GROWING GROWERS HOST FARMS
Minimum requirements for host farms are:
- use of organic/sustainable practices
- in business for at least 2 years
- interested in sharing their farming knowledge
Contact growers@ksu.edu to apply
Farms listed alphabetically
Bear Creek Farms
Farmer: Jim Robbins and Lonnie Hail
Location: Osceola, MO
Contact: robbinshail@hotmail.com or 417-282-5894
Apprenticeship opportunities: Part or full time positions possible - call to discuss
Farmer: Jim Robbins and Lonnie Hail
Location: Osceola, MO
Contact: robbinshail@hotmail.com or 417-282-5894
Apprenticeship opportunities: Part or full time positions 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!
Blue Door Farm
Farmer(s): Laura Christensen
Location: Kansas City, KS
Contact: bluedoorfarm@gmail.com or (816) 805-0362
Apprenticeship opportunities: Volunteer or part time paid positions
Blue Door Farm is a vegetable farm in Kansas City, KS. Blue Door Farm is 5 minutes from I-635, and about 15 minutes from downtown KCMO, so this farm is a quick drive from most points in the KC area. Located on property that has been farmed since the 1800's, we produce certified organic vegetables and greenhouse transplants. 2015 will be our 9th year of operation, and we will be expanding into some new fields to try and meet the demand for our produce. We sell at two area farmers markets and through a 30-member CSA. Apprentices will experience field, high tunnel and greenhouse work, harvesting and farmers market/CSA prep, planting and seeding, basic record keeping, and general farm maintenance.
Laura apprenticed as a Growing Grower at an area farm before starting her own farm. She is happy to help others learn. Apprentices are welcome to information on our production schedule, varieties, business records, sales, organic certification, etc. No experience is required, but a willingness to work hard in less than ideal situations (frequently kneeling, lifting, or stooping) is necessary. A sense of humor, a pocket knife, and work boots should also arrive with you at the farm.
Volunteer apprentices should be able to work at least 4 hours a week on the farm. We are somewhat flexible with hours/scheduling, but please do not apply if you will not be able to continue working throughout most of the season (March through September), as scheduling labor is important to farm operation. Weekend hours are not offered.
Please contact Laura to arrange a farm visit and interview.
Farmer(s): Laura Christensen
Location: Kansas City, KS
Contact: bluedoorfarm@gmail.com or (816) 805-0362
Apprenticeship opportunities: Volunteer or part time paid positions
Blue Door Farm is a vegetable farm in Kansas City, KS. Blue Door Farm is 5 minutes from I-635, and about 15 minutes from downtown KCMO, so this farm is a quick drive from most points in the KC area. Located on property that has been farmed since the 1800's, we produce certified organic vegetables and greenhouse transplants. 2015 will be our 9th year of operation, and we will be expanding into some new fields to try and meet the demand for our produce. We sell at two area farmers markets and through a 30-member CSA. Apprentices will experience field, high tunnel and greenhouse work, harvesting and farmers market/CSA prep, planting and seeding, basic record keeping, and general farm maintenance.
Laura apprenticed as a Growing Grower at an area farm before starting her own farm. She is happy to help others learn. Apprentices are welcome to information on our production schedule, varieties, business records, sales, organic certification, etc. No experience is required, but a willingness to work hard in less than ideal situations (frequently kneeling, lifting, or stooping) is necessary. A sense of humor, a pocket knife, and work boots should also arrive with you at the farm.
Volunteer apprentices should be able to work at least 4 hours a week on the farm. We are somewhat flexible with hours/scheduling, but please do not apply if you will not be able to continue working throughout most of the season (March through September), as scheduling labor is important to farm operation. Weekend hours are not offered.
Please contact Laura to arrange a farm visit and interview.
Conway Produce
Farmer(s): Paul Conway
Location: Leavenworth, KS
Contact: pconway@wildblue.net
Apprenticeship opportunities: Volunteer or part time paid positions
Paul Conway is a Rolling Prairie CSA Farmer – his farm is in Leavenworth county and he serves Roland Park Community Center. Conway Produce specializes in sweet corn, tomatoes, squash, lettuce, broccoli, onions, beans, and more! Paul is a veteran and encourages other former service members to apply.
Farmer(s): Paul Conway
Location: Leavenworth, KS
Contact: pconway@wildblue.net
Apprenticeship opportunities: Volunteer or part time paid positions
Paul Conway is a Rolling Prairie CSA Farmer – his farm is in Leavenworth county and he serves Roland Park Community Center. Conway Produce specializes in sweet corn, tomatoes, squash, lettuce, broccoli, onions, beans, and more! Paul is a veteran and encourages other former service members to apply.
Fair Share Farm
Farmer(s): Rebecca Graff and Tom Ruggieri
Location: Kansas City, MO
Contact: tom@fairsharefarm.com or (816) 320-3763
Website: www.fairsharefarm.com
Apprenticeship opportunities: Volunteer positions
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.
