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Labor4Learning Trainers 2023
Are you looking to get paid, on-the-job training with experienced farmers in Iowa? The Labor4Learning program is designed for beginning farmers seeking employment and additional training in farm management and production skills. Practical Farmers of Iowa “trainer” farmers will be hiring in the early part of the new year for the upcoming growing season. Browse the list below for training opportunities near you.
To apply, send current resume and three work-related references directly to the trainer. Direct any questions about job details to the trainer as well. For all other questions about the program or Practical Farmers of Iowa, please contact Rachel Burke (rachel.burke@practicalfarmers.org) or call our office at (515) 232-5661.
| Name | Farm Name | Town | Job Title | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hannah Breckbill | Humble Hands Harvest | Decorah | Seasonal Worker | Filled |
| Naomi and Andrew Friend | Friend’s Flowers | Story City | Flower Farm Assistant | Available |
| Natasha Hegmann and Pete Kerns | Turkey River Farm | Elkport | Production Assistant | Available |
| Dean and Judy Henry | Berry Patch Farm | Nevada | Farm Laborer | Available |
| Emma and Marcus Johnson | Buffalo Ridge Orchard | Central City | Farm Crew Member | Available |
| Aaron Lehman | Lehman Farms Ltd. | Polk City | Farm Laborer | Available |
| Lee Matteson | Lee’s Greens | Nevada | General Worker | Available |
| Martha McFarland | Hawkeye Buffalo Ranch | Fredericksburg | Hawkeye Buffalo and Cattle Ranch Intern | Available |
| Alice McGary | Mustard Seed Community Farm | Ames | Farm Apprentice | Available |
| James Nisly | Organic Greens LLC | Kalona | Microgreens and Market Garden Labor | Available |
| Meredith Nunnikhoven | Barnswallow Flowers | Oskaloosa | Farm Assistant | Available |
| Dale and Marcie Raasch | Bridgewater Farm | Bridgewater | Team member | Available |
| Derek Roller and Molly Schintler | Echollective Farm | Mechanicsville | Field Crew Member | Available |
| David Royer | David Royer Farms | Coon Rapids | Farm Labor | Available |
| Mike Salama | Salama Greenhouse Inc. | Boone | Assistant Grower | Available |
| Jordan Scheibel | Middleway Farm | Grinnell | Farm Crew Member | Filled |
| Matt Vermeersch | Mud Ridge Farm | Council Bluffs | Graizer/Ranch Hand | Filled |
| Donna Warhover | Morning Glory LLC | Mt. Vernon | Farm Assistant | Filled |
| Noah Wendt | A & W Farms | Huxley | Organic Crop Farm Intern | Available |
| Jason Klinge | Farmersburg | Grazing and Livestock Trainee | Available | |
| Parker Beard | Canoe Creek Dairy | Decorah | Seasonal Farm Hand | Filled |
Hannah Breckbill – Filled
Humble Hands Harvest – Decorah, Iowa
Experience: 7 years
About the farm: We raise certified organic vegetables, rotationally graze sheep and are adding perennial crops and pastured pork. Our produce is sold through our CSA, the farmers market in Decorah and through aggregators and distributors in northeast Iowa and southeast Minnesota.
Job title: Seasonal Worker
Terms, hours, status: Pay rate is $10 per hour or commensurate with experience. Hours are full-time, 40 hours per week.
Other benefits: Farm lunch every day, veggie seconds and discounts on meat.
On-farm housing: N/A
Work activities: Work is primarily with plants, including but not limited to: planting, transplanting, harvest, post-harvest handling, washing, packing, lifting, moving, delivering and storing plants and produce. Other work could include orchard maintenance and animal chores. Employee will work the farmers market booth a few times a month.
Minimum qualifications: Able to work well with others; listen to and follow instructions; work outside in all weather; stand for long periods of time; and lift at least 50 pounds. Must possess a valid driver’s license and be a non-smoker.
Skills desired: A willingness to learn, and an interest in sticking around long-term.
Start date: April (approximately)
End date: September (approximately)
Contact: Hannah Breckbill, humblehandsharvest@gmail.com
Parker Beard – Filled
Canoe Creek Dairy – Decorah, Iowa
Experience: 11+ years
About the farm: We are second-generation grass-fed dairy farmers. We raise around 140 cows on 600 acres of perennial pasture, hay and organic row crops. We are certified organic, and use managed intensive grazing. Our milk is sold to Organic Valley.
