Merry Lea Sustainable Farm, Goshen College
Albion, IN
Mentor Farm
Agroforestry Systems:
Forest Farming
Silvopasture
Farm Information
The Merry Lea Sustainable Farm is an educational, demonstration, and experimental farm specializing in perennial agriculture, carbon farming, regenerative agriculture, food literacy, and environmental education.
Our #3 nationally-ranked college farm is set within a 100-acre landscape that includes pastures, woods, prairie, wetland, orchards, vegetable gardens, and a historic farmstead. Students gain experience with annual vegetables, fruit and nut orchards, and livestock. One unique feature is a 5.5-acre Woody Perennial Polyculture mixed crop and animal system. The farm supplies food to local food pantries, Merry Lea programs, the Goshen College dining services, and a student CSA.
Farm Information
Acres: 100
Located: Finland, MN
Apprenticeship Opportunities
The farm crew member will assist with the production and maintenance of Merry Lea Sustainable Farm under the supervision of the farm manager. Merry Lea Sustainable Farm is a small, diversified farm that raises fruit & vegetables, herbs, mushrooms, nuts, and animals (meat chickens, laying hens, milking goats, and cattle). The crew member will also work with other staff, students, and volunteers to develop the farm as a setting for learning. This opportunity gives farm crew members a chance to gain experience in many areas of small farm management.
Example tasks apprentices should expect include working with farm staff and volunteers to plan, plant, and maintain plots (planting, watering, weeding, pruning, mowing, pest management, composting, harvesting and washing produce, cleaning workspaces and tools, caring for farm livestock, and maintaining farm records). Some morning, evening, and weekend chores will be required (animal care and watering crops).
Timing
Starts in May and continues through August (flexibility available depending on schedule; 40 hours per week
Availability: Open
Qualifications
- Self-motivation
- Physical stamina
- Ability to work independently
- Attention to detail
- Good people skills
- Basic familiarity with word processing and spreadsheets
- Positive attitude and a love of the outdoors are both a must!
Benefits
- Pay: Hourly rate is $9.25 per hour before taxes.
- Housing: On-site housing at Merry Lea as well as farm-fresh vegetables, meat, dairy, and eggs through our student CSA (a combined value of over $2000!) as part of compensation package.
- Food: See Above
- Remoteness: Approximately 40 minutes Northwest of Fort Wayne, IN.
Support Our Work
Sponsor a Trainee
Your gift could provide experience and technical education for aspiring farmers through on-farm training with a mentor farmer and community building opportunities for farmers, trainees, and those interested in incorporating trees on farmland.