Farmer(s): Rebecca Graff and Tom Ruggieri
Location: Kansas City, MO
Contact: tom@fairsharefarm.com or (816) 320-3763
Website: www.fairsharefarm.com
Apprenticeship opportunities: Volunteer positions
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.
Hoyland Farm
Farmer(s): Bob Lominska
Location: Lawrence, KS
Contact: rlominska@aol.com or 785-842-5697
Apprenticeship opportunities: Volunteer position
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 and son operation. We have had a volunteer GG apprentice in '08 and '09. At this point we are unsure what our labor needs are going to be. We do know we can always use volunteer help, and that could easily evolve into part time paid work. We grow 3 or 4 acres of vegetables, plus some fruit.
Farmer(s): Bob Lominska
Location: Lawrence, KS
Contact: rlominska@aol.com or 785-842-5697
Apprenticeship opportunities: Volunteer position
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 and son operation. We have had a volunteer GG apprentice in '08 and '09. At this point we are unsure what our labor needs are going to be. We do know we can always use volunteer help, and that could easily evolve into part time paid work. We grow 3 or 4 acres of vegetables, plus some fruit.
Juniper Hill Farms
Farmer(s): Scott Thellman
Location: Lawrence, KS
Contact: scott@jhf-ks.com, 785-840-4892
Website: www.jhf-ks.com, www.fb.com/jhfarms
Apprenticeship opportunities: Paid positions
FARM BIO:
Established in 2010, Juniper Hill Farms is a first generation farm located in the heart of the Kansas River Valley in Douglas County, Kansas. As a highly diversified and quickly growing agricultural operation operated by first generation young farmers, Juniper Hill Farms is committed to raising high quality products in sustainable and environmentally friendly ways. Juniper Hill grows 50 acres of vegetables. They are launching a new corporate style CSA program this year and will be selling at a limited amount of farmers markets in 2018.
We have a passion for organic and sustainable agricultural production, post-harvest handling, local food systems, and the economics of growing; and we work hard every day to share those passions with our community by hosting tours, speaking at events, participating in agricultural organizations, and training the next generation of young farmers. All of Juniper Hill’s employees are first generation agriculturalists.
MENTOR BIO:
As a first generation farmer and owner of Juniper Hill Farms, LLC, a diversified farm producing hay, alfalfa, small grains, and organic vegetables located in Douglas County, Kansas, Scott Thellman has a passion for organic and sustainable agricultural production, post-harvest handling, food systems, and the economics of growing. A graduate of Iowa State University, Scott returned to Kansas in 2015 to continue growing his agricultural operation while also working to strengthen the region’s food systems to better serve his local and regional communities with fresh and affordable locally grown produce. Scott has experience in business startups, organic and conventional farming economics and operations, employee management, sales, marketing, distribution logistics, and brokering. He currently resides in Lawrence, Kansas, and is working to expand his operation at an accelerated pace.
Farmer(s): Scott Thellman
Location: Lawrence, KS
Contact: scott@jhf-ks.com, 785-840-4892
Website: www.jhf-ks.com, www.fb.com/jhfarms
Apprenticeship opportunities: Paid positions
FARM BIO:
Established in 2010, Juniper Hill Farms is a first generation farm located in the heart of the Kansas River Valley in Douglas County, Kansas. As a highly diversified and quickly growing agricultural operation operated by first generation young farmers, Juniper Hill Farms is committed to raising high quality products in sustainable and environmentally friendly ways. Juniper Hill grows 50 acres of vegetables. They are launching a new corporate style CSA program this year and will be selling at a limited amount of farmers markets in 2018.
We have a passion for organic and sustainable agricultural production, post-harvest handling, local food systems, and the economics of growing; and we work hard every day to share those passions with our community by hosting tours, speaking at events, participating in agricultural organizations, and training the next generation of young farmers. All of Juniper Hill’s employees are first generation agriculturalists.
MENTOR BIO:
As a first generation farmer and owner of Juniper Hill Farms, LLC, a diversified farm producing hay, alfalfa, small grains, and organic vegetables located in Douglas County, Kansas, Scott Thellman has a passion for organic and sustainable agricultural production, post-harvest handling, food systems, and the economics of growing. A graduate of Iowa State University, Scott returned to Kansas in 2015 to continue growing his agricultural operation while also working to strengthen the region’s food systems to better serve his local and regional communities with fresh and affordable locally grown produce. Scott has experience in business startups, organic and conventional farming economics and operations, employee management, sales, marketing, distribution logistics, and brokering. He currently resides in Lawrence, Kansas, and is working to expand his operation at an accelerated pace.
