YA Apprenticeship: Blue Mountain Biodynamic Farm – Carstairs, AB

Posted by Dana Penrice on November 23, 2017

Are you an aspiring farmer looking for hands-on farming experience on an ecological farm? Are you interested in organic farming and biodynamic practices? Blue Mountain Biodynamic Farm is looking for a farm apprentice starting this spring to join their team.

About the Farm

Blue Mountain Biodynamic Farm is a highly diversified operation located on 160 acres of rolling prairie and parkland. Owned and operated by husband and wife team Kris and Tamara, the farm produces cereal grains, forage crops, culinary herbs, vegetables, eggs and meat products, all of which are produced organically and certified biodynamic by Demeter Canada. Farm products are marketed locally, via a CSA, other box programs, retail stores, restaurants and at a Farmers’ Market.

About the Apprenticeship

Apprentices will have the opportunity to learn skills associated with all aspects of running a very diverse commercial farming enterprise, including animal husbandry, machinery and equipment operation, 4-6 acres of vegetable and seed production, marketing and more.

As part of the apprenticeship, you will meet with other apprentices across Alberta who are part of the Young Agrarians Apprenticeship program. Field days, learning opportunities and potlucks will be planned with this group at each hosts farm. You will be provided with a learning fund to support travel or other learning opportunities you wish to pursue.  You will also be invited to attend the 2018 Organic Alberta Conference.

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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.

LIVESTOCK HUSBANDRYMARKET GARDENING
LIVESTOCK HEALTHSEED SAVING
LOW STRESS LIVESTOCK HANDLINGDIRECT MARKETING
POULTRY HUSBANDRYWHOLESALE MARKETING
GRAZINGCSA MARKETING
GREEN HOUSE MANAGEMENTSOIL FERTILITY / NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT
Organic and Biodynamic farming Principles

Housing, Stipend and Duration

Apprentices have separate accommodations and a communal straw bale building for cooking, laundry, showering and recreation. A monthly stipend is provided as well as a season end bonus, available only to those who stay for the entire length of the growing season, which is May 1st to November 1st. Career opportunities are available for the right person.

About the Community 

Carstairs is located approximately 70 km northwest of Calgary and is about 60 km away from the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains. There is plenty of beautiful countryside to explore, especially in the foothills and mountains to the west. 

More Details about this Apprenticeship and How to Apply 

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS.

Interested in an Apprenticeship but this isn’t quite the right one? Check out other Young Agrarians Alberta Apprenticeships being offered in 2017 here.