Ontario farms

Farm #1

We are 10km south east of Guelph with many opportunities there. Intern(s) would have access to bicycles, and drive into the city, within reason, if needed. There are many parks, hiking trails nearby, with close access to the Bruce Trail. We are on a steep learning curve, but Gerry is a full-time teacher and we both have a gift not only for learning but for teaching. Sue is a full-time MD and has expertise in many other areas as well. This 1845 farm, is not only historic, but absolutely beautiful. The 3200 sq ft farm house has seen extensive renovations and the very old bank barn is in fabulous condition. There is a quonset hut for machinery, a small greenhouse, with plans for a larger one, this year. The intern, at least at first, will be treated as a neophyte farmer, and will be taught from the ground up. From seedling prep., to transplanting, to soil prep, to weed recognition, to safe handling of machinery, to spray protocols (Organic, of course), WHMIS, marketing, record keeping and very much more. There will be many opportunities to learn off farm as well. The intern will live in the farm house, with access to a partially-shared bathroom (probably with one other), own room (unless a couple), access to living areas, wireless internet, TV (movies only) and Wii. Cooking responsibilities will be shared with the family; a schedule will be set-up with agreed-upon breaks from it. 5 days/week of work, 6 or more hours/day. (This will vary) Stipend to be negotiated and will be typical, with end of season bonus, provided intern stays into October.

Location: Puslinch. 10 km Southeast of Guelph, 60 km West of Toronto.

Farm #2

Our Organic Farming Certificate (OFC) program is a seven month program. There are five OFC internship positions available in 2010. Interns live and work at the centre for the duration of the program. The OFC is a tuition-based program which makes it unlike most other internships which often pay interns small monthly stipends and provide room and board in exchange for farm labour. The OFC is based on the training curriculum developed by the Center for Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems at University of California at Santa Cruz.

You will receive a balance of practical field training and theoretical learning. The weekly OFC schedule is divided as follows: Three days per week farm work performing the full range of farm tasks from soil preparation and planting to harvesting and market. Two days per week of instruction/training following the units of study in the OFC curriculum. Instruction/training includes: field trips (six daylong field trips in cooperation with the other farms in southwestern Ontario, plus 18 other field trips specific to the OFC), informal lectures/seminars (primarily discussion based), a personal garden plot project completed by each intern, field walks and technical field demos, and required readings. Two days off per week. FIve tuition grants offered. The only cost will be for room and board. The 250 acre farm is located outside Toronto.

Location: Hillsburgh, 82 km west of Toronto, 65 minutes drive. 24 km south of Guelph, 35 minutes drive.

Farm #3

Work with a 6th generation family farm with 300 acres of wetlands, lake front, ponds and forest, and 40 acres of cultivated land, producing maple syrup, strawberries, raspberries and a diversity of vegetables which are sold from the farm to local clientele, restaurants, chefs and a through a CSA program. This farm is strongly committed to maintaining soil fertility through sustainable and biological practices. A 150 year old log house has been converted into a facility that will promote local food prepared by local chefs. This farm is concerned with local and global food issues and that is reflected in our logo ' Think global and Eat local'. Your living arrangements will vary depending on your arrangements with the farm. You could either be a full time employee with a rental arrangement or an intern with board, lodging and a stipend.

Location: Milford Bay, Muskoka 200 km north of Toronto. 2 hr drive.

Farm #4

There are 4 internship positions are available at this Farm. Positions run from April/May to the end of October, however time frames are negotiable. The Farm offers interns a hands-on experience on 50 acres of land, growing various certified organic vegetables throughout the year, starting the season off in full-throttle harvesting 2.5 acres of Asparagus in May! Our farm also raises some livestock including beef cattle, goats, meat chickens, turkeys and laying hens for which we grow our own grains and hay. We market our produce through 5 local markets, including 2 in Peterborough and 3 in the Greater Toronto Area. Interns will have the chance to be involved in all aspects of running a self-reliant farmstead, and will learn about: soil mixes (how to create your own mix), greenhouse management, seeding, transplanting, cultivation techniques, irrigation, weeding, diversified crop rotations, harvesting, compost making and application, seed saving, the nutritional value and preserving of our products, and marketing. The farm also participates in the Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training (CRAFT Ontario), which organizes farm visits to a variety of other organic farms near-by, including some workshops. Daily field-to-table meal preparations will be shared, just like all other tasks on the farm. You will work along with the owners, and two of their daughter. Interns will share our '1904' farmhouse and have their separate shared living quarters to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Interns will receive weekly stipends of $100/week plus room and board. We have been farming our land for the past 25 years with our four daughters and been certified organic for nearly a decade, with our first application filed in 1988 for our mushrooms. If you are an individual with a genuine interest in organic farming, a readiness to learn, work hard in fast paced environment and have fun, join our team!