Maggie's Farm
Farmer(s): Barbara Clark
Location: Lawrence, KS
Contact: barbara@maggiesfarm-ks.com or 785-842-4102
Apprenticeship opportunities: Volunteer and paid, part time
Maggie's Farm is a small, certified organic 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.
Farmer(s): Barbara Clark
Location: Lawrence, KS
Contact: barbara@maggiesfarm-ks.com or 785-842-4102
Apprenticeship opportunities: Volunteer and paid, part time
Maggie's Farm is a small, certified organic 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.
Mellowfields Urban Farm
Farmer(s): Jessi Asmussen and Kevin Prather
Location: 1551 N 1550 Rd. Lawrence, KS 66046
Contact: mellowfields@gmail.com
Apprenticeship opportunities: part-time paid positions
Farmer(s): Jessi Asmussen and Kevin Prather
Location: 1551 N 1550 Rd. Lawrence, KS 66046
Contact: mellowfields@gmail.com
Apprenticeship opportunities: part-time paid positions
Mellowfields Farm, established in 2009, is located on the eastern edge of Lawrence. We produce a wide variety of certified organic produce on three acres, including growing under cover in tunnels. Our markets include direct sales through multiple farmers markets, a multi-farm CSA, as well as grocery store and restaurant accounts. Jessi is a former Growing Growers apprentice from 2006. Participants will be involved in all areas of production, harvesting, as well as, exposure to our marketing and record keeping process. A good candidate should have transportation, a desire to learn the ins and outs of market farming, and a desire for physically demanding and rewarding work. Apprentices should be able to consistently work 20 hours/week, May through September.
Moon on the Meadow
Farmer(s): Jill Elmers
Location: Lawrence, KS
Contact: jelmers@moononthemeadow.com or 785-749-1197
Apprenticeship opportunities: Volunteer and paid, part time
Farmer(s): Jill Elmers
Location: Lawrence, KS
Contact: jelmers@moononthemeadow.com or 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 (partner with Common Harvest Farms). We farm a little over 6 acres of a wide variety of vegetables, herbs, some small fruit, and cut flowers. We sell our products at several farmers markets, a 200-person CSA, and local restaurants and grocery stores. We are looking for reliable apprentices who enjoy hard work and love Kansas weather. Room and board is not available. We are an easy commute from Kansas City, and we welcome volunteers as well.
Pearly Gates Organic Soapery & Homestead
Farmer(s): Nancy Susan Gordon & Family
Location: Kansas City, MO 64133
Contact: gardens@pearlygatessoap.com, 816-353-3602
Apprenticeship opportunities: Volunteer apprentices, one part-time paid position
Pearly Gates Organic Soapery & Homestead is an organic, urban, family-owned business in south Kansas City, MO. We have over 34 years of experience in organic growing, and 29 years of experience in organic soap, and bath and body care.
I teach a number of old-world, homesteading skills/arts/crafts that I have been doing for many years; eg. candle-making, butter-making, sewing, macramé, maple sugaring, starting plants from seed, plant propagation, seed collecting, composting, canning, freezing, companion planting, cover cropping, building simple wooden garden structures, dehydrating, baking, stoneware and porcelain wheel throwing for your garden, beading, dyeing fabric and more. Our gardens focus on the 'Raw Food Diet & Lifestyle'; although many of our crops can be eaten cooked as well.
We market our produce and soaps through K.C. Organics and Natural Market (Saturdays from May-October), and will be selling (new for 2015) at the Raytown Farmers Market in Raytown, MO., in addition to a few other small markets. We have a CSA, and this year we will be partnering with our son's organic farm, 'Broken Arrow Bison', to bring in organic eggs by mid-summer.
In 1984, we received an honorable mention in the 'Robert Rodale's Organic Gardening Magazine' for our gardens. In 2008, we won a sustainable agriculture grant through SARE, project titled "Incredible Crop Yields From Small Urban Spaces". This grant allowed us to build a cedar and recycled glass greenhouse, which we use to start our crops. We continue with our research, using Charles Wilber's organic extensive growing methods on our crops. We are currently looking for volunteers to teach organic growing and lifestyle. In exchange for your work, we'll give fresh, organic produce and/or organic soaps/bath care products as a token of our gratitude. Our ever- expanding vegetable beds cover over a 1/2 acre. Fruit, nut, and sugar trees, along with other edibles, are scattered throughout our 1 1/2 acre lot. We grow specialty & rare heirloom varieties; hybrid fruit, vegetable, and herb plants; tropical fruits; edible flowers; micro greens; nutritional grasses for juicing; and more.
Farmer(s): Nancy Susan Gordon & Family
Location: Kansas City, MO 64133
Contact: gardens@pearlygatessoap.com, 816-353-3602
Apprenticeship opportunities: Volunteer apprentices, one part-time paid position
Pearly Gates Organic Soapery & Homestead is an organic, urban, family-owned business in south Kansas City, MO. We have over 34 years of experience in organic growing, and 29 years of experience in organic soap, and bath and body care.
