Developing Climate Resilient Water Management Plans for Diverse Cropping Systems

Because of climate change, it can be more difficult than ever to plan for meeting the water needs of your crops. Answering questions around the nuances of crop water needs, how to identify and utilize appropriate water sources, and how to know if your water supply will be sustainable into the future are all becoming more challenging to answer. In this forum, Dr. Rahcel Schattman will discuss how to acquire the information needed to develop climate-resilient farm water plans and cover emerging opportunities for improving water management strategies in diversified cropping systems.

Maintaining Fertile Grasslands through Climate-Smart Hayland Management

Join us for a discussion with Dr. Jaime Garzon focused on soil fertility in grasslands and climate-smart hayland management. His presentation will be followed by a facilitated farmer-to-farmer discussion on how you and your peers are managing your soil fertility. Come to listen, share your experiences, ask questions, troubleshoot, and be inspired about new systems that may make your own farm more climate resilient.

Approaching Nutrient Management in a Changing Climate

Dynamic weather patterns brought about by a changing climate pose new challenges to producers throughout the Northeast. Among them is the question of how to appropriately manage nutrient availability in response to increased weather volatility. In this forum, Becky Maden will discuss how to proactively approach nutrient management decision making leading up to and throughout a season. With a focus on understanding the ways in which extreme weather patterns impact farm fertility, we will explore how to apply farm management strategies to better build resilience into crop production systems.

ISO: Small Vat Pasteurizer

Contact Name
Andrew Plotch
Phone Number
2018411902
Details

I'm working to start a small-batch ice cream company and am looking to buy a used small vat dairy pasteurizer and/or chart recorder for sale that meets PMO standards. 

Similar to the 4-gal tabletop pasteurizer from MicroDiary, but I am open to any other makes and models that meet legal requirements.

Thank you for any leads you might be able to provide!

Sweet Rowen Farmstead Is Hiring!

Contact Name
Paul
Phone Number
8027559960
Details

We are looking for a motivated, reliable, hard-working, and detail-oriented person to join our farm family! This position is primarily dedicated to creamery production and cheesemaking. We are looking for an experienced and driven individual, but are willing to train the right person. The ideal candidate is passionate about farming and our mission, committed to this place and the local agricultural community, and is a kind person who is excited to maintain a positive work space with our team. Candidate must be a good communicator, organized, and committed to producing high quality dairy products on a small Vermont farm. Aside from creamery production, this position has potential to grow into a management position to include management of creamery and crew, as well as sales and marketing.

Position description:

This position is 30-40 hours/week. Must be available a minimum of 4 days a week, Mon, Tues, Thurs, and Fri. More hours available on Wednesdays and weekends doing farmer’s markets, farm chores, and milking. Competitive pay and benefits. Potential housing in a 1 room cabin available for the right person, included in compensation. Commitment to working a minimum of 1 year with Sweet Rowen. 

Responsibilities:

  • Understand and respect the mission of the farm
  • Execute milk pasteurization and cheese production along with creamery team 
  • Operate, clean, and maintain creamery equipment
  • Oversee documents related to pasteurization and cheesemaking to remain in compliance with state and federal regulations
  • Assist in cheese processing, packaging, and packing of wholesale orders
  • Manage creamery related inventory 
  • Maintain a clean and efficient creamery space 

Skills Needed:

  • The capacity to focus, pay attention to detail, and effectively prioritize multiple tasks
  • Be organized, timely, and reliable
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Responsive to feedback and committed to maintaining a positive workspace 
  • Ability to lift and carry 60 lbs multiple times throughout the work day 
  • Must have drivers license and reliable transportation

Other Helpful Experience:

  • Food safety and sanitation
  • Sales and marketing
  • Grant writing
  • Dairy farm and milking experience

To Apply:

Please send cover letter and resume to [email protected]

Join our talented Farm Team!

Contact Name
Patrick
Phone Number
8022246646
Details

Are you Ready to join a highly motivated and successful farm team that grows healthy food for our community?

Ananda Gardens is hiring full time farm team members for this growing season!

