2 acres of summer cropped areas, and pulse grazing our sheep throughout different cropping areas during the growing season and off seasons. At our current production level, 6-7 full time employees are required for the farm.

We live 17 miles outside of Corvallis in the foothills of the Coast range. We’re quite rural with a car being essential for transportation to town, and just about anywhere. There are several other people living on the property, some are working on the farm and would be working with potential apprentices. Our property is 102 acres, with an additional 100+ acres in community trust that can be enjoyed for recreation. We have river frontage and plenty of space to camp for additional recreation.

Elias manages vegetable production and has a finger in most things.  Elias’ passion for farming came from several merging interests.  His first interest was in politics and social justice, then came an interest in the natural world, and finally health and nutrition.  And… you put all these things together and you better just start growing your own food!  Rachel and Elias started growing food as a hobby in 2003, did their first formal apprenticeship in 2006 and started Rainshine in 2008 as a 24 member CSA in a one acre backyard in the Corvallis area. Elias is fascinated by what just plain works, and also how complicated farm systems are.  All of our income is made from our farm property, and one longer term goal is to continue to make it more soluble and profitable and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Rachel manages the orchard spaces, which include 4 acres of red fleshed specialty apples, 1 acre of mixed apples, 1 acre of mixed cider apples, and some asian pears.  She also manages the flock of sheep along, manages the office, runs the farmer’s market booth and also wears many other hats!

TRAINING AND EXPECTATIONS

Apprentices will work alongside other employees.  Both head farmers work hands-on 3-6 days a week with staff.  All aspects of small scale farming will be covered such as sowing, transplanting, irrigating, soil prep, minor construction, marketing (farmer’s market help), weed management, harvest, post-harvest handling, etc. Apprentices' own interests will help determine which areas to focus on. Along with most other employees, a first year Apprentice will spend the majority of the season planting, weeding, harvesting, and washing/packing.

We expect applicants to work 7-9 hours per day (depending on the time of year), and 32-40+ hours per week.  Regular, moderate lifting is expected.  Applicants with prior chronic injuries should consider not applying for this job, as regularly being unable to participate in the work week is a major challenge for the small farm.  We generally give one week off to employees in the summer season, but also schedule random days off for morale boosting.

Every day on the farm allows for a lot of one on one time with the farmers.  We’ll also have at least 2 returning employees, each with 2+ years’ experience on our farm.  In the past, we’ve offered individual farm plots of employee experimentation, as well as tailoring skill learning with the interests of each individual as best as we can.

COMPENSATION / ACCOMMODATIONS

$15/hr starting wage

All the farm fresh food you can eat.

No on-farm housing is offered. Generally the closest housing is located in Philomath or Corvallis.

QUALIFICATIONS

We need applicants to be open minded and ready to work.   Previous experience is usually a good thing, but not always.  Having a lot of energy, good stamina, and a positive attitude make for FUN days.

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Our Priority is that all employees are treated fairly and given equal opportunities to excel. When we observe that an individual has a good attention to detail, and is careful, we offer them tractor training.  When we observe someone being more organized and clear in their communication, we try to offer them opportunities to lead others, and help make day to day decisions. Not everyone comes with the same baseline of strengths, but hopefully everyone will leave having been challenged and grown considerably. 

Elias and kiddo.

McPherson Farms

McPherson Farms

  • POSITIONS: 1 APPRENTICESHIP

  • FULL-TIME (32-40 hrs/week)

  • HOUSING NOT PROVIDED

  • APPROX START & END DATES: 4/15 to 9/15

  • LOCATION: KLAMATH BASIN (Southern Oregon)

  • NO ON-FARM HOUSING OFFERED 

  • VEHICLE REQUIRED? Yes

  • ON FARM VISIT REQUIRED? Possibly

McPherson Farms sits on 750 acres just outside of Midland, a small community 10 miles south of Klamath Falls, Oregon. Our farm is run by Josh and his mom, Jani, with help from his wife, Marlena, and one part-time employee during the summer months. We raise hay, cattle, hogs, and grain on our farm. We butcher a small number of our cattle and all our hogs to sell meat direct-to-consumer through our farm store, the local farmers market, and online marketplace under our brand “McPherson’s High Desert Highlands.” Our hay is sold locally with a limited number of deliveries and most of our calves are sold at the local auction yard. Our farm is somewhere between conventional and regenerative. Most of our labor involves tractors and other machines. We practice no-till cultivation where possible, manage our cattle with rotational grazing, and utilize cover crops to improve soil health. We strive through our work to maintain both a healthy ecosystem and a productive farm to the best of our ability. 

Our area is defined by open farmland with the Cascade Mountains to the west and desert hills to the east. Our farm is in the Pacific Flyway, near several National Wildlife Refuges, providing an important rest area for migratory birds. It is a home for many different species including sandhill cranes, eagles, hawks, coyotes, and the occasional badger or weasel. There are many opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking, biking, and fishing within a short drive. Our community is one of family farmers who are generous and look out for each other.

