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Farms Hosting Apprentices
Please note that host farms will be updating their listings to reflect 2010 in the next few weeks.  Until then, contact them directly with any questions.

Farms arranged alphabetically: 

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Farm: Anthonys Beehive Updated for 2010
Farmer(s): Tony Schwager
Location:
Lawrence, KS
Contact: tony@anthonysbeehive.com  or (785) 762-beehive
Website:
www.anthonysbeehive.com

Apprenticeship opportunities: volunteer (4 to 8 hrs a week)

We are a family owned beekeeping business in Lawrence with about 200 hives on 20 different farms. We are producing honey, pollen, beeswax, lip balm, and lotion. Selling online and at Farmer's Markets. Visit our website for more information.
We are looking for a volunteer apprentice for 4 to 8 hours a week. Once spring hits, accompany us to the hives for evaluation of overwintering, feeding, and other spring management. Also assist in preparing online orders for shipment and production of value added products. Perhaps a little bit of marketing and sales as well.

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Farm: Bear Creek Farms Updated for 2010
Farmer(s): Jim and Robbins Hail
Location:
Osceola, MO
Contact: robbinshail@hotmail.com  417-282-5894
Apprenticeship opportunities: part or full time possible - call to discuss.

Bear Creek Farms is a certified organic vegetable farm in rural St. Clair county - 10 miles outside Osceola, MO and 100 miles south of Kansas City.  Room and board may be available.  We have approximately 10 acres of mixed vegetables, fruit and herbs.  We specialize in heirloom tomatoes.  Most of our produce is sold wholesale to Whole Foods and sometimes through a farmers' market.  We also have cattle and horses on the farm. If you have some experience with farming or outdoor work and are looking for experience on a farm that will prepare you for mid-scale production, consider apprenticing at Bear Creek.  Apprentices on our farm must be dependable employees, with a commitment to farming and all the work that it involves. Our apprentice will be paid a stipend plus room and board. Volunteers also welcome! 

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Farm: Blue Door Farm Updated for 2010
Farmer(s): Laura Christensen
Location:  Kansas City, KS
Contact: bluedoorfarm@gmail.com  or 816-805-0362
Apprenticeship opportunities: Volunteer, 4-8 hrs a week

Blue Door is a small organic veg. farm in Kansas City, KS.  I grow a wide variety of vegetables and sell through a small CSA and the Brookside Farmers' Market. I have approximately one acre in production including a high tunnel for season extension. In 2010 I would like one or two volunteer apprentices who are interested in working and learning about vegetable production as well as small CSA management.  Expect hard work and an abundance of vegetable seconds to take home.  Apprentices need to be available to work on any one (or two!) of the following mornings: Fridays, Thurs or Tuesdays.  I was a Growing Growers apprentice for two years before starting my own farm and would love to keep passing this experience on!  I am 5 minutes from the Leavenworth Dr. exit off 
I-635, so I am a quick drive from most points in KC.  Feel free to contact me with any questions.

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Farm: Drumm Farm (formerly East Wind Gardens) Updated for 2010
Farmer(s): Tim Walters and Maureen and Bruce Branstetter
Location: Independence, MO

Contact: timothy_walters@kcmo.org   or  816-254-6233
Apprenticeship opportunities: paid pt or volunteer possible, please call.

Drumm Farm/East Wind Gardens consists of three part-time farmers on acreage at two sites. Vegetable production is on a 1+ acre field down on the Missouri River Bottom. Our flower production is located at the Drumm Farm Institute in Independence, where we have about 1.5 acres. We also have recently purchased fruit trees and berries to diversify production. We are certified organic.

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Farm: Fair Share Farm
Farmer(s): Tom Ruggieri and Rebecca Graff
Location:
Kearney, MO
Contact: rebecca@fairsharefarm.com  or  816-320-3763
Website: www.fairsharefarm.com
Apprenticeship opportunities: Full time paid with housing and volunteer positions available.

We welcome those interested in either an apprenticeship or volunteering for the 2009 season. This will be the seventh year of operation of Fair Share Farm. The farm uses organic practices to grow a wide range of vegetables, fruit, and herbs for the farm's 100-member CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). CSA membership involvement is very high on our farm, giving apprentices and volunteers a unique opportunity to see community farming in action. The farm is located in northeastern Clay County, about 45 minutes north of downtown Kansas City. We were apprentices ourselves before starting our farm and feel we can offer a great experience of what it is like to start a farm after learning the trade through apprenticeships. In 2009 we have one opening for a full-time paid apprentice - app. 40 hours per week. Housing on the farm and a share of produce plus any extras that are available are included.  We can also take some volunteer apprentices.