 

The position starts mid-April and goes until mid-November. Duties include harvest, transplanting, washing, and packing. 

 

Our farm grows 2+ acres of vegetables for a 150 member CSA and restaurants/ caterers/ wholesale in the Montpelier area. We are passionate about growing amazing food in living soil using science and evidence based best practices. 

The right candidate will be able to learn quickly, follow procedures, and be able to hear and incorporate feedback. Building grit, cooperating with a team, and maintaining motivation working alone are crucial to succeed in this job. See our website www.anandagardens.com to learn more about the farm.

 

Pay is competitive, and you will eat very well all season long with a weekly share of produce and discounts on bread, mushrooms, and other add-ons. To apply for this position, you must be able to lift 50 lbs and be physically capable of working a full day moving and on your feet. We move fast and cover a lot of ground in a day:)

 

To apply please send a resume and 3 references to [email protected]

 

Assistant Lands Manager

Details

Assistant Lands Manager
at Retreat Farm

Reports to Lands Manager
Full-time, hourly

Retreat Farm, Ltd. seeks an Assistant Lands Manager with the experience, skills, and safe work habits necessary to ensure the preservation, maintenance, security, safety, accessibility, environmental integrity, and beautification of this expansive and vitally important community resource.

The Assistant Lands Manager will be an integral part of the Retreat Farm team and will assist in all aspects of our property maintenance and farm operations. Candidates should be skilled in the operation and maintenance of equipment, including mowers, tractors, skid steers, mini excavators, chainsaws, and string trimmers, with a minimum of 3 years of operating experience. This position also requires knowledge of all aspects of tree care, from planting to chainsaw felling, bucking, and pruning, with 1 to 3 years of experience. Familiarity with plant material and native and invasive forest species is also desirable.

Reporting
The Assistant Lands Manager reports to the Land Manager and works closely with the farm team. This position is from March through October and is an FLSA-exempt, full-time role at Retreat Farm.

Responsibilities

  • Assist with interior roads and parking lot maintenance, including snow removal
  • Emergency site management with the willingness and ability to respond quickly to any weather, security, property damage or loss, and safety challenges
  • Assist with all grounds care as needed (mowing of Farmhouse Square in advance of an event, salting sidewalks in winter, brush cutting, installation and maintenance ofseasonal plantings, etc)
  • Assist with maintenance of existing trails, meadows pathways, and new trail construction
  • Assist with light carpentry on buildings, gates, fences, etc.
  • Assist with landscape hardscape and irrigation installation, light masonry, and final grading
  • Assist with equipment maintenance service -oil changes, small engine repair, cleaning and periodical maintenance
  • Assist Event Manager for special needs where additional help is needed
  • Provide backup support for other Retreat Farm personnel
  • Take a lead role in team safety and training

Benefits
$19 to 22/hr plus benefits. Benefits include holidays and paid time off; employer contribution to health insurance, vision, and dental plans; employer matching up to 3% in SIMPLE IRA plan; discounts at the Retreat Farm Market and on Retreat Farm merchandise.

To Apply
Please include a resume and cover letter to [email protected] or apply directly on Indeed.

Retreat Farm is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe diverse teams make the strongest teams and encourage qualified people of all backgrounds, identities, ages, and abilities to apply.

ABOUT RETREAT FARM
Retreat Farm, Ltd. is a non-profit organization in Brattleboro, VT that connects people with the land and one another. We care for 500+ acres of forest, farm, and wetlands, 10+ miles of trails, and seven historic farm buildings with ties to the original Retreat Farm, founded in 1837. The farm and forest are open to the public 365 days per year at no cost to visitors.

Throughout its campus, Retreat Farm programs educational, recreation, arts, farming, and community gathering initiatives that collectively serve more than 90,000 visitors annually. Much of this work is done in partnership with local nonprofits, farms, food businesses, and educators, as well as a dedicated team of volunteers. Initiatives include outdoor concerts, educational farm tours, food truck roundups, art classes, story time for our youngest visitors, an animal program, and much more.