Job title: Seasonal Farm Hand
Terms, hours, status: Pay rate is $12 per hour, or commensurate with experience. Hours are full-time.
Other benefits: On-farm housing, free access to garden vegetables, freezers of meat, fresh milk
On-farm housing: There is a tiny house on the farm with access to running water, shower in close proximity and full kitchen.
Work activities: Tasks include milking, moving, watering and feeding cows; helping with hay-making; clipping paddocks; fixing fences; and maintaining lanes and buildings.
Minimum qualifications: Applicants should be able to lift 50 pounds and work independently after training, and have a driver’s license.
Skills desired: The ideal candidate is attentive and eager to learn. Experience being around livestock, driving a manual transmission and using trailers is helpful.
Start date: May 15 (approximately)
End date: Aug. 15 (approximately)
Contact: Parker Beard at (607) 242-6214 or estherandparkerb@gmail.com
Naomi and Andrew Friend
Friend’s Flowers – Story City, Iowa
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Experience: 6-10 years
About the farm:
We grow and sell cut flowers. From May-October we have continuous blooming of 75-plus varieties. We sell mixed and themed fresh-cut bouquets through the Ames Main Street Farmers market and offer arrangements for weddings and other special events. We are continuing with on-farm U-pick flowers while adding new markets such as wholesale to florists, and direct-to-consumer custom orders. We begin starting plugs inside in February, source plugs through other commercial growers and collaborate on large orders with other Iowa flower farms. We follow organic and sustainable farming practices
Job Title: Flower Farm Assistant
Terms, hours, status:
Pay rate is $15 per hour, or commensurate with experience; hours are 20 hours per week.
Other benefits:
A reasonable amount of free cut flowers each week.
On-farm housing: N/A
Work activities:
Activities include planting flower seeds and plugs, weeding, washing buckets, cutting and harvesting flowers, and arranging flower orders. Marketing activities include helping customers and arranging flowers at farmers markets, and occasional leading of the market, delivering orders to florists and custom orders and customer service during U-pick hours.
Minimum qualifications:
Able to work outside in all weather, squat and kneel repeatedly for short periods and lift at least 50 pounds. Must possess a valid driver’s license. A good candidate will have experience driving a pick-up with trailer and sub-compact tractor and implements, or willingness to be trained for these skills. Previous floral or customer service experience is preferred. We require availability to work most Saturday mornings from May-October.
Start date: Mid-April
End date: Mid-October
Contact: Naomi Friend at friendsflowers@outlook.com
Natasha Hegmann and Pete Kerns
Turkey River Farm – Elkport, Iowa
Experience: 5 years
About the farm: We raise feeder-to-finish pigs on rotational pasture; pastured turkeys; vegetables for our 60-member CSA; and shiitake and oyster mushrooms for market. We also manage bedding plant production in our greenhouse.
Job title: Production Assistant
Terms, hours, status: Pay rate is $10 per hour, or commensurate with experience. Part-time, 12-20 hours per week. Flexible scheduling.
Other benefits: Vegetable seconds, pork and meals during work time (we usually cook lunch and eat together)
On-farm housing: Yes, we have a retreat center on site and can negotiate its use for short- or longer-term rental. We also have electricity and water access for an employee who would like to bring a travel trailer for seasonal housing.
Work activities: All activities related to vegetable production in the field, greenhouse and high tunnel, including seed-starting, transplanting, bed preparation, weed control, pest control, mowing, harvest, post-harvest handling and CSA distribution. Additional activities related to livestock and mushroom production, as well as equipment maintenance.
Minimum qualifications: Willingness to work outside in all weather condition and to work inside doing washing and bagging. Able to lift and carry at least 40 pounds. Access to transportation to and from the farm each day. Able to show up on time and consistently day to day and week to week. Able to communicate consistently with farm manager via phone, email, and/or text. Open to feedback, instruction and constructive criticism and friendly and helpful to other farm workers.
Skills desired: This job is physical in nature and requires working in hot and cold conditions. Must be able to stand, squat and bend at the waist repeatedly and for long periods of time. This job may require operating small farm machines (ie. weed whacker, mower, pressure washer, walk-behind tractor) and must comply with all safety training and precautions. This includes using recommended personal protective equipment. Must be able to lift more than 40 pounds.
Start date: April (approximately)
End date: October (approx.)