Location: Frankford, ON. 2 hrs east of Toronto or 1hr west of Kingston.

Farm #5

Live on a modern organic 280 acre third generation dairy farm with acreage in corn, oats, hay, and pasture. Learn how to use and maintain farm equipment, care for and milk livestock, and fencing. You will be paid an hourly wage plus room and board. You will be working side by side with the owner and going out to see other farms and attending agriculture events. This farm is involved in 4-H, junior farmers and have had many international students stay on the farm. Take part in the long hours, enjoyments and disappointments of real life with this old Canadian family. We are officially certified organic.

Location: Norwich

Farm #6

Join this mother and son operated biodynamic farm located 35 minutes north of Belleville, Ontario. 200 acre farm surrounded by old stone hedgerows, treed paths, and 3,000 acres of conservation land. We have about 87 acres in hay and pasture, 10 acres in market garden and the remainder is in mixed forest which is a managed forest project. With the construction of our greenhouse in 2009, we produce greens year round. We raise Scottish Highland Cattle, Australian Cattle Dogs, and chickens. We sell at farmer’s market and farm gate. The use of biodynamic preparations in our compost, garden soil, greenhouse and fields is crucial to the overall health of our farm. Becoming knowledgeable and aware of these practices is our ongoing commitment. On top of all this our goal is to become more and more sustainable each year. As an apprentice, you can learn all aspect of biodynamic farming/ preparations; care of livestock, plowing, planting, cultivating, harvesting and selling at the market, use of farm equipment, There are three beds to choose from in the house with a shared bathroom and kitchen. There is also a camper trailer outside near the house. Special foods can be arranged. No smoking in the house. Stipend is provided, amount is negotiable.

Location: Thomasburg, ON. 35 minutes north of Bellevill. 3 hours east of Toronto and 3 hours west of Ottawa.

Farm #7

We are a small CSA and market garden located on a 300 acre swath of land in SW Ontario, approximately 20 minutes from Guelph hiring a total of 4-5 apprentices for the 2011 season. This is our 5th year farming, and our 3rd at our own farm. In addition to our organic CSA and market garden fields, we also have a small apiary, a growing hopyard, a few apple trees, a line of artisanal pickles and preserves, and do a bit of craft baking for the occasional farmers' market sale. We have three CSA pick ups in neighbouring towns, and attend one local farmer's market (with the possible addition of another this year). We are very excited to be starting a workshop series at the farm this year and trying to better utilize our beautiful out-buildings! As the farm is located on one end of a 300 acre property and housing the other, apprentices start and end each day with a beautiful commute through trails teeming with wildflowers and wildlife. Housing is provided in a fully renovated barn, with electric, hot water, phone, internet, and a piano. Each apprentice has a private room, in addition to sharing the large common area with their fellow apprentices. We generally take on a steady flow of wwoofers throughout the season, in addition to our apprentices, so there is never a shortage of good folks around in your down (or on) time. The property is a mix of forest, fallow field, and meadow, with a beautiful river winding through it. There is no shortage of beautiful spots to relax post-work. There is also a small (man-made) pond in the centre of the property for swimming. We are also part of the CRAFT SW program, so all apprentices will participate in monthly field trips and seminars to neighbouring farms. As of March, we have hired three of our five apprentices for 2011. If you are ambitious, idealistic, and self-motivated, you might well be who we're looking for- get in touch!

Location: Near Belwood, 10 min from Fergus, 15 min from Elora, 25 min from Guelph (by car).