McPherson Farms has operated since 1980, when the McPhersons bought their property. Josh was raised on the farm and has been helping run it his whole life. He has managed irrigation, operated equipment, and helped manage cattle for 25 years. Over that time he has taken over management of the farm. He has long term experience in farm planning, accounting, crop establishment, irrigation, grazing management, crop harvest, livestock care, equipment repairs, and direct-to-consumer sales. He graduated with a degree in geography with minors in philosophy and land use planning. Josh believes that farming can be a way to make the world better by rediscovering traditional practices and embracing new farming methods. This helps integrate our farm with the landscape while still providing for our family and the community. As such, our farm is and may always be a work in progress.

We would like to host an apprentice to pass our skills and knowledge to the next generation of farmers. We have opportunities on our farm to learn through work and experience, the same way Josh did growing up. It would be nice to spend time training someone who wants to participate in all aspects of farming and is eager to learn. 

TRAINING AND EXPECTATIONS

Josh has been training and supervising employees on the job for the last 7 years and will be the primary mentor to the apprentice. His wife, Marlena, is a science teacher with 10 years of experience in the field of education. Although she works off the farm during the school year, Marlena works on the farm during the summer and will provide some additional training and support.

The apprentice will learn irrigation management and maintenance for hand line, wheel lines, pivots, and flood irrigation. They will learn to construct and maintain both electric and wire fences for livestock. They will help provide daily care for cattle and pigs, as well as how to manage grazing cattle in a rotational system. They will help fulfill online sales and help operate a booth at the farmers market for direct to consumer sales every one to two weeks. They will help plant and establish forage and cover crops. They will help with basic maintenance and operation of farm equipment based on their own comfort and skill level. They will help with the planning and budgeting for one crop from planting to harvest.

We are part of an active community of family farmers and ranchers and will help the apprentice meet local farmers and coordinate visits to other farms approximately once a month. We will include opportunities to participate in farm community events put on by farm groups like the Klamath-Lake Farm Bureau and introduce them to the people involved in our local food systems non-profit, Klamath Grown.

The position will start on/around April 15th and last until approximately September 15th. We have some flexibility on start and end dates of the apprentice’s work season if necessary. There will be between 6 and 10 hours of training in a day, 5 days a week. The apprentice will be expected to show up between 7am and 8am as needed. The schedule can be irregular depending on the harvest schedule, with blocks of training in the morning and evening. The apprentice will have the opportunity to take a week off from training sometime in July or August. As for physical expectations, the apprentice should be able to walk 3-4 miles a day and lift 50lbs easily. The apprentice can expect to be asked to move bales of hay, lift sacks of seed, carry irrigation pipes, drag irrigation hoses, and pound in fence posts.  

Each morning there will be a check-in and explanation of the tasks for the day, with an opportunity to answer any questions. When the apprentice is given a new task or project to begin, we will be present to explain and demonstrate the techniques and expectations involved and help get them started. The apprentice will be given the opportunity to work independently, but a mentor will be a phone call away if troubleshooting is needed. At the end of the day, we will check in and talk about the progress that day and address any concerns or answer questions the apprentice might have. There will be a whole farm meeting once a week to review everything that we've done and talk about what the next week will look like. Periodically, we will have the apprentice tag along to get an understanding of jobs on the farm that are outside of their direct experience.     

QUALIFICATIONS                                                                                           

We would like an applicant who enjoys working outside without close supervision. Some experience around livestock is preferred, and the applicant should have some physical work experience. Applicants should be interested in farming as a future occupation and be willing to work with and cooperate with people of a different mindset. Our family includes children who are intertwined with our farm life. As such, we would prefer family-friendly applicants, and no smoking, alcohol, or drug use.

A vehicle is necessary given the location of our farm. Being able to drive a manual transmission is preferred, but we are willing to train someone who is eager to learn.     

COMPENSATION / ACCOMMODATIONS 

The position will start at $15/hr. We will provide a stipend for fuel to help with travel to and from the farm and to help the apprentice participate in the Rogue Farm Corp program. Following a successful season, the apprentice can expect an end-of-season bonus. The apprentice will receive an employee discount of 20% on any food purchased from the farm store.

There are rentals available in Klamath Falls and surrounding areas. We will happily advise an apprentice on good locations to rent in. That being said, we are actively networking to find off-farm housing that we can assist with for the season.

Cell service is available on the whole farm. Wi-fi is available at either of the two houses on the farm. 

EQUITY AND INCLUSION

On our farm the only thing we don't tolerate is intolerance. We only ask people that work for us to do jobs that we would be willing to do ourselves. We try to ensure that anyone can afford and access our products, while still providing us and our employees with a living wage.

Marlena and Josh McPherson with their child.

