Do you love animals, want to learn more about regenerative livestock management practices and raise food directly for your community? Zinn Farms is excited to offer a hands-on apprenticeship just for you!
About the Farm
Zinn Farms is located near Springstein, Manitoba (25 minute drive, west of Winnipeg) – Treaty 1 Territory
Zinn Farms is located on 20 acres in Springstein, Manitoba. The mother/son team of Monika and Andreas Zinn established the farm over fifteen years ago, and have each been farming their entire lives. They love working with animals and direct marketing their products. Their animals have always been raised free-range, with on-farm milled grains that are free of preventative antibiotics, GMO grains or growth hormones. They raise pastured heritage pork, meat chickens and layer chickens! Zinn farms sells their products wholesale, direct to the customer and at farmer’s markets. They also market their chicken and pig feed mix made of locally grown wheat, barley, oats, peas, flax and minerals. Zinn farms is committed to providing healthy products while improving the environment by following regenerative agriculture principles. To read more about their operation and regenerative methods please visit https://www.zinnfarms.com/. Or check then out on FB and Instagram.
About the Apprenticeship
In this apprenticeship you will have the opportunity to work with and care for a diversity of animals! This will involve feeding and watering, cleaning and preparing the barns, and health checks. Work will also consist of fence building and repairs, moving animals for rotational grazing, setting up and checking water systems, yard and equipment maintenance, making custom feed mix and helping with farm projects. There will also be opportunities to help build orders, label products and direct market to customers, restaurants and at farmers markets.
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 regenerative or organic food conference during or following the apprenticeship.
About the mentors
Andreas Zinn – Owner and farm manager, Andreas is responsible for fixing and building farm improvement projects and assisting with animal production. He also handles the larger tasks associated with animal production like transport and manure management. Andreas grew up on a commercial chicken farm and has personally owned and managed livestock since he was 13! He has been marketing his products directly to consumers for just as long and is looking forward to working with folks who are eager and interested in agriculture.
Amanda Dueck – Production manager. Amanda manages the pig production and does the daily chores, minor repairs and general maintenance.
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 to a learning plan with the host farm.
| Animal health and Safety | Machinery Maintenance |
|---|---|
| Multi-Species Grazing | livestock watering systems |
| crop & Livestock integration | Soil health |
| Custom Feed production | Direct sales marketing |
Skills Required of the Apprentice
A great willingness to learn, to try your best and commit full effort and focus are the most important qualities they are looking for. Experience working with animals is a plus.
Physically fit and willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
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 commuting to the farm daily.
- Lunch is provided for staff, however dietary restrictions need to be accommodated by the apprentice themselves.
- Laundry is available for farm work clothes only.
- Hourly wage of $16.50/hr.
- 45 hours work/week with 2 days off per week.
- Duration: May 1st to October 31st. There is potential for long term employment!
The farm is located a 25 minute drive west of Winnipeg Manitoba in the bedroom community (read no stores) of Springstein, Manitoba.
More 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.