The land that makes up Kettle Pond Farm is owned by Alex and Chris Houtzager. A portion of this land is managed by Stephen Murray and Kelly O’Neill. Kelly and Steve manage the KPF Community Supported Agriculture program and act as intern supervisors. They are both former interns under Curtis Feather, KPF’s farm manager from 2006-2007.
We are looking forward to a great season and eager to share the experience!
Benefits Include:
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THE INTERNSHIP..
The work week will consist of 5 full days from 7am-4pm (one hour lunch break) with one day till 7pm watching the pick-up area and about one weekend per month. The weekend responsibilities include watching the farm stand, harvesting and animal chores. General farm duties include:
We welcome all applicants. No previous farm experience is necessary, but we do require that applicants be able to lift 50 lbs and have their own health insurance.
An intern at KPF will learn to grow and cultivate a wide variety of vegetables using organic practices. They will learn about composting, soil fertility, nutrient dense crops, green manures, sustainable food systems and season extension. In addition, interns will learn how to harvest, store, and preserve a diverse array of vegetables and some fruit. Interns will participate in running a CSA operation as well as work with members and volunteers providing educational experiences for others.
At the end of their stay, an intern should have the knowledge base to produce sustainably grown, nutrient dense vegetables, as well as the ability to engage community members in this endeavor.
Policies Re: Time off, visitors, pets,
Time Off - Interns should let us know of any prior commitments at the start of their farm stay. Because of the nature of farming, we are looking for interns committed to working the required hours. If there is a situation in which time off is needed, it can be negotiated. Likewise, if an intern is sick, time off will be granted.
Visitors – Interns may have visitors stay for up to a week. Visitors must, however, put in a half day of farm work for each day of their stay Mon-Fri. Interns will be responsible for the behavior of their visitors.
Pets – Unfortunately, interns may not bring pets with them to the farm. The farm is already the home to two cats, a dog, and anywhere between 2-5 people.
Alcohol and Drugs – If an intern is found to be using any illegal drug, they will be dismissed. Alcohol is allowed for interns 21 and over. If the use of alcohol is negatively affecting farm work, an intern may be dismissed.
Dismissal – An intern can be dismissed at any time if managers feel the intern is negatively impacting life in the house or crops in the field. Warnings will be given before dismissal.
Equipment/Safety
Farming involves many hazards. As a result, safety is one of our top priorities at Kettle Pond Farm. An intern will be doing physical labor and should be prepared for it. It is important to be aware of the risks to your body with the repeated bending, crouching, lifting, etc., of everyday farm tasks. We strongly encourage stretching daily.
We also require eye and ear protection when using machinery such as the rototiller, mower, and weed whacker. Interns interested in using this equipment will be given the proper training to do so. Interns will also be instructed on the proper use of hand tools such as hoes and wheel cultivators
| Sweet Peppers Hot Peppers Heirloom Tomatoes Cherry Tomatoes Tomatillos Kohlrabi Celeriac Celery Parsley Par-Cel Basil Cilantro |
Potatoes Broccoli Cabbage Nappa Cabbage Pac-Choi Arugula Mustard Mizuna Lettuce Winter Squash Summer Squash Zucchini |
Eggplant Carrots Parsnips Radishes Beets Watermelon Scallions Onions Leeks Peas Beans Pumpkin |