Contact: Natasha Hegmann, natasha.hegmann@gmail.com
Dean and Judy Henry
Berry Patch Farm – Nevada, Iowa
Experience: 11+ years
About the farm:
We produce a variety of berries, cherries, apples and produce. Some fruits are U-Pick, and we also market through CSA shares, farmers markets, on-farm sales and we have a certified kitchen.
Job Title: Fam Laborer
Terms, hours, status:
Pay rate is $12.50 per hour, or commensurate with experience; hours are variable.
Other benefits: Fresh produce in season
On-farm housing: N/A
Work activities:
Job responsibilities include planting and harvesting; managing orders, part-time pickers, U-pick customers and on-farm sales; and doing tractor work and mowing.
Minimum qualifications:
Be able to work outside in all weather, stand for long periods of time, possess a valid driver’s license and strong work ethic.
Start date: April
End date: October
Contact: Dean Henry dean@berrypatchfarm.com
Emma and Marcus Johnson
Buffalo Ridge Orchard – Central City, Iowa
Experience: 7 years
About the farm: We are a family-owned and -operated 80-acre diversified farm that grows herb plants, vegetables, apples, pears and row crops. We use organic practices for our vegetable crops and an integrated pest management system for our orchard. We have two moveable high tunnels for extending our growing season. The apple orchard is medium and high density and we grow over 50 different varieties of apples. We sell our produce through multiple farmers markets, direct wholesale and through our CSA. 2022 was the first year we also had a store on our farm to sell produce during the peak of apple season. We plan to continue operating our farmstore for 2023 and into the future.
Job title: Farm Laborer
Terms, hours, status: Pay rate is $12 per hour, or commensurate with experience; hours are variable.
Other benefits: A stipend of fresh produce from the farm.
On-farm housing: N/A
Work activities: Activities include planting young apple trees; hand-thinning fruits; planting vegetable starts; and installing trellising; weeding, washing and packing produce; completing required farm records; working farm markets; and processing apples.
Minimum qualifications: Employees must be able to work outside in variable weather conditions, stand for long periods of time, lift at least 50 pounds, be at least 18 years old and possess a valid driver’s license.
Skills desired: Tractor and equipment, horticultural and sales experience preferred
Start date: Mid-April (approximately)
End date: December (approximately)
Contact: Emma Johnson, buffaloridgeorchard@gmail.com or call (563) 340-9665
Jason Klinge
Farmersburg, Iowa
Experience: 11+ years
About the farm: I raise heat-resistant cattle, finishing at 20-22 months on pasture, and use managed grazing, rotating twice a day from spring into fall. My land is certified organic, much of which has been in pasture for 30 years. Other pastures were seeded three years ago. Beef is sold locally through wholesalers and cows are sold at the sale barn.
Job title: Grazing and Livestock Trainee
Terms, hours, status: Pay rate is $12-16 per hour, or commensurate with experience. Hours are variable up to 20 hours per week.
Other benefits: N/A
On-farm housing: N/A
Work activities: Work includes daily paddock moves, sorting and working with cattle when necessary and putting up temporary polywire fencing for paddock moves. Work could also include constructing permanent fence, making repairs, hay-making and assisting cows that are having difficulty calving.
Minimum qualifications: Applicants must have a driver’s license and should be able to lift 50 pounds and work independently after training.
Skills desired: The ideal candidate is willing to learn and eager to broaden their knowledge of grass farming and caring for the environment. Experience around tractors and livestock is a bonus.
Start date: March (approximately)
End date: July (approximately)
Contact: Jason Klinge at (563) 782-2456
Aaron Lehman
Lehman Farms Ltd – Polk City, Iowa
Experience: 11+ years
About the farm:
We grow primarily corn, soybeans, oats and hay on 500 acres, 300 of which are in organic rotation.
Job Title: Farm laborer
Terms, hours, status:
Pay rate is $15 per hour, or commensurate with experience; hours are variable.
Other benefits: N/A
On-farm housing:
A bedroom in a modestly furnished farm house; common living quarters shared.
Work activities:
General farm equipment operation and maintenance, general farm hand labor, and operation of some hand-held farm tools and implements. Hard working and innovative team players are a must.
Minimum qualifications:
Be able to work outside in all weather and lift at least 60 pounds. Must possess a valid driver’s license, a strong work ethic and be able to withstand moderate to rigorous farm work. Experience with tractor and implement usage is preferred. Maintenance experience is ideal.