I teach a number of old-world, homesteading skills/arts/crafts that I have been doing for many years; eg. candle-making, butter-making, sewing, macramé, maple sugaring, starting plants from seed, plant propagation, seed collecting, composting, canning, freezing, companion planting, cover cropping, building simple wooden garden structures, dehydrating, baking, stoneware and porcelain wheel throwing for your garden, beading, dyeing fabric and more. Our gardens focus on the 'Raw Food Diet & Lifestyle'; although many of our crops can be eaten cooked as well.
We market our produce and soaps through K.C. Organics and Natural Market (Saturdays from May-October), and will be selling (new for 2015) at the Raytown Farmers Market in Raytown, MO., in addition to a few other small markets. We have a CSA, and this year we will be partnering with our son's organic farm, 'Broken Arrow Bison', to bring in organic eggs by mid-summer.
In 1984, we received an honorable mention in the 'Robert Rodale's Organic Gardening Magazine' for our gardens. In 2008, we won a sustainable agriculture grant through SARE, project titled "Incredible Crop Yields From Small Urban Spaces". This grant allowed us to build a cedar and recycled glass greenhouse, which we use to start our crops. We continue with our research, using Charles Wilber's organic extensive growing methods on our crops. We are currently looking for volunteers to teach organic growing and lifestyle. In exchange for your work, we'll give fresh, organic produce and/or organic soaps/bath care products as a token of our gratitude. Our ever- expanding vegetable beds cover over a 1/2 acre. Fruit, nut, and sugar trees, along with other edibles, are scattered throughout our 1 1/2 acre lot. We grow specialty & rare heirloom varieties; hybrid fruit, vegetable, and herb plants; tropical fruits; edible flowers; micro greens; nutritional grasses for juicing; and more.
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 our 15th-year of operation. 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 ten acre farm is located just south of Olathe, Kansas. We have sold at several farmers markets and operate a CSA. We hope to put up a farm stand this season as well. We have enjoyed working with three apprentices as a part of the Growing Growers program.
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 our 15th-year of operation. 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 ten acre farm is located just south of Olathe, Kansas. We have sold at several farmers markets and operate a CSA. We hope to put up a farm stand this season as well. We have enjoyed working with three apprentices as a part of the Growing Growers program.
Powell Gardens Heartland Harvest Garden and High Tunnel
Farmer(s): Mark Gawron, Horticulturist
Location: 20 miles east of Lee’s Summit on US HWY 50
Contact: mgawron@powellgardens.org
Apprenticeship opportunities: Paid, Full-time, March-November or volunteer part time
Powell Gardens is Kansas City’s botanical garden and the Heartland Harvest Garden is America’s largest edible landscape with 12 acres of a complete range of edible plants from seasonal vegetables to fruit and nut trees. The Heartland Harvest Garden has multiple purposes of being productive, educational and beautiful as it’s a garden open to the public on a daily basis. It provides a unique opportunity to work with a diverse a group of crops since as many as 500 seasonal varieties may be planted, displayed and harvested through a growing season and over 1,500 permanent varieties such as perennial herbs, berries of all sorts, fruiting vines, fruiting shrubs and trees, and nut shrubs and trees must be maintained and harvested as well. The Heartland Harvest Garden is managed organically and was designed to ensure an abundance of insectary and companion plants to ensure healthy pollinator and beneficial insect populations.
Powell Gardens also has one acre of high tunnel under organic tomato production. Tomatoes are harvested, graded, packed and shipped to an area grocery stores and restaurants, though some tomatoes are sold on site at the Visitor Center.
Harvests from the many crops at Powell Gardens are utilized on a daily basis. Visitor tasting stations must be supplied with seasonal edibles – a way for visitors to taste the experience of such a diverse group of edible plants. Produce is gleaned daily for the menu in Café Thyme at the Powell Gardens’ visitor center. Daily harvests are utilized by the Garden interpreter for making all sorts of products for visitor demonstrations and sales at the Visitor Center or Fresh (The Barn’s sales outlet). Produce must be harvested for weekly cooking demonstrations and monthly barn dinners by area chefs. Harvests are also made for major events including the Under a Harvest Moon and Wassailing dinners. After the Harvest is called upon for any and all extra produce that may be gleaned so that nothing goes to waste.
Schedule: 5 days per week with weekend work an option. March through November. Wage: $9.00 per hour with housing on site available at no charge. Volunteers must work at least 4 hours on a weekly basis.
Apprentice must fulfill required skills and abilities as per the job description including:
1. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. and accomplish strenuous work on an ongoing basis in various weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.
2. Must be able to communicate with the public.
3. Must have dexterity and be able to groom plants and harvest produce and plant small seeds or transplants with speed and accuracy.