Farm #8

This Farm is a 200 acre property with a commercial market garden located within a developing permaculture site. There is plenty of hiking and wildlife observation opportunity on the property. Swimming in both a river and lake is accessible by bicycles which are available for use. Diane Falvey has been farming for 7 years, and gardening for many more. She has a BSc in Agroecology from UBC. Greg Farrow has been on the farm for one year and is new to farming. During your stay you will learn how to intensively farm commercially as close as possible to natural ecosystems. The goal is to diversify the resource systems on the site to include resilient production of food, fibers, fuel and timber while increasing biodiversity and soil fertility and improving wildlife habitat. Accommodation options are to stay in the family home or tent nearby. Room and board are offered with no stipend.

Location: Perth, ON. 10 km west of Perth ON, 100km south of Ottawa and 100 km north of Kingston.

Farm #9

My name is Justin I am 27 years old. I just moved here to Meadowlark Rise Farm, 65 acres in Vankleeek Hill Ontario, in the fall of 2010. I have been running a CSA in my home town of Hudson, Quebec, a half hour away for 6 years as Just-In Hudson Vegetables. I am continuing to run this as I get set up at the new location. I also sell at two markets as well as to a small store. I have always grown everything organically and will now be certified on the new property for 2012. I produce a large variety of vegetables and am planting many fruit and nut trees in a permaculture planting. I also grow shiitake and oyster mushrooms on logs as well as hunting wild mushroom. Right now there is a good opportunity for some one to see a new operation being set up as well as what I was doing before on borrowed land. I have many other friends with farms to visit as well. We will mainly be working together, doing everything from seed to market. Accommodation will be either in the house, a renovated shed or a trailer. Kitchen and bathroom will be shared along with cleaning and cooking. It is just me and my dog here right now. The house is a small bungalow. We have 35 aces of woods and 30 acres of open, windy, rolling fields with a view of the town below and the Laurentians in the distance. It's a nice small town they call the Gingerbread Capitol for the style of architecture. There are many community activities and events. We are just over an hour from either Montreal or Ottawa. I like listening to and playing music. I often have people coming and going, much beer drinking in between the hard work. If we have time we will get my small sail boat in the water and go swimming in the Rouge River.

Location: Vankleek Hill, ON. One hour from either Montreal or Ottawa.

Farm #10

All of our animals have a unique roll and place on the Hill. Some of the animals are for breeding and other are being raised for food and there is always a few pets around. Thanks to our goats for providing milk for our all natural Goat Milk Soap. We have 12 varieties of soaps available for sale at the farm and at retail stores. We also raise laying hens that provide us with colorful eggs that we sell from our farm gate. Other products we sell from the gate includes, vegetables, fruits, maple syrup, honey. (Interns will have an interegal role in tending to the needs of the animals.) We have also stepped into the world of CSA’s, we successfully supplied beautiful products to our 10 clients for 14 weeks in the summer of 2011. We would like to expand the numbers next year with the help of willing interns, wanting to learn the art of successive planting.

A typical day will look like this for an intern (s) You will wake to roosters crowing and have you breakfast and clean up the dorm before heading out at 8am. Your morning chores will consist of feeding the animals, moving some for daily grazing and watering all animals. You will then head over to the main house and discuss with either Lea and Dee what is the priorty of the day and then head out to work on this. Around 10am we will take a break and check in to see where everyone is at. At noon you will feed and water the animals and then feed yourself. Around 1pm we will see meet again and work on other on going projects. At 5pm or so you will be in charge of organizing the evening chores by yourself or with wwoofers then call it a day and go have dinner. No tasks will be done after dinner unless there is an emergency. During the day, people will drop in to either just have a look around or to purchase our products both are a priority because any product sold goes back to the farm.

Location: Bancroft, ON.

Farm #11 -New Farm!!

