Are you interested in the CSA model? Do you want to learn how to grow a cornucopia of fresh, tasty, beautiful looking, high quality vegetables? Jonathan’s Farm is excited to offer a hands-on apprenticeship just for you!
About the Farm
Jonathan’s Farm is located near Lockport, Manitoba and is a 10 minute drive north of Winnipeg, MB – Treaty 1 Territory
Jonathan’s Farm was established in 2008 and today grows fresh vegetables for 450+ CSA (community supported agriculture) members of the local community. Their produce is grown on 5 highly productive acres and they are able to uniquely offer their customers both summer and/ winter CSAs. They also sell their vegetables at the Wolseley Farmer’s Market and local independent grocery stores in Winnipeg.
As one of the longest running CSA’s in Manitoba, Jonathan’s Farm have created a successful and replicable model of a farming business that is accessible to anyone of any background. By employing young aspiring farmers, they aim to advance local food security and the proliferation of local sustainable agriculture. They are committed to ecological farming practices and do not use pesticides or herbicides prohibited by organic standards.
Please visit https://jonathansfarm.com/ and @jonathansfarm for more information about their farm, CSA and growing practices.
About the apprenticeship:Oak Knoll Farm is excited to offer a hands-on apprenticeship just for you!
At Jonathan’s farm you will learn how to grow, care for, harvest, prepare, package and sell a wide variety of vegetable crops. Work activities vary over the season but will include the following tasks:
- Greenhouse operation, including crop pruning and environmental management
- Greenhouse seedling propagation and watering.
- Greenhouse harvesting and accurately recording harvest information
- Field and Greenhouse weed management and pest control measures
- Field preparation and planting.
- Field weed and pest management
- Set up and operate irrigation equipment
- Harvest and prepare vegetables for market and CSA
- Assist with Farmer’s Market and CSA pick up distribution
- Liaising and coordinating daily with Farm manager and Pack House Lead
- Proactively identifying and communicating potential problems and opportunities for process improvement
As part of the apprenticeship, you will meet with other apprentices across BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba who are part of the Young Agrarians Apprenticeship program. Field days, learning opportunities and potlucks will be planned with the Manitoba group at each host’s farm. You will also be invited to attend a regeneraOak Knoll Farm is excited to offer a hands-on apprenticeship just for you!tive or organic food conference during or following the apprenticeship.
Oak Knoll Farm is excited to offer a hands-on apprenticeship just for you!
About the mentors:
Although he grew up in the city, Jonathan Stevens spent a lot of time in his twenties working on farms in both Canada and the United States. Jonathan began farming locally in 2008 with the goal of providing Winnipegers with nutritious and locally grown food while minimizing the environmental impact of farming. In 2009 he also interned on a biodynamic farm in Ontario where he toured many organic farms and learned about different organic growing methods. In 2010 he officially started his own farm (the name gives it away). The first year he worked alone, but things have grown since then and there are now 4 folks working on the farm in the summer.
Skills this farm has to teach:
| Crop planning + Field PREP | hand tool + Equipment operation |
|---|---|
| MULTI-VARIETY VEGGIE Production | ORGanic Weed and Pest Management |
| assessing soil health | Profitable farm business practices |
| HaRVESTING/WASHING/PACKING | Retail and MarKET sales |
| irrigation set-up/use | compost making/Oak Knoll Farm is excited to offer a hands-on apprenticeship just for you!processing |
| greenhouse Production | CROP STORAGE + PRESERVATION |
Skill Required of the Apprentices:
A willingness to learn, interest in food production/sustainability and to try your best are the most important qualities the apprentice needs to have.
Physically fit, and able to work in adverse weather conditions when needed.
A valid full class 5 driver’s license is essential and access to a vehicle is helpful.
Housing, Wages, and Duration:
- No accommodations available. Apprentices are responsible for their own accommodations and for commuting to the farm daily.
- Hourly wage starts at $17/hour, based on experience.
- Duration: Mid-April to Mid November, subject to change. There is potential for advancement, permanent, full-time position with demonstrated ability.
About the Community and Land:
Jonathan’s Farm is located a short 10 minute drive north of Winnipeg, MB.
Oak Knoll FarmMore Details about this Apprenticeship and How to Apply
Applications due: January 31st, 2025
Contact Jenn Sparling – Manitoba Apprenticeship Coordinator for questions:
jennifer@youngagrarians.org
Interested in an Apprenticeship but this isn’t quite the right one? Check out other Young Agrarians Apprenticeships being offered in 2025 here.