Quackenbush Farm- FULL FOR 2024

QUACKENBUSH FARM- FULL FOR 2024

  • POSITION: 2 APPRENTICESHIPS

  • FULL TIME (40 hrs/week) 

  • APPROX START/END DATES: April 1 - Oct 31 (option to stay through November)

  • LOCATION: Eagle Creek (Portland Chapter)

  • NO ON-FARM HOUSING OFFERED 

  • VEHICLE REQUIRED? Yes

  • ON FARM VISIT REQUIRED? Preferred, no required

  • LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English. Basic Spanish.

Quackenbush Farm is located in the beautiful Clackamas River Valley, about 30 minutes southeast of Portland.  Our focus has primarily been diversified, organic, fresh market veggies. The farm is a thriving business with our main markets being our weekend farmer’s markets, wholesale (school districts), restaurants, and a small on-site farm stand.

Our production methods revolve around intensive, sustainable annual crop production.  We are certified organic and utilize a variety of conservation practices to minimize our impact on the land and soil, including cover cropping, crop rotations, reduced tillage, pollinator plantings and hedgerows, and more. 

The farm family and crew this year will include Jennifer and Matt, our assistant farm manager, two to three farm crew members and apprentices, 2 market crew, and our team of weekly harvest volunteers and workshares.

Quackenbush Farm started in 2013 as a partnership between 4 friends. We were young, motivated, and wanted to grow a business based around community health and vitality. Each of us contributed a thousand dollars as startup, or seed money, and kept our day jobs. We found a rental with property with a brave landlord and within a month of signing the lease, we plowed the field. 

Over the years the farm has evolved, growing and reaching new markets and customers. In 2017, the farm found a permanent home when Matt and Jennifer purchased 18 beautiful, flat acres of pasture and oak savanna in Eagle Creek, Oregon. Through all the changes over the years we have stayed committed to our ideals, and remain idealistic in our hearts and actions.

Our focus is on producing high quality produce for small and mid-scale markets, with an emphasis on heirloom and old-world varieties where flavor is more important than shelf-life.

Training AND Expectations

We are looking for two full time apprentices to commit to the full season from early April to the end of October or optionally through November. The flow of a typical farm year for our staff follows the 3 seasons of spring, summer, and fall:

Spring (April, May, early June) – The focus of this season is greenhouse work, field preparation, building/refurbishing farm infrastructure, and planting.

Summer (Late June, July, August) – This is the time for our biggest markets, big harvests, weeding, pruning and trellising, and more planting.

Fall (September, October, November) – The pace starts to slow a little here, with planting mostly over, our focus now is harvesting, weeding, marketing, farm projects, and eventually turning the fields over and planting cover crop.

By the end of the year, we will provide exposure to virtually all aspects of farm operations, including all steps between the seed and the plate.

These are full-time positions, typically 40 hours per week with some flexibility for longer days in the peak season (July/August) and shorter days in the shoulder seasons (April/October), 5 days per week with two days off. Work days typically start at 8am and go to 4:30pm, with a lunch break mid-day. Farming is physically demanding work, so we expect our staff to manage the demands of frequent lifting, stooping, repetitive motions, and to be able to work in all weather conditions.

Working directly with the farm owners in all aspects of day to day operations, you will gain an in-depth understanding of growing for farmer's markets, local restaurants, and our surrounding community. With 4 acres in production of annual vegetables and the remaining 14 acres managed for grazing, wildlife habitat, and other projects, our apprentices will have the opportunity to gain a well-rounded sustainable agriculture work experience.  Overall duties include field work, irrigation, small equipment work, farmers market sales, seeding/propagation, planting, animal husbandry, volunteer coordination, and record keeping (to name a few).

Qualifications

An ideal candidate would be one who is seriously considering a career in agriculture, either working for another farm or starting their own, and is actively pursuing these opportunities.

Farm work experience is preferred, but NOT required.  However we do expect a willingness to learn. We value clear and open communication and expect that our staff are actively engaged with questions, comments, and input on the farm operation.

Demonstrated experience doing repetitive manual labor and a strong physical and mental work ethic IS required.

While we do not require an in-person visit prior to making a placement offer, it is highly recommended.

Compensation / Accommodations

Compensation for our apprenticeship starts at $15/hr and includes a CSA share for the season.

We are not offering housing this year.  The Estacada area typically has affordable housing available, or we are a 30 minute drive from Portland.

Equity AND Inclusion

We believe healthy, organic food should be accessible to anyone, regardless of their economic status. We are very conscious of fair pricing, both to ourselves and to our customers, and provide other opportunities to make our produce affordable, including SNAP discounts and benefits, Pay What You Can pricing, and donations to several local food banks. 

We recognize the long and troubled history of exclusion in the world of agriculture and land ownership. Equity and inclusion on Quackenbush Farm means that your value as a farmer and co-worker are irrespective of your race, color, gender, sexual orientation, bank account balance, or accent. We welcome all hard-working bipeds to apply.

Matt & Jennifer (& Edwin)

Matt & Jennifer (& Edwin)