This farms is located between Sudbury and North Bay, only 1.5 km from beautiful Lake Nipissing. Your hosts, Dave and Chantal own and operate Dalew Farms, and are also active NFU members, and Eat Local Sudbury members. We consider ourselves to be authentic food producers – we are basically organic, but we have chosen not to be certified organic because we worry that the certified organic system is becoming too industrialized. In 2011 we had a 135 member CSA and also sold from the farm gate, to local restaurants and through a local producer Co-op (Eat Local Sudbury). For 2012 we will have even more CSA shares and approximately 12 to 15 acres of veggies. We raise grass-fed beef, pastured pigs, pastured poultry and laying hens. We follow as closely as possible Salatin style production systems for our livestock, and adapt them to our environment and farm. Our farm has earned a reputation in our area for being able to produce certain veggies in tough years when other farms in the area haven’t been able to. We’ll share our experience with you and you’ll be part of our ongoing experiments and improvements to our growing methods. The vast majority of the work/learning will be focused on the vegetable growing portion of the operation. We are looking for folks who are very enthusiastic, eager to learn, motivated, positive, dependable, perseverant, trustworthy, teachable, and just plain keen. A positive, get’erdone attitude is extremely important. You should have the ability to work well with others, or on your own at times. Positive communication skills are essential. In order to get the most out of your apprenticeship at Dalew Farms, you must be willing to listen and learn, and to accept and follow constructive criticism. (We also want your feedback!) It is an obvious plus if you are interested in the issues – local food, young & new farmers, sustainable production etc. A successful applicant will have their room provided (large camper trailer for a single person or a couple to share). This is an ideal opportunity for a “couple” that both wish to learn about organic farming and vegetable production as interns. In the past, we have had couples as interns and we really enjoyed the camaraderie, etc… of working alongside another young couple. However, individual applicants will definitely be considered as well. You will receive a CSA share ($800.00 value), a $250.00 credit for our meats and you will also get an egg share ($275.00 value). You will work 5 days a week and every 3rd week 7 days a week (or the equivalent). You will have access to our library. There is the possibility of a long-term partnership for the right person (people). We require references. Dalew Farms reserves the right to make exemptions on any of these requirements for the right applicant. Time: May to the end of October. Stipend: $300.00 bi-weekly + $2000.00 bonus for staying till the end. Apply before January 20th, 2012.

Location: between Sudbury and North Bay, ON. Only 1.5 km frombeautiful Lake Nipissing.

Farm #12 -New Farm!!

This Farm is located in Grey County, Ontario about 45 minutes south of Owen Sound. Our farm is 95 acres including hay fields, forest, streams and ponds. We grow 7 acres of certified organic vegetables for 150 summer and 100 winter CSA shareholders and for one farmers market. We offer a beginner and a senior internship position. Interns work and learn alongside Cedar Down’s two farmers, Jeff Boesch and Leslie Moskovits from May 1 to November 10. These are working/learning opportunities for individuals who are considering farming as a career option and want to learn from hands-on experience working in the context of a functioning farm business. There are also opportunities for more formal education days with workshops and farm visits. Beginner interns receive a $200 monthly stipend. Senior interns receive $800 per month and the opportunity to pursue an independent farm enterprise if they are interested. Leslie and Jeff have been farming for over 8 years. We have experience creating and managing large CSA's on multiple farms and have both worked on many farms with diverse operations. We are experienced farm educators as well and teach farming skills to beginner farmers through workshops and as mentors. Interns have the benefit of being located in a vibrant organic farming community, with 5 other diverse organic farms on our road and many more nearby.

Location: Neustadt, ON. Near Hanover, about 45 minutes south of Owen Sound, one hour north of Guelph.

Farm #13 -New Farm!!

Our farm is a 100 acre property south of the Georgian Bay between Meaford and Owen Sound. It is on of the most beautiful parts of Ontario situated inside the Niagara Escarpment. The Bruce Trail, a much used hiking trail goes through our property and we are close to the best beaches in Ontario such as Sauble and Wasaga. My husband and i are 2 trained chefs whose passion for local food led them to farming. We grow certified organic vegetables, fruits and have pastured and grass fed Berkshire and Tamworth pigs, cattle and poultry. We market our products in 2 Toonto markets and the farm store. We preserve what we cannot sell and make sausages and bacon. We are looking for 2 interns who will be trained in every aspect of the farming operation starting with seedlings ending with preserves and cold storage. We would be happy to mentor not only growing vegetables and animal husbandry but the business aspect of the farming operation as well. Our philosohy is accessible and affordable local organic foods. There will be a stipend and season end bonus. The living quarters are a guest house where you may or not get a private room, with bathroom, shower and laundry. Meals are mostly shared, although you have your own kitchen. We provide bikes, rides to Owen Sound and wifi.

Location: Owen sound, ON.