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Farm: Green Dirt Farm
Farmer(s):
Jacque Smith and Sarah Hoffman
Location:
Weston, MO
Contact: (816) 824-7784 or (816) 210-4362, email: jacque@greendirtfarm.com
Website: www.greendirtfarm.com
Apprenticeship opportunities: 2 paid positions, one full time, one part time. Volunteer opportunities also available.

We are looking for apprentices interested in learning about farmstead sheep's milk cheese making.  We are a grass based dairy and creamery located in Weston, Missouri.  Our farm encompasses a permaculture philosophy as a way to build sustainability on our farm.  Our main products are grass-fed lamb and farmstead cheeses.  We sell directly to customers at farmers markets and to local restaurants.  Along with our flock of sheep, we also have chickens to help with soil fertility.  We keep bees to help pollinate our pasture grasses and flowers which gives our milk its unique taste.  We maintain a small garden and an orchard of apple and peach trees that are fertilized by our flocks. 

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Farm: Hoyland Farm Updated for 2010
Farmer(s): Bob Lominska
Location:
Lawrence, KS
Contact: rlominska@aol.com 785-842-5697
Apprenticeship opportunities: Volunteer

Hoyland farm is an established organic farm north of Lawrence.  We have been growing organically since 1976.  We market through Rolling Prairie Farmers Alliance, the Downtown Lawrence Farmers Market, and do some wholesaling to stores and restaurants.  We are a father - son operation.  We have had a volunteer GG apprentice in '08 and '09.  At this point we are not sure what our labor needs are going to be.  We do know we can always use volunteer help that could easily evolve into part time paid work.  We grow 3 or 4 acres of vegetables plus some fruit.

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Farm: Kansas City Community Farm Updated for 2010
Farmer(s): Katherine Kelly and Daniel Dermitzel
Location: Kansas City, KS

Contact: alicia@kccua.org  913-831-2444
Website: www.kccua.org

Apprenticeship opportunities: All paid positions currently filled for 2010, but volunteer apprenticeships are possible.

The KC Community Farm is run by the Kansas City Center for Urban Agriculture, a non-profit organization that promotes community-based urban farming.  KCCF is a certified organic vegetable farm; we grow on a little more than 2 acres of land in Kansas City, KS, less than 15 minutes from downtown KC.  We have 5 high tunnels and a large greenhouse used cooperatively by a number of growers; we sell through the Farmers' Community Market at Brookside and through a 30-member CSA. We have four paid apprenticeship positions open; they are 20-40 hours a week, mornings and a full day on Friday and some Saturdays. We would consider volunteer apprentices. Please email to set up an interview. 

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Farm: Kurlbaum's Heirloom Tomatoes
Farmer(s): Liz Kurlbaum, Sally Kuklenski
Location: Kansas City, KS

Contact: kurlbaum@mac.com, (913) 302-8038
Website: www.kurlbaumtomatoes.com

Apprenticeship opportunities: Paid part time and volunteer

Kurlbaum's Heirloom Tomatoes produces heirloom tomatoes for sale to restaurants.  They would like to share their knowledge of tomato production and marketing and are looking for a hard working apprentice.

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Farm: Maggie's Farm Updated for 2010
Farmer(s): Barbara Clark
Location: Lawrence, KS

Contact: maggiesfarm@sbcglobal.net  785-842-4102
Apprenticeship opportunities: Volunteer and paid, part time

Maggie's Farm is a small, sustainable family farm that specializes in high-value vegetable production and maintains a handspinner's flock of sheep. Our farm integrates livestock production (wool) with our vegetable production through compost making. We sell through farmers' market, direct to restaurants and grocers. All aspects of production and marketing can be learned.

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Farm: Moon on the Meadow Updated for 2010
Farmer(s): Jill Elmers
Location:
Lawrence, KS
Contact: jelmers@cfaconsulting.com 785-749-1197
Apprenticeship opportunities: Volunteer and paid, part time

Moon on the Meadow is a certified organic vegetable farm just on the edge of the east city limit of Lawrence. We farm three acres of a wide variety of vegetables, herbs, and some small fruit. We sell our products at the Downtown Lawrence Farmers' Market and a CSA in Topeka and Kansas City.  We are looking for reliable apprentices who enjoy hard work.  Room and board is not available. We are an easy commute from Kansas City, and would love volunteers as well. 

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Farm: Nature's Choice Updated for 2010
Farmer(s): Fred and Helen Messner
Location:
St. Joseph, MO
Contact: fgmessner@yahoo.com 816-253-1059
Apprenticeship opportunities: call to discuss.

