Are you an aspiring farmer looking for an adventure in mixed farming? The Homestead is looking for a farm apprentice starting this spring to join their team.
About the Farm
The Homestead is a certified organic farm started in 2015 by Lisa and Donovan Kitt, two young farmers passionate about sustainable agriculture. The farm is off-grid and is situated near the community of Goodfare, AB, between the arable prairie of the Peace Country and a wilderness extending all the way to the Pacific Ocean. The landscape of The Homestead includes pastured meats, including lamb, beef, and pork, as well as eggs, vegetables, shoots, and honey. Farm products are sold at a nearby farmers market, retail stores, and direct marketed to the surrounding community.
Just down the road is one of the first organic farms in Alberta. Donovan’s father Jerry operates an organic ranch that specializes in pastured pork, bison, beef, chickens, and turkeys. Lisa and Donovan work closely with Jerry and interns will likely collaborate on projects on his farm.
About the Apprenticeship
Apprentices will acquire skills in all aspects of running a diverse and relatively new organic farming enterprise, including animal husbandry, machinery and equipment operation, vegetable production, direct marketing, farm design, holistic management, and more. Apprentices will also have the opportunity to learn about the unique challenges associated with farming off-grid.
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.
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.
| LIVESTOCK HUSBANDRY | market gardening |
|---|---|
| LIVESTOCK HEALTH | DIRECT MARKETING |
| HOLISTIC MANAGEMENT | OFF-GRID LIVING |
| POULTRY HUSBANDRY | ORGANIC FARMING PRINCIPLES |
| ROTATIONAL Grazing | ORGANIC BEEKEEPING |
| EGG PRODUCTION | SOIl FERTILITY / nutrient management |
| FARMERS MARKET SALES | FINANCIAL PLANNING |
Housing, Stipend and Duration
Apprentices have separate accommodations. Accommodations will be rustic but will make for a memorable experience. A monthly stipend is provided. The apprenticeship will run from May until October.
About the Community
The Homestead is located near Goodfare, which is a vibrant and close-knit community. Potlucks, impromptu visitors, and house concerts are common. The area is abundant in wildlife and there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.
The closest town is Beaverlodge, which is 40 km from farm and has most services. Grande Prairie is the nearest city and is 80 km east of The Homestead.
More Details about this Apprenticeship and How to Apply
Deadline February 28, 2019.
Interested in an Apprenticeship but this isn’t quite the right one? Check out other Young Agrarians Alberta Apprenticeships being offered in 2019 here.