Verdant Hollow Farms
Buchanan, MI
Mentor Farm
Agroforestry Systems:
Silvopasture
Farm Information
Verdant Hollow Farms is an Animal Welfare Approved and certified organic farm in Buchanan, Michigan. Established in 2016, our main focus is the restoration of the 225 acre ecosystem of pasture, hardwood forest, and garden space using regenerative farming methods and land management. This methodology ensures the welfare of our animals, restores the land, and provides our family and community with an edible bounty. We also invite guests to the farm through our historical restored barn farm stays and a variety of agritourism activities like goat hikes and workshops.
The livestock side of the farm includes a small flock of mostly hair sheep, dairy goats, a 100+ flock of laying hens, and heritage hogs. We run a breeding program for the sheep and goats and the heritage hogs are on the farm seasonally spring-fall and are grown out in our pine/walnut forest stand. Chickens live in a rotational system with our ruminants who are also rotated throughout the farm in our woodlots and on pasture. All of this is done with holistic management and with the intention of building soil and combating invasives all while producing high quality animal based protein.
In 2024, we completed construction on and opened one of a few licensed farmstead goat creameries in Michigan. The two sides of this business (farm dairy and processing) not only utilizes the nutritious pasture raised goat milk our herd provides, but also helps preserve the dying art of farmstead cheesemaking.
Additionally the farm has a micro scale garden where we grow certified organic flowers, herbs, and produce. Most of which are utilized in our small scale apothecary and goats milk soap line.
Farm Information
Established: 2016
Acres: 225
Located: Buchanan, MI
On-Farm Training Opportunities
There are many moving pieces to what we do on the farm which means that no two days are alike and team members are asked to jump in on a myriad of tasks. The primary role of the apprentice would be assisting our livestock team with daily/weekly rotations, livestock care, and fencing projects in pasture and forest. The apprentice would also be trained in and assist with daily morning milkings of our goat herd. A task that is ⅓ goat moving/handling and ⅔ cleaning and sanitation of milking areas and equipment. On non livestock days the apprentice might find themselves helping out in our garden, making apothecary items, or working in the farm store.
Timing
Our preference would be hosting a trainee 24 hours (3 days) a week for 16 weeks (May through August). Training on a multi species livestock farm and dairy is extensive so we feel that a full season opportunity would be beneficial to the trainee and our farm. All that being said, we would be open to a different time frame if it suited the right candidate.
Availability: Open
Qualifications
- Previous farm and livestock experience is preferred, but not required.
- Our Ideal Apprentice: Aligns with our overall farm vision and goals
- Is a clear communicator, flexible, has a positive work attitude & seeks solutions out of problems
- Can regularly lift 50+ lbs above the waist or higher
- Is detail oriented and is meticulous when it comes to organization and sanitation
- Willing to work in all weather conditions (especially heat and rain)
- Will be a welcoming host to visitors on the farm
- Willingness to work weekends and select holidays
- Receives feedback in an open minded, respectful, and constructive manner
Benefits
- Pay: $10-$15 Hour depending on experience and housing requirements
- Housing: At this time we do not have housing available on the farm, but have plenty of outdoor spaces and are open to creative solutions (camping, etc.) and can help the right candidate set something up. There is also the possible opportunity for an off site affordable apartment rental 20 minutes down the road.
- Food: Discounted (and free at times) pasture raised meats, eggs, and produce
- Remoteness: The farm is located within 5 miles of two small, but abundant towns (grocery access,restaurants, etc.) and about 14 miles from the Lake Michigan shoreline and Harbor Country tourism area. The closest major city is South Bend, IN and is within commuting distance for someone with reliable transportation (26 miles).
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.