Farmer(s): Mark Gawron, Horticulturist
Location: 20 miles east of Lee’s Summit on US HWY 50
Contact: mgawron@powellgardens.org
Apprenticeship opportunities: Paid, Full-time, March-November or volunteer part time
Powell Gardens is Kansas City’s botanical garden and the Heartland Harvest Garden is America’s largest edible landscape with 12 acres of a complete range of edible plants from seasonal vegetables to fruit and nut trees. The Heartland Harvest Garden has multiple purposes of being productive, educational and beautiful as it’s a garden open to the public on a daily basis. It provides a unique opportunity to work with a diverse a group of crops since as many as 500 seasonal varieties may be planted, displayed and harvested through a growing season and over 1,500 permanent varieties such as perennial herbs, berries of all sorts, fruiting vines, fruiting shrubs and trees, and nut shrubs and trees must be maintained and harvested as well. The Heartland Harvest Garden is managed organically and was designed to ensure an abundance of insectary and companion plants to ensure healthy pollinator and beneficial insect populations.
Powell Gardens also has one acre of high tunnel under organic tomato production. Tomatoes are harvested, graded, packed and shipped to an area grocery stores and restaurants, though some tomatoes are sold on site at the Visitor Center.
Harvests from the many crops at Powell Gardens are utilized on a daily basis. Visitor tasting stations must be supplied with seasonal edibles – a way for visitors to taste the experience of such a diverse group of edible plants. Produce is gleaned daily for the menu in Café Thyme at the Powell Gardens’ visitor center. Daily harvests are utilized by the Garden interpreter for making all sorts of products for visitor demonstrations and sales at the Visitor Center or Fresh (The Barn’s sales outlet). Produce must be harvested for weekly cooking demonstrations and monthly barn dinners by area chefs. Harvests are also made for major events including the Under a Harvest Moon and Wassailing dinners. After the Harvest is called upon for any and all extra produce that may be gleaned so that nothing goes to waste.
Schedule: 5 days per week with weekend work an option. March through November. Wage: $9.00 per hour with housing on site available at no charge. Volunteers must work at least 4 hours on a weekly basis.
Apprentice must fulfill required skills and abilities as per the job description including:
1. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. and accomplish strenuous work on an ongoing basis in various weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.
2. Must be able to communicate with the public.
3. Must have dexterity and be able to groom plants and harvest produce and plant small seeds or transplants with speed and accuracy.
Prairie Birthday Farm LLC
Farmer(s): Linda Hezel R.N., Ph.D
Location: Kearney, MO
Contact: lindahezel@aol.com, 816-560-7878
Apprenticeship opportunities: Volunteer (private tutoring in exchange for labor while learning), flexible days and times
Farmer(s): Linda Hezel R.N., Ph.D
Location: Kearney, MO
Contact: lindahezel@aol.com, 816-560-7878
Apprenticeship opportunities: Volunteer (private tutoring in exchange for labor while learning), flexible days and times
Begun in 1993 with the conviction that family health and soil health are inextricably linked, the Prairie Birthday Farm (PBF) farmscape has been progressively designed to mimic nature in food production and to reconstruct native ecosystems necessary for balance and synergy among plants, animals, and humans. Native plants in food production offer adaptability to local soil and climate, maintenance of healthy and diverse ecosystems, and the conservation and propagation of local flora. Consequently, PBF remains productive despite severe droughts and other unpredictable climate change-driven weather patterns.
Dr. Hezel’s community recognition is demonstrated by: receipt of the first annual John Kaiahua Mentorship Award from CultivateKC; the Missouri Native Plant Society, Erna Eisendrath Memorial Education Award and as an invited panelist for National Public Radio’s “Going There – How We Eat”. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Missouri Prairie Foundation Journal, Feast Magazine – Midwest, Feast TV, Northland Lifestyle Magazine, American Journal of Nursing, the Kansas City Star, and more. She has a master’s degree in community health nursing and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction. She strives to find real solutions to regenerate ecosystems while producing nutrient dense food.
The Farm products and experiences include: flowers (36+), fruits (25+), herbs (40+), and vegetables (15+); native plants: 140+ (forbs, grasses, bushes, vines & trees/shrubs); eggs; honey; and art: photographs & tablescapes; research; information & experience; ecosystem services; aesthetic wealth; and nature immersion.
Production practices demonstrate some of the principles of agroforestry, sustainable, permaculture, and biomimicry farming. Perennial polycultures (pasture, prairie, trees/shrubs) are never tilled. No synthetic fertilizers, herbicides or insecticides are used.
Farm produce is sold to area residents and area chefs. Hundreds of pounds vegetables, fruits (including wild, heritage, and Slow Food Ark of Taste varieties), herbs, and edible flowers are available February - November without season extension structures.