Start date: April
End date: September
Contact: Aaron Lehman at alehman@iowatelecom.net
Lyle Matteson
Lee’s Greens – Nevada, Iowa
Experience: 11+ years
About the farm:
We grow a wide range of fruits and vegetables on 7 acres and have seven greenhouses that we grow in year-round. We are conventional with very low to no chemical usage. We market our fresh produce to restaurants, at farmers market, to individual customers, and grocery stores and through share boxes.
Job Title: General worker
Terms, hours, status:
Pay rate is $10 per hour, or commensurate with experience; hours are part-time and variable.
Other benefits:
Flexible hours and extra fruits and vegetables to take home
On-farm housing: N/A
Work activities:
Activities include weeding, watering, harvesting, packaging, washing, cleaning and anything that needs to be done throughout the day.
Minimum qualifications:
Employees must be able to work outside and in greenhouses in variable weather conditions, bend and kneel for periods of time, be around bees and insects, and lift at least 30 pounds. You should have your own reliable transportation to work, be flexible in doing many different jobs and be able to work by yourself at times; speed and efficiency are ideal. Come to work with a great attitude and willingness to learn.
Start date: May
End date: October
Contact: Lee Matteson at lylematteson@yahoo.com or (515) 290-1409
Martha McFarland
Hawkeye Buffalo Ranch – Fredericksburg, Iowa
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Experience: 11 years
About the farm: Our farm is 250 acres of pasture, woods and cropland where we graze bison and Hereford cattle. We sell beef and bison meat directly to the public from our small farm store, and we offer tours and events throughout the summer. We sell purebred yearling heifers and bulls for breeding stock.
Job title: Hawkeye Buffalo and Cattle Ranch Intern
Terms, hours, status: Pay rate is $11 per hour, or commensurate with experience. Hours are full-time, 40 hours per week.
Other benefits: Room and board provided and discounts on bison meat.
On-farm housing: Furnished basement bedroom and living room space, with access to a shared kitchen.
Work activities: Most of the work on our farm involves fencing and waterline checks, bison tours and basic day-to-day herd management such as feeding minerals, parasite sampling and building maintenance.
Minimum qualifications: Applicants should be able to lift 50 pounds and work independently after training, and must be willing to get dirty, learn how to drive a tractor and learn how to operate a chainsaw.
Skills desired: Carpentry and experience around tractors and livestock are a bonus, but we are looking for someone who is a problem-solver and reliable, committed to work and interested in sustainable agriculture. Hawkeye Buffalo and Cattle is a woman-owned business and we encourage those who don’t fit the conventional image of farmers to apply.
Start date: June (approximately)
End date: November (approximately; work for three consecutive months, flexible dates)
Contact: Martha McFarland, (641) 229-6701 or hawkeyebuffalo@gmail.com
Alice McGary
Mustard Seed Community Farm – Ames, Iowa
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Experience: 15 years
About the farm: Mustard Seed Community Farm is an 11-acre, 14-year-old farm founded on a belief in ethical food production and distribution, ecological land use and community. Using organic and sustainable methods, we typically grow a variety of vegetables and fruits along with herbs and flowers. The farm will continue to include beekeeping and small flocks of chickens and sheep.
Job title: Farm Apprentice
Terms, hours, status: Pay rate is $12 per hour or commensurate with experience, and whether the worker is receiving room and board. Hours are flexible, but expect 25-40 hours per week.
Other benefits: Food and housing
On-farm housing: Our housing is very simple. Workers are able to have separate sleeping quarters but all other living spaces are shared. We provide food but share chores of communal cooking and dishes. Wage is variable depending on whether the worker is living on or off farm, and their skill and experience level.
Work activities: Work will be diverse and involved with all aspects of the farm. We would like our trainee to manage one enterprise of their choice. This person will also plant and handle annual and perennial crops; participate in decision-making meetings, record-keeping and on-farm research; and assist with livestock care and fencing. The trainee would also be involved with the farm’s community outreach and education efforts.
Minimum qualifications: Able to work in all weather and lift 30 pounds, along with curiosity, a drive to learn and a desire to contribute to food sovereignty-based agriculture and social justice.
Skills desired: Any of the following: annual or perennial horticultural skills; farm systems management experience; communication and community engagement; sheep and poultry; Spanish-language skills; big-picture organizational talent. This is an opportunity for a skilled person to manage one aspect of our farm, with mentorship, while learning new and diverse skills.
