Ontario Farms

Farm #1 - on sabbatical in 2008; Apply for 2009

This small family farm on 270 acres welcomes apprentices year round for rare breed cow and sheep raising, logging, maple syrup tapping, and a CSA program. Two and a half-hours North of Toronto and not far from a town with a good artist community. A great opportunity to learn biodynamic methods on an organic but intentionally non-certified traditional 4th generation farm where enjoying the days and work are a priority.

Farm #2

One hour outside Toronto, this 50 acre farm and non-profit learning centre offers courses on sustainable living such as alternate energy systems, natural building techniques, organic farming, yoga and dance in addition to growing more than 30 vegetable crops for a 50 family CSA as well as for wholesale markets. One afternoon a week is devoted to in class study of organic growing theory and there are monthly field trips to surrounding farms. Apprentices have their own cabin where they cook their own meals.

Farm #3

Learn about herbs, wildcrafting and growing heritage vegetables on this farm that produces herbal teas. With 128 different species, apprentices learn about collecting seed, planting and harvesting plants; processing, blending and marketing teas. The farmers have a special interest in permaculture and sustainable, productive ecosystems. Apprentices live in a summer kitchen or camper.

Farm #4 Full for the season

Tread lightly on the earth along side these two farmers, two dogs and two cats on their rural farm and bed and breakfast. Help this couple on their acre of mixed vegetables from spring to summer and assist in daily tasks of planting, hilling, mulching, harvesting and preparing all the produce for the Toronto markets on Saturdays and Tuesdays, and caring for 30 laying hens. Live in their home/B&B, join in the daily tasks, and share in the bounty of the land. No smoking please, vegetarian meals provided with occasional bottle of wine!

Farm #5

Live on a modern organic 200 acre third generation dairy farm with acreage in corn, oats, hay, and pasture. Learn how to use and maintenain 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.  They are transitional organic.

Farm #6

Experience life in English and French on a 27 acre Biodynamic Family Farm learning all aspects of farming including greeenhouse production, marketing, cheesemaking, orcharding, beekeeping, herbal medicine, animal husbandry (Cows, calf, sheeps, lamb,goats and poultry ), maple sugar, and construction. There are 3 straw bale buildings on the farm. These farmers are an extended family who welcome you to work alongside them five days a week, long hours with good breaks including swimming in the pool. They eat farm grown meat and apprentices would live with the family. There will be lots of connection with small children on this farm. Several family members are involved in Natureopathy and other alternative healing sciences and the family operates a Health Shop in the community.

Farm #7

Learn to care for cattle/calves, pigs, poultry and horses. This farm is a family run business that is made up of a livestock farm on 850 acres, where they grow a variety of animals and crops and operate a butchershop that handles only organic meats. They strongly believe in organics and are committed to raising animals in the healthiest environment possible. The opportunity for the apprentices would be in an environment unique to the organic industry. It is a family farm with 3 young children as well as a business. A large portion of everyday is spent outdoors. This is a great chance to learn and experience a wide range of livestock activities. The opportunity for apprentices would be full-time employment with them by the fall.

Farm #8

All skills needed on a self-sufficient farm can be learned on this 187 acre family farm: composting and preparing fields for grain or potatoes, caring for livestock and milking a cow, making butter and baking bread, repairing buildings and machinery. The farmer has many years of experience in bio-dynamic farming in Germany, has established low input methods and is moving toward alternative energy sources- wind- solar. The apprentice will live and eat with the family in the pioneer home. Vegetarian meals can be provided, no smoking please.

Farm #9

Small mixed farm in the Muskoka District 2 hrs north of Toronto. Orgainc since 1982. Learn market garden production from starting seedlings in greenhouses in farm made soil mixes, to planting, to cultivating, to harvesting and finally selling. Top quality products at 2 farmers markets, restaurants and retail outlets. Livestock include sheep, cattle and meat birds, all pasture raised. Two apprentices needed from April to October. Housing in unserviced cabin or spare bedroom in farmhouse. Eat farm grown meat and vegetables. Monthly stipend amount depending on experience. (minimum $400/mo. plus room and board)

Farm #10

Choose from a wide range of learning experiences on this busy family farm in the rolling hills outside of London. This 20 acre farm is diverse in every way with self sufficient vegetable production, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, forestry and dairy operations. Marketing to neighbourhood CSA and farmers market. Take this opportunity to join in the daily activities as well as helping to develop new projects for the farm. Everyone welcome to apply, many living situations possible.

Farm #11

No longer a SOIL farm

Farm #12- full for 2008, apply for 2009

Work and learn on a 52 acre farm south of Ottawa between Kemptville and Smithfalls in the town of Jasper. This farm has 10 acres apple orchard, 4 acres of garden, which includes 1/2 an acre of garlic, raspberries, strawberries, potatoes, greens and other annual vegetables, fall mums and cut flowers. There is a forest of White Pine and White Spruce trees with trails throughout. Be part of a pick your own operation where customers come and pick their own apples, dig their own fall mums and harvest their own pumpkins for Halloween. This farm offers workshops throughout the season, How to prune and plant apple trees, how to process your fruit and vegetables for winter storage,how to make your own wreaths and how to plant garlic in the fall. The farm also has seeds and organic supplies available and hand out resource materials to visitors. It supplies a local restaurant with heirloom tomatoes and salad greens.

Farm #13

Live on Pelee Island and be part of a young and growing 20 acre farm. Pelee Island, known for its birds and wine, is Canada's southern most point, in lake Erie 1.5 hours by boat from Leamington. You will live in a separate rented farmhouse and have a small stipend. Right now the farm sells produce only on the Island but is seeking to find other markets and learn what to grow, how to produce, package and transport a quality product. The farm’s goal is to do this without compromising its desire to be good stewards of creation but also to be able to live of the farm. You are invited to be part of this process The farm has 6 acres fruit orchard, 10 acres bioreserve with woodlot,pond, and wildflower meadow, 2 green houses, a tree nursery, and apiary. The goal is to expand the vegetable garden from 1.5 acres to 9 acres this year.