Several hundred volunteers and learners interested in the concepts operationalized by the Farm have taken tours, participated in 1-3 day “immersion” experiences, and engaged in daily and seasonal rhythms of farm regeneration work. Learning activities may be physically, emotionally, and intellectually challenging. The learner and Linda work elbow to elbow during mutually agreed upon days and times. Opportunities abound to gain tangible skills, both technical and interpersonal, to support successful employment in regenerative agriculture, and for eventual ownership and management of an owned operation.
Dr. Hezel’s community recognition is demonstrated by: receipt of the first annual John Kaiahua Mentorship Award from CultivateKC; the Missouri Native Plant Society, Erna Eisendrath Memorial Education Award and as an invited panelist for National Public Radio’s “Going There – How We Eat”. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Missouri Prairie Foundation Journal, Feast Magazine – Midwest, Feast TV, Northland Lifestyle Magazine, American Journal of Nursing, the Kansas City Star, and more. She has a master’s degree in community health nursing and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction. She strives to find real solutions to regenerate ecosystems while producing nutrient dense food.
The Farm products and experiences include: flowers (36+), fruits (25+), herbs (40+), and vegetables (15+); native plants: 140+ (forbs, grasses, bushes, vines & trees/shrubs); eggs; honey; and art: photographs & tablescapes; research; information & experience; ecosystem services; aesthetic wealth; and nature immersion.
Production practices demonstrate some of the principles of agroforestry, sustainable, permaculture, and biomimicry farming. Perennial polycultures (pasture, prairie, trees/shrubs) are never tilled. No synthetic fertilizers, herbicides or insecticides are used.
Farm produce is sold to area residents and area chefs. Hundreds of pounds vegetables, fruits (including wild, heritage, and Slow Food Ark of Taste varieties), herbs, and edible flowers are available February - November without season extension structures.
Several hundred volunteers and learners interested in the concepts operationalized by the Farm have taken tours, participated in 1-3 day “immersion” experiences, and engaged in daily and seasonal rhythms of farm regeneration work. Learning activities may be physically, emotionally, and intellectually challenging. The learner and Linda work elbow to elbow during mutually agreed upon days and times. Opportunities abound to gain tangible skills, both technical and interpersonal, to support successful employment in regenerative agriculture, and for eventual ownership and management of an owned operation.
Red Ridge Farm
Farmer(s): Ami and Jim Zumalt
Location: Odessa, MO
Contact: jaaaz@embarqmail.com
Apprenticeship opportunities: Paid full time, paid part time
Red Ridge Farms is a four season 3-acre production farm. In 2013, we produced a record 20,000 pounds of certified organic vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers. We grow over 60 different crops annually. We sell at four markets and manage a 40+ member CSA program.
Apprentices will learn many aspects of local food production, including: production scheduling, direct seeding, seedling production, transplanting, soil health and management, irrigation, field maintenance, high tunnel management, succession planting, cover cropping, organic pest & weed control, season extension, harvesting, post-harvest care, market preparation and sales, CSA preparation, distribution, and record keeping.
Red Ridge Farms is committed to training the right apprentice; the apprentice must be committed to working the entire season.
Schedule: 3 to 5 days a week, including some weekend work. Season begins in February or March, and ends in September or October. Part and Full-time positions with some work possible during the off-season (October through January). Wage: fresh produce and $9/hour wage.
Apprentice must:
-Be physically fit and able to consistently lift 50 pounds
-Be task oriented and able to complete assignments efficiently and with quality
-Have experience in farming or outside physical labor
-Be able to work in extreme weather conditions
-Be willing to learn new methods and apply them daily
-Maintain a valid driver’s license and have transportation
-Be dedicated to organic agriculture
Email cover letter and resume to Ami Zumalt at: jaaaz@embarqmail.com
Farmer(s): Ami and Jim Zumalt
Location: Odessa, MO
Contact: jaaaz@embarqmail.com
Apprenticeship opportunities: Paid full time, paid part time
Red Ridge Farms is a four season 3-acre production farm. In 2013, we produced a record 20,000 pounds of certified organic vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers. We grow over 60 different crops annually. We sell at four markets and manage a 40+ member CSA program.
Apprentices will learn many aspects of local food production, including: production scheduling, direct seeding, seedling production, transplanting, soil health and management, irrigation, field maintenance, high tunnel management, succession planting, cover cropping, organic pest & weed control, season extension, harvesting, post-harvest care, market preparation and sales, CSA preparation, distribution, and record keeping.
Red Ridge Farms is committed to training the right apprentice; the apprentice must be committed to working the entire season.
Schedule: 3 to 5 days a week, including some weekend work. Season begins in February or March, and ends in September or October. Part and Full-time positions with some work possible during the off-season (October through January). Wage: fresh produce and $9/hour wage.
