Farmer(s): Rebecca Graff and Tom Ruggieri Location: Kearney, MO Contact: tom@fairsharefarm.com or (816) 320-3763 Website: www.fairsharefarm.com Apprenticeship opportunities: Paid and volunteer positions
Fair Share Farm is accepting applications for 2022! Farm Apprentice: Learn all aspects of growing a diversity of vegetable crops from seed to harvest, managing small livestock and creating live-culture fermented foods. Apprentices gain knowledge through hands-on work alongside farm managers and attend monthly one-on-one trainings with the farmers. These sessions will include crop plans, spreadsheets, financials, and lessons learned after 18 years of experience. We encourage our apprentices to enroll in the Growing Growers program for additional university-led instruction, www.growinggrowers.org . 30 hours per week, March 14- November 19. Compensation includes a stipend that works out to about $150/week with housing, utilities and training included, plus paid time off, a gear stipend, and loads of veggies, transplants, eggs and ferments.
Housing: We will prioritize candidates who would like to live in housing provided by the farm. Two houses sit on 40 acres with a shared pasture and barn. One house is currently occupied by 2021 farm apprentice, Ashley, who is staying on for the 2022 season. The second house is a 2 bedroom, renovated rural schoolhouse which is available for apprentices. More information is available upon request.
The Farm: Located on 20 acres of the Graff family land in the loess hills of northeast Clay County, Missouri, Fair Share Farm is dedicated to organic agricultural practices that build soil and protect the environment. We grow an acre of crops for our live culture fermented krauts, kimchi and pickles, as well as a large community garden for ourselves and our workers. A laying flock of 80 pastured hens provides eggs for the crew and customers at the farmers market. Our fermented foods are produced on the farm in our commercial kitchen and are sold through subscription, at the Brookside Community Market and local stores. In 2019, we installed an alley-cropping system of berms and swales with perennial plantings. This work is ongoing and next stages include planting more tree and shrubs along with the incorporation of a small flock of sheep. Health and safety: During the pandemic we are taking every precaution to keep ourselves, our workers and our customers safe. We require all workers to be vaccinated against COVID 19 and encourage everyone to get boosters. Everyone on our team will be trained in safety protocols which include wearing masks when indoors. All team members and apprentices will be required to obtain a food handlers permit from the Clay County Health Department and complete food safety training. To apply, send a resume and two work-related references to: Rebecca@fairsharefarm.com . Feel free to email with questions. The hiring process begins in late January.