Start date: April (approximately)
End date: November (approximately; work for three consecutive months, flexible dates)
Contact: Alice McGary, mustardseedbee@gmail.com
James Nisly
Organic Greens LLC – Kalona, Iowa
Experience: 11+ years
About the farm:
Organic Greens raises microgreens and field vegetables, along with operating a food hub. Microgreens include specialty sandwich and salad greens, garnish microgreens primarily for high-end restaurants and wheat grass. Field vegetables currently include asparagus, cabbage and sweet potatoes. Food hub includes weekly deliveries to wholesale customers in Iowa City, Fairfield, Cedar Rapids, Grinnell, Des Moines and Ames metro regions.
We use certified organic production with green manure cover cropping and application of aged animal manure on field crops and a static composting process for soil for microgreens production.
Fresh produce for wholesale customers: microgreens, wheat grass, asparagus, cabbage and sweet potatoes.
Job Title: Microgreens and Market Garden Labor
Terms, hours, status:
Pay rate is $12 per hour, or commensurate with experience; hours are variable.
Other benefits: N/A
On-farm housing: N/A
Work activities:
Microgreen activities include planting, care harvesting and packaging. Market garden activities will include soil preparation and participating in planting, cultivation and harvesting activities.
Minimum qualifications:
Able to work outside in all weather and lift at least 60 pounds. Must possess a valid driver’s license, strong work ethic and be eager to learn. Basic horticulture knowledge and tractor or equipment operation experience is helpful.
Start date: March
End date: November
Contact: James Nisly organicgreens@kctc.net
Meredith Nunnikhoven
Barnswallow Flowers – Oskaloosa, Iowa
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Experience: 11+ years
About the farm:
Barnswallow Flowers is a female-owned farmer florist specializing in growing and designing with unique flowers using chemical-free and sustainable practices. Barnswallow grows chemical free on 2 acres at the farm homestead and serves a variety of local customers, from local citizens, funeral homes, retirement facilities and small businesses to local chefs, farm stores and retail outlets.
The fresh-cut flower operation grows hundreds of unique specimens yearly and caters to flower lovers either wanting bouquets or hosting celebratory events. A 6-acre organic chestnut plot was planted in 2020 and installed to further diversify and provide a nutritional product to southeast Iowa. The Barnswallow Cottage serves as a farm stay and is available for booking through AirBnb.
Job Title: Farm Assistant
Terms, hours, status:
Pay rate is $10 per hour, or commensurate with experience; hours are part-time and variable.
Other benefits: N/A
On-farm housing: N/A
Work activities:
The work changes seasonally. Spring time is for starting seeds, laying tarp, installing irrigation and planting. Summer is for maintaining the crop through pruning, harvesting and weeding. On a weekly basis we harvest and arrange for orders and retail commitments. After frost we remove the crop and till.
Minimum qualifications:
Employees must be able to work outside in weather elements; stand, sit and squat for long periods of time; lift at least 50 pounds; and possess a valid driver’s license.
Start date: April
End date: October
Contact: Meredith Nunnikhoven, barnswallowflowers@gmail.com or (641) 670-5238
Dale and Marcie Raasch
Bridgewater Farm – Bridgewater, Iowa
Experience: 11+ years
About the farm: We raise certified organic fruits and vegetables, hay, cattle, hogs, broilers and laying hens. We use strip-till, extended crop rotations, cover crops, no antibiotics and non-GMO. We sell produce and meat through retail stores, farmers markets, the Iowa Food Co-op, a CSA, individual sales and restaurants.
Job title: Team Member
Terms, hours, status: Pay rate ranges from $10-$15 per hour, commensurate with experience and performance; hours are full-time (40 hours) and variable.
Other benefits: Excess produce and a flexible schedule.
On-farm housing: N/A
Work activities: Activities include planting, weeding, harvesting in the field and helping with pack room prepping and packaging. If interested, observe sales calls, bookkeeping and marketing as well. Possible farmers market sales and CSA or store deliveries.
Minimum qualifications: Able to work outside in all weather, stand and bend for long periods of time and lift at least 50 pounds. Must also possess a valid driver’s license (and a good driving record if making deliveries).
Skills desired: A team member self-motivated to learn and willing to work at a variety of tasks associated with a horticultural farm. We welcome an individual who is cooperative, dependable and is willing to learn and follow instructions to join us on the farm.