Apprentice must:
-Be physically fit and able to consistently lift 50 pounds
-Be task oriented and able to complete assignments efficiently and with quality
-Have experience in farming or outside physical labor
-Be able to work in extreme weather conditions
-Be willing to learn new methods and apply them daily
-Maintain a valid driver’s license and have transportation
-Be dedicated to organic agriculture
Email cover letter and resume to Ami Zumalt at: jaaaz@embarqmail.com
Sacred Sun Cooperative Farm
Farmer(s): Jake Johannes
Location: Perry, KS
Contact: sacredsunfarm@gmail.com
Apprenticeship opportunities: Paid or volunteer positions
Sacred Sun Cooperative Farm is a 100-acre organic farming community, nestled amongst the rolling hills of Jefferson County, just north of Lawrence, Kansas. Established in 2013, this young band of homesteaders works to provide a “whole-diet CSA” for their table and yours, cultivating a wide assortment of vegetables and fruit, grains and dry beans, culinary and medicinal herbs, pastured pork, chicken, and eggs. We also produce an assortment of value-added foods, including sprouted flours, masa harina, sorghum syrup, and herbal teas.
Farmer(s): Jake Johannes
Location: Perry, KS
Contact: sacredsunfarm@gmail.com
Apprenticeship opportunities: Paid or volunteer positions
Sacred Sun Cooperative Farm is a 100-acre organic farming community, nestled amongst the rolling hills of Jefferson County, just north of Lawrence, Kansas. Established in 2013, this young band of homesteaders works to provide a “whole-diet CSA” for their table and yours, cultivating a wide assortment of vegetables and fruit, grains and dry beans, culinary and medicinal herbs, pastured pork, chicken, and eggs. We also produce an assortment of value-added foods, including sprouted flours, masa harina, sorghum syrup, and herbal teas.
Sandheron Farm
Farmer(s): Stu Shafer
Location: Oskaloosa, KS
Contact: sandheron@wildblue.net
Apprenticeship opportunities: Paid or volunteer positions
Sandheron Farm is about 10 miles north of Lawrence. The farm has about five acres in vegetable and small fruit production and a small mixed tree fruit orchard. We are not certified organic, because we are a small farm and 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. Room and board is not provided.
Farmer(s): Stu Shafer
Location: Oskaloosa, KS
Contact: sandheron@wildblue.net
Apprenticeship opportunities: Paid or volunteer positions
Sandheron Farm is about 10 miles north of Lawrence. The farm has about five acres in vegetable and small fruit production and a small mixed tree fruit orchard. We are not certified organic, because we are a small farm and 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. Room and board is not provided.
Spring Creek Farm
Farmer(s): Stephanie Thomas
Location: Baldwin City, KS
Contact: springcreekcsa@yahoo.com or 785-633-5292
Apprenticeship opportunities: Paid, part-time and volunteer positions
At Spring Creek Farm near Baldwin City, we’re beginning our 10th season of production. We use organic and sustainable growing practices to produce 60+ varieties of vegetables and fruit. We have 4 hoop houses in production, and our cultivated field space is approximately 4 acres. We also raise free-range heirloom chickens and turkeys for both egg and meat sales.
Our market consists of sales to natural groceries, restaurants, and the Lawrence Farmers Market. We offer a paid apprentice 14 - 24 hours weekly. Applicant should have stamina and strength for hard work. In exchange, we offer great experience in sustainable agriculture for someone who's really interested in farming in the immediate future. We also offer volunteer apprenticeships and CSA work / exchange.
Farmer(s): Stephanie Thomas
Location: Baldwin City, KS
Contact: springcreekcsa@yahoo.com or 785-633-5292
Apprenticeship opportunities: Paid, part-time and volunteer positions
At Spring Creek Farm near Baldwin City, we’re beginning our 10th season of production. We use organic and sustainable growing practices to produce 60+ varieties of vegetables and fruit. We have 4 hoop houses in production, and our cultivated field space is approximately 4 acres. We also raise free-range heirloom chickens and turkeys for both egg and meat sales.
Our market consists of sales to natural groceries, restaurants, and the Lawrence Farmers Market. We offer a paid apprentice 14 - 24 hours weekly. Applicant should have stamina and strength for hard work. In exchange, we offer great experience in sustainable agriculture for someone who's really interested in farming in the immediate future. We also offer volunteer apprenticeships and CSA work / exchange.
Stony Crest Urban Farm
Farmer(s): Rodger Kube
Location: Kansas City, MO
Contact: vegenuity@gmail.com or 816-510-8132
Website: https://www.facebook.com/stonycresturbanfarm/
Apprenticeship opportunities: Paid and volunteer positions
Stony Crest Urban Farm, owned and operated by Rodger Kube and Diane Hershberger, is a USDA Certified Organic vegetable farm located in the heart of Kansas City, MO. We "grow in the hood" on our seven acre home site, as well as on urban lots around our neighborhood. We currently have 10,000 ft² of high tunnels and caterpillars tunnels. We sell a whole variety of vegetables and cut flowers, primarily at the Brookside Farmers Market, as well as to several small restaurants and grocery stores.
