Are you looking for a farming adventure in the full cycle of growing and harvesting multiple grains to a finished food product check out Axten Farms.
ABOUT AXTEN FARMS
Axten Farms is located near Minton, Saskatchewan on Treaty 4 Territory
Derek and Tannis Axten own and operate Axten Farms which has been in Derek’s family for over a century. With dry, fragile soils, and limited rainfall they made it their mission to “be loyal to the soil” and regenerate their soil life. Axten farms’ goal is to regenerate the health and vitality of the soil, themselves, the farm, and their community. Their regenerative practices include diversity, large-scale composting, cover crops, intercropping, controlled traffic farming, and biologically friendly inputs. Axten Farms grow numerous crops including spelt, red fife, oats, Khorasan, mustard, chickpeas, flax, rye, winter peas, and camelina. Axten farm operates a seed processing plant and a newly operating whole grain flour mill and packing line.
ABOUT THE APPRENTICESHIP
The apprentice will work alongside Derek and Tannis and other staff. Axten Farms has many facets deciding where the apprentice will spend their time depends on their interests and passions.
Apprentices have the opportunity to learn farming operations, maintenance of equipment, and handling grain. There are opportunities to learn about Axten Farms’ unique fertility program, which includes making biological fertilizer mixes, taking plant samples, running equipment, and monitoring soil health. The farm also offers learning skills in technology through control traffic farming and how each piece of equipment fits in their farming system.
In addition to farm operations, potential apprentices can learn how to clean grains to make them of food-grade quality. This job requires learning how to monitor and run equipment, inspect grain samples, clean equipment, and complete paperwork. In tandem with the seed processing plant, Axten Farms will have a newly operating grain flour mill in the spring.
ABOUT THE FARM MENTORS
Derek and Tannis are the main mentors. They work as a team managing the farm and marketing their products. Derek’s primary role is managing the farm operations and Tannis’ primary role is accounting. Daniel Metherell may also help with mentoring as his role is operating the seed-cleaning plant.
Derek – Derek grew up on the farm where they now live. He attended Old’s college and graduated with a certificate in Farm and Ranch Management. He is on the volunteer fire fighting department, a chair of the Sask Outstanding Young Farmers Program, and a board member of Sask Soils. Derek is dedicated to his family, farm, and the future of the community.
Tannis – Tannis grew up in Gladmar SK, and attended the University of Saskatchewan graduating with a degree in Education. Tannis was a high school science teacher before joining Axten Farms. She is on the Regeneration Canada Board, ALUS technical advisory committee, and 4H leader.
Tannis and Derek have two children, Kate, who is taking International Food Business at Dalhousie University, and Brock, who is in grade 11. They both have been very active on the farm.
SKILLS THIS FARM HAS TO TEACH
The following skills are being offered by this farm. While you’ll get exposure to many of these areas, it is likely that not all will be covered. Apprentices will work to identify the skills they want to develop through a learning plan with the host farm.
| RUNNING AND OPERATING EQUIPMENT | CLEANING GRAIN TO FOOD-GRADE QUALITY |
|---|---|
| MAKING BIOLOGICAL FERTILIZER | INSPECT GRAIN SAMPLES |
| TAKING PLANT SAMPLES | RUN AND CLEAN EQUIPMENT |
| MONITORING FIELDS | COMPLETE PAPERWORK |
| MAINTAINING EQUIPMENT | mILLING AND PACKAGING |
SKILLS REQUIRED OF THE APPRENTICE
- Experience operating farm equipment
- A willingness and ability to learn, work well with others, and have initiative and enthusiasm.
- All weather clothing and work clothes are needed. Steel-toed boots.
- A phone to communicate
- A valid driver’s license
HOUSING, WAGE, AND DURATION
There is a house in Minton available for rent that has laundry and some furniture. Wifi internet is available for purchase from Sasktel.
The staff has access to occasional vehicles if needed.
Typically staff cook their own breakfasts and are required to bring their own lunch. Hot meals for supper are provided during seeding and harvest. Apprentices are welcome to farm eggs.
Summer students typically start at 16$ an hour and are covered by workers’ compensation.
The apprenticeship is from Mid March – Mid-October. Dates can be flexible for university students to return to classes.
Apprentices are not permitted to bring pets with them.
Axten Farms accepts applications from international students with work visas.
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY AND LAND
Axten Farm is near Minton, Saskatchewan. Minton is a small rural town of approximately 50 people. It has a credit union, local hall, hotel/ bar, swimming pool, machinery dealership, and insurance agency. Weyburn is the nearest larger town, which is a little over an hour away. The nearest city is Regina which is 1.5 hour drive north.
Axten Farms is located on Treaty 4 the original lands of the Cree, Ojibwe, Salteaux, Dakota, Nakota, Lakota, and the homeland of the Metis Nation.
More Details about this Apprenticeship and How to Apply
Deadline March 15, 2023
Contact Alieka (program coordinator) for questions: saskatchewan@youngagrarians.org