Farmer(s): Rebecca Graff and Tom Ruggieri Location: Kearney, MO Contact: tom@fairsharefarm.com or (816) 320-3763 Website: www.fairsharefarm.com Apprenticeship opportunities: Volunteer positions **At this time there are only volunteer apprenticeships, as we are currently fully staffed for 2020**
Fair Share Farm is a diversified vegetable farm located in rural Clay County, Missouri that supplies a 100- member Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) in the Kansas City metro area. Rebecca Graff and Tom Ruggieri farm 5 acres using sustainable practices within the Graff family farm. Crops include annual vegetables, strawberries, asparagus, herbs and a flock of 100 laying hens. The farm operates a passive solar greenhouse for transplant production and a 30 x 96 ft. high tunnel for an extended CSA season. Equipment on the farm includes an electric tractor, solar-powered irrigation system, two row transplanter, and various seeding and cultivating implements. We also have a certified kitchen where we produce a variety of fermented vegetable products including sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, and other items.
Apprenticeship Starts: TBD Apprenticeship Ends: TBD Number of Volunteer Apprentices: No limit App Deadline: None Minimum Length of Stay: None
Meals: Meals are not provided. Apprentices are asked to bring their own water bottles, snacks and lunch. We regularly share what is in season at lunch and during breaks.
Skills Desired: Farm skills and building skills are desired, but not required. As an apprentice you will be partaking in most all aspects of farming including: greenhouse activities, seeding, weeding, harvesting, egg production, high tunnel activities and farm field management. The job includes a significant amount of physical activity.
Educational Opportunities: Farm Apprentice will receive experience and education in the operation of a diversified farm. You will work alongside the farmers during all activities allowing for one-on-one training and the opportunity to regularly ask questions. Our farm puts a particular emphasis on soil building & the development of sustainable ecosystems. In addition, apprentices are encouraged to participate in our CSA farm work days to learn firsthand about community supported agriculture. We will provide four 1-2 hour training sessions that supplement the Growing Growers Workshops.
Stipend: Apprentices are sent home with vegetables and farm products in appreciation of their effort. Produce seconds for preserving are regularly available too during the season.