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Are you an aspiring ecological farmer who wants hands on experience working the land and living in community? The Homestead in Goodfare, Alberta might be the place for you!
About the Farm
The Homestead is a certified organic farm situated between the arable prairie of the Peace Country and a wilderness that extends all the way to the Pacific Ocean. It was started by Lisa and Donovan Kitt, two young farmers passionate about growing nourishing food.
They have grown their subsistence farm into a medium-sized established operation that specializes in producing and direct marketing eggs, vegetables, micro-greens, pork, beef, and chickens. Chickens are processed on farm in a facility they constructed in 2023.
The farm is working towards becoming Certified Regenerative and will be one of the first farms in Canada to achieve this certification. As you will quickly find out, there are no shortage of experiences to be had on The Homestead and apprentices will be immersed in day to day life of starting, maintaining, and growing a regenerative mixed farm.
Website: https://thehomesteadfarm.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomestead2015
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehomestead2015/
Our Workplace Culture
WWOOFers travel from all reaches of the world to experience life on The Homestead.
We work Monday to Saturday and lunch and dinner are shared.
About the Farmers
The main mentors are Lisa and Donovan Kitt, their sons Murray (6) and Everett (4), Donovan’s father Jerry, and a revolving contingent of WWOOFers (short and/or long term volunteers participating in World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms)
Lisa is a market gardening extraordinaire, soil fertility expert, and cattle whisperer.
Donovan works off farm and tackles farm resiliency, marketing, and keeping everything running.
Jerry manages a pasture-based hog operation, and has experience with bison.
Murray has an endless supply of questions and Everett loves going on quad rides.
About the Apprenticeship
Apprentices will work alongside Donovan and Lisa and acquire skills in many aspects of running a diverse and certified organic farming enterprise, including market gardening, raising pigs, raising cattle, raising and processing poultry, egg production, haying, marketing, problem solving, and farm maintenance.
Lisa and Donovan work closely with Donovan’s father, Jerry, and apprentices will have the opportunity to collaborate on projects with the whole Kitt family.
The ideal duration of employment is 8-10 months..
The job requirements are
- Desire to learn
- Positive attitude
- Established vision for regenerative agriculture
Apprentices are willing to learn these skills:
- Assessing soil health in the field
- Animal Health
- Moving animals in a field
- Marketing & packaging
- Annual budgeting & planning
- Raising pastured pigs
- Poultry husbandry
- On-site poultry processing
- Rotational grazing
- Holistic management
Compensation
We offer the wage of $18/hour
About the Community
The Homestead is located near Goodfare, a vibrant and close-knit community where potlucks, impromptu visitors, and house concerts are common. Farming is a challenge to do independently and supportive community is essential for success. The farmers of The Homestead can provide examples of how to cultivate and maintain a vibrant community.
The area is abundant in wildlife and there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. The closest town is Beaverlodge, which is a half hour drive from the farm and has most services. Grande Prairie is the nearest city and is a one hour drive from The Homestead.
Beaverlodge is 1/2 hour away, Grande Prairie is 1 hour away
Accommodation
Accommodations: yes
Accommodation details: A trailer is available for long term apprentices and holiday trailers for short-term apprentices. The trailer has wifi, a kitchen, and laundry facilities.
Accommodations shared with other employees/apprentices: no
Access to a full bathroom with running water: yes
Type of dwelling: Single season
Accommodation checklist:
- Furnished
- Running water (potable)
- Clean
- Private bathroom
- Private Laundry
- Private kitchen
- Heating
- Electricity
Pets permitted: no
Guests permitted: yes
Rent: $1000/month room and board
Accommodation Agreement: yes
Other information:
We look forward to seeing you!