Fred and Helen are among the area's most established organic producers.  They sell at the City Market, to restaurants and wholesale.  They raise a variety of vegetables and ornamentals using biodynamic methods.  They grow on a few acres, including high tunnels and a greenhouse.  If they find the right apprentice they may be interested in eventually setting up a partnership or some ownership transition plan for their farm. 

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Farm: Pearly Gates Organic Garden, a div. of Pearly Gates Organic Soapery, Inc.
Farmer(s): Nancy S. Gordon and family
Location:
Kansas City, MO
Contact: 816-353-3602, gardens@pearlygatessoap.com
Website: www.pearlygatessoap.com
Apprenticeship opportunities: Volunteer

Pearly Gates Organic Gardens is a small one acre organic operation in
Kansas City, Mo. just off of 435 South & Gregory. We've been farming
organically since 1981 and making soaps since 1988, Our gardens won
honorable mention in Robert Rodale's Organic Gardening Magazine in
1984. This years gardens focus primarily on the raw food
diet/lifestyle. (although many of my crops can also be eaten cooked).
This years crops include many specialty, unusual heirloom and hybrid
fruits and vegetables, a variety of edible flowers, herbs, cut flowers
and a broad range of micro-greens and nutritional grasses for juicing.
We use our garden produce in our soap business, for personal use and
for sale at market, K.C. Organics & Natural Market, see
www.kcorganics.com. CSSA subscriptions (Community Supported Soap and
Agriculture, we call them) are available now. I am looking for
several volunteer apprentices this year. I can provide produce along
with our organic soaps/bath care products for all my volunteers. In
2008 we won a sustainable agriculture grant and are working on a
project titled "Incredible Crop Yields From Small Urban Spaces".
I also teach many homesteading skills.

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Farm: Pickings and Pumpkins
Farmer(s): Nancy Kalman
Location:
Spring Hill, KS
Contact: nakalman@embarqmail.com   913-592-5438 
Apprenticeship opportunities: Volunteer

 Pickings and Pumpkins is owned and operated by a retired teacher.  This will be the eighth year of operating the farm.  We grow a variety of vegetables, herbs, fruits and flowers using pesticide-free and sustainable practices.  We start our own plants and utilize a high-tunnel for season extension. The 10 acre farm is located just south of Olathe, Kansas.  I have enjoyed working with three apprentices as a part of the Growing Growers program.

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Farm: Pinwheel Farm
Farmer(s):
Natalya Lowther
Location:
Lawrence, KS
Contact: natalyalowther@hotmail.com 785-979-6786
Web: www.pinwheelfarm.blogspot.com

Apprenticeship opportunities: call for details.

Pinwheel Farm is a 12 acre, almost urban, sustainable farm on the North Lawrence city limits. Purchase of neighboring property in late 2007 will facilitate rapid expansion of on-farm sales and educational/recreational activities in 2008. Production enterprises vary from year to year, but ideally include vegetables; fruit, honey; sheep for milk, meat, and wool; and poultry for eggs and meat. These are sold at the farm, at the Downtown Lawrence Farmers' Market, and to local restaurants and retail outlets. We are not seeking organic certification, but our only purchased inputs are seed, lime, and animal feed and health needs. Our amazing soil allows us to grow great vegetables with little or no tillage (we till by hand) or irrigation. Waste hay from the sheep is used as mulch/sheet compost in the garden. We also do value-added crafts with our wool (yarn, felt, hand-knits) and make soap. Educating people about sheep, gardening, crafts, ecology, the environment and sustainable living in general is an important part of our activities, both on-farm and at the market. Lot of flexibility and potential for folks to take initiative within our established schedules, operational policies and development plan. Pinwheel Farm is non-smoking, clean, sober, and TV/media free; we welcome people of all cultures, faiths, orientations, and abilities. We are looking for one or two essentially full time partners/interns to share the operation/profits, either short or long term, as well as volunteer apprentices. Room and board available immediately. Our season begins in early February (preparing for Sheep Shearing Day and lambing) and ends in mid-December (DLFM Holiday Market and winterizing) so contact us as soon as possible. Main work days are mornings, Thursdays, and Sundays. Saturday morning is critical. Start when you can, but commitment to finish the season is required.

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Farm: Prairie Birthday Farm
Farmer(s):
Linda Hezel
Location:
Kearney, MO
Contact:  lindahezel@aol.com 816-781-9654
Website: www.prairiebirthdayfarm.com

Apprenticeship opportunities: Volunteer

Prairie Birthday Farm was established in 1993 as a bio-diverse, sustainable land stewardship effort. Its 15 acres include heritage fruit trees and the following gardens:  heirloom vegetables, herbs and edible flowers, small berry,  bramble & vine fruits, and wild edible fruits and nuts. Pastured heritage chickens, honey bees, tall grass prairie, and rotation paddock pastures for 2 horses complete the landscape.  Native plant ecoscaping surrounds the residence. Bounty from the farm is sold to local chefs and area residents.  Research into varieties and production methods is ongoing. 