An Apprentice working with us will have the opportunity to learn the full gamut of market farming- from planning the crops, to planting the seeds, to marketing the products and all the stops in between. We are mostly interested in paid apprenticeship to work full-time from April 1st thru September 30th.
Farmer(s): Rodger Kube
Location: Kansas City, MO
Contact: vegenuity@gmail.com or 816-510-8132
Website: https://www.facebook.com/stonycresturbanfarm/
Apprenticeship opportunities: Paid and volunteer positions
Stony Crest Urban Farm, owned and operated by Rodger Kube and Diane Hershberger, is a USDA Certified Organic vegetable farm located in the heart of Kansas City, MO. We "grow in the hood" on our seven acre home site, as well as on urban lots around our neighborhood. We currently have 10,000 ft² of high tunnels and caterpillars tunnels. We sell a whole variety of vegetables and cut flowers, primarily at the Brookside Farmers Market, as well as to several small restaurants and grocery stores.
An Apprentice working with us will have the opportunity to learn the full gamut of market farming- from planning the crops, to planting the seeds, to marketing the products and all the stops in between. We are mostly interested in paid apprenticeship to work full-time from April 1st thru September 30th.
Urban Soul and Soil
Farmer(s): Beverly Pender
Location: Kansas City, KS
Contact: 913-321-9341
Apprenticeship opportunities: Volunteer positions
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. Considering growing on multiple, small urban lots? Urban Soul and Soil is a great place to learn.
Farmer(s): Beverly Pender
Location: Kansas City, KS
Contact: 913-321-9341
Apprenticeship opportunities: Volunteer positions
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. Considering growing on multiple, small urban lots? Urban Soul and Soil is a great place to learn.
URBAVORE Urban Farm
Farmer(s): Brooke Salvaggio and Dan Heryer
Location: Kansas City, MO
Contact: brooke@urbavorefarm.com, dan@urbavorefarm.com or (913) 522-3458
Website: http://www.urbavorefarm.com, https://www.facebook.com/Urbavore
2019 Apprenticeship opportunities: Part-time "Volunteer" Apprenticeship, 10 to 15 hours per week. Click here to learn more! Please note: our full-time live-in apprenticeship for 2019 has been filled.
Farmer(s): Brooke Salvaggio and Dan Heryer
Location: Kansas City, MO
Contact: brooke@urbavorefarm.com, dan@urbavorefarm.com or (913) 522-3458
Website: http://www.urbavorefarm.com, https://www.facebook.com/Urbavore
2019 Apprenticeship opportunities: Part-time "Volunteer" Apprenticeship, 10 to 15 hours per week. Click here to learn more! Please note: our full-time live-in apprenticeship for 2019 has been filled.
URBAVORE is a biologically diverse farmstead set on 13.5 acres in Kansas City's urban core. The solar-powered farm is committed to environmental integrity in all aspects of business & personal life. Energy-independent systems for food production, waste, water and shelter redefine sustainability to build community and ecology.
Farmers Brooke Salvaggio & Daniel Heryer have delighted and satiated the palates of Kansas City’s food community for over a decade. Using a unique “no-till” growing method, the farm produces high-quality, nutrient-dense food crops while enhancing the land and building rich soil. Through minimal tillage, compost applications, cover cropping, deep mulch, and animal rotations, we strive for biologically active soil. Our vegetable crops thrive in our healthy soil, and (as a result) are never sprayed with pesticides or fungicides (including those approved for certified organic farms).
Products include:
Farmers Brooke Salvaggio & Daniel Heryer have delighted and satiated the palates of Kansas City’s food community for over a decade. Using a unique “no-till” growing method, the farm produces high-quality, nutrient-dense food crops while enhancing the land and building rich soil. Through minimal tillage, compost applications, cover cropping, deep mulch, and animal rotations, we strive for biologically active soil. Our vegetable crops thrive in our healthy soil, and (as a result) are never sprayed with pesticides or fungicides (including those approved for certified organic farms).
Products include:
- Seasonal Fruit (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, muskmelons, peaches)
- Gourmet Veggies (heirloom tomatoes, potatoes, hard-neck garlic & onions, beets, carrots, specialty roots, succulent greens, and much more)
- Pasture-Raised Eggs (Two hundred heritage breed laying hens rotate through fallow vegetable fields & orchards, feasting on juicy bugs, supple grasses, spent crops, and certified organic grain.)
- Pasture-Raised Pork (Heritage breed hogs are fed certified organic grain as they rotate through lush pastures seeded with nutritional forage.)
Wood Mood
Farmer(s): Jim, Mary and Alex 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 a couple who is seriously considering farming as a career.
Farmer(s): Jim, Mary and Alex 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 a couple who is seriously considering farming as a career.