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Farm: Sandheron Farm
Farmer(s): Stu Schaefer
Location:
Oscaloosa, KS 
Contact: sandheron@earthlink.net
Apprenticeship opportunities: pending, please call

Sandheron Farm has five acres in vegetable and small fruit production, and a small mixed tree fruit orchard. We not certified organic only because we are small enough that the certification fee is not cost effective for us. We are a member grower in Rolling Prairie Farmers Alliance, and most of our produce is sold through that CSA. We are willing to work with either paid or volunteer apprentices, but we cannot provide room and board.

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Farm: Share-Life Farms Updated for 2010
Farmer(s): Jim and Rose Thomas
Location:
Marshall, MO
Contact: 660-886-3936 or  660-815-0729
Apprenticeship opportunities: call to discuss

Share-Life Farms is a certified organic farm that produces vegetables, small fruit, and sweet sorghum; they also produce eggs and chicken. They sell through farmers markets in Kansas City and Columbia, to restaurants and grocery stores, and through a CSA. Room and Board is not available on the farm, but they may be able to help arrange something nearby.  They would consider working with an individual or couple who is serious about farming as a lifestyle and career choice. 

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Farm: Spring Creek Farm Updated for 2010
Farmer(s): Stephanie Thomas     
Location:
Baldwin City, KS
Contact: 785-633-5292, springcreekcsa@yahoo.com
Apprenticeship opportunities: Paid, part time and volunteer

Spring Creek Farm is a fifth-year farm near Baldwin City that uses organic and sustainable growing practices. We grow a small amount of berries and a large variety of vegetables, greens and roots. About 90% of the varieties we grow are heirloom, and our biggest crops are tomatoes, root crops and melons. We have three hoop houses in production. Our cultivated field space is approximately 2 acres. Our market consists of sales to natural groceries and several restaurants in Lawrence and Topeka, the Downtown Lawrence Farmers Market, and a CSA of approx. 25 distributed in Baldwin City and Gardner, KS. We can offer a paid apprentice 20+ hours weekly, and also desire a volunteer apprentice. We do not offer room and board.

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Farm: Townshends English Gardens Updated for 2010
Farmer(s):
Simon Townshend
Location:
Raytown, MO
Contact: 816-737-0804
Website: http://www.townshendsenglishgarden.com
Apprenticeship opportunities: Volunteer

Simon and family grow vegetables, herbs and flowers on this 1/4 acre urban farm.  They sell their produce at a farmers market.  They would like a volunteer apprentice who is committed to growing food naturally.

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Farm: Troostwood Youth Updated for 2010
Farmer(s):
Ericka Wright
Location:
Kansas City, MO
Contact: 816-444-5788
Apprenticeship opportunities: Volunteer
 
Troostwood is located near Rockhurst and UMKC.  They grow vegetables, herbs and some tree fruit on 1/2 an acre and sell their produce on-site. Neighborhood youth work there and they have an on farm stand. A great way to interact with youth focused urban ag.  Volunteer apprenticeships may be possible.

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Farm: Urban Soul and Soil
Farmer(s): Beverly Pender
Location: K
ansas City, KS
Contact: 913-321-9341
Apprenticeship opportunities: Volunteer

This is an urban farm located on several lots in Kansas City, KS that produces vegetables, tree fruit, and canned goods, growing almost exclusively heirloom varieties.  Bev sells at a farm stand on-site, through the KCK Greenmarket, the Merriam Market, and the North Kansas City Market, and through a delivery service to seniors.

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Farm: Wild Goose Gardens
Farmer(s): Susan and Josh Jones
Location:
Osceola, MO
Contact: (417) 309-0934
Apprenticeship opportunities: pending, call

Wild Goose is a cut flower farm that markets to florists in Kansas City and Springfield. They would like to find an apprentice who is interested in the cut flower business and is committed to growing using minimal chemical inputs. 

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Farm: Wood Mood
Farmer(s): Jim and Mary Wood
Location:
Higginsville, MO
Contact: woodmood@ctcis.net  660-584-3552
Apprenticeship opportunities: call for details

Wood Mood is located approx. 55 miles from KC downtown area.  They have been certified organic since 1994. Their diverse farm includes vegetables, cattle, a laying flock, feed corn production and 20 acres of hay.  50 total acres are certified organic. High tunnels are used for vegetable production. They sell vegetables, eggs and meat to local restaurants.
A position may be available for a motivated, hard worker or couple who is seriously considering farming as a career.