Start date: March (approximately)
End date: November (approximately)
Contact: Dale Raasch, (641) 745-5368
Derek Roller and Molly Schintler
Echollective Farm – Mechanicsville, Iowa
Experience: 20+ years
About the farm: Echollective Farm’s mission is: “Together with our Iowa Community, Echollective Farm grows food to nourish people and the planet.” Although we no longer certify organic, we grow well over 100-plus varieties of vegetables, herbs, flowers, mushrooms and seed garlic on 15-plus acres each year using organic, sustainable practices.
We use cover crops, intercropping techniques and hoop houses for season extension in our operation. Our markets include a 180-member CSA; seed garlic sales across the northern United States; and wholesale produce sales to local grocery stores, area restaurants and a food hub. In past seasons, we have had a small flock of chickens for personal egg production and have raised pigs for ourselves.
Job title: Field Crew Member
Terms, hours, status: Pay rate ranges from $11-$15 per hour, commensurate with experience and performance; hours are full-time (40 hours) and variable.
Other benefits: Free veggies
On-farm housing: Possibly
Work activities: The season begins in the spring with greenhouse work. Field crew members learn seed-starting techniques and work in the hoop houses prepping beds for early crops. In summer, the vast majority of our time is spent in the field transplanting, weeding and harvesting. The field crew member will learn how to use a variety of tools to effectively control weeds. Once harvest season is in full swing, we are picking almost every morning. Everyone will learn how to harvest each crop and will work in the washroom to prep produce for market. If there is interest, a field crew member can help at a farmers market to learn aspects of selling vegetables at a market (as well as our CSA). In the fall, we continue with our weekly harvests for market in the field and hoop houses, along with bringing in all the storage crops.
Minimum qualifications: Strong commitment and effort is required, and solid time management skills are essential. Additional requirements include the ability to lift at least 50 pounds, perform tasks outside in all weather conditions and contribute positively to the team and as part of a collaborative environment. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or green card holders. Echollective Farm is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of our community and strongly encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Skills desired: Prior experience with farming and/or food related jobs is a plus.
Start date: March (approximately)
End date: November (approximately)
Contact: Molly Schintler, echocsa@gmail.com
David Royer
David Royer Farms – Coon Rapids, Iowa
Experience: 11+ years
About the farm:
We raise row crops, a cow-calf herd, wean-to-finish hogs, hay and do custom work. We use no-till or minimum tillage, cover crops, rotational grazing and prescription fertilizer, planting, and spraying.
Job Title: Trainee or Farm Labor
Terms, hours, status:
Pay rate is $12 per hour, or commensurate with experience; hours are full-time and variable.
Other benefits:
Potential pay increase as experience increases.
On-farm housing: N/A
Work activities:
This position will perform general farm work including livestock and row crop prodcution. Equipment will be used to perform work.
Minimum qualifications:
Must be able to work outside in all weather, stand for long periods of time, lift at least 50 pounds, possess a valid driver’s license, be dependable and willing to learn and have a strong work ethic.
Start date: Flexible
End date: Flexible
Contact: David Royer sdroyer@gmail.com
Mike Salama
Salama Greenhouse Inc. – Boone, Iowa
Experience: 7 years
About the farm: We grow ornamentals, bedding plants, cut flowers, potted annuals, perennials, hydroponic tomatoes, basil and winter greens. Everything is under cover, greenhouse grown, with a hydroponic system in place for vegetables. Flowers and plants are sold via in-house retail, and vegetables are sold wholesale to grocery stores, restaurants and institutions.
Job title: Assistant Grower
Terms, hours, status: Pay rate is $12 per hour, commensurate with experience; hours are part-time at 20 per week.
Other benefits: N/A
On-farm housing: N/A
Work activities: Seeding, planting, watering, pruning, harvesting, packing and moving plants
Minimum qualifications: Must be able to stand for long periods of time, dress for all weather conditions, lift at least 50 pounds and have a valid driver’s license.
Skills desired: Horticulture, greenhouse, flower shop, retail or veggie production experience preferred.
Start date: March 1 (approximately)
End date: Sept. 30 (approximately)
Contact: Mike Salama, salama.mike@gmail.com
Jordan Scheibel – Filled
Middle Way Farm – Grinnell, Iowa
Experience: 8 years
About the farm: Middle Way Farm produces a diverse array of seasonal Certified Naturally Grown vegetables (and a few perennials) for direct sale to customers and wholesale to businesses and institutions May through December and beyond, mainly in Grinnell, Newton and Des Moines. We also have an expanding on-farm plant sale business in May and June and have recently added strawberries and a more significant quantity of asparagus to our crop mix.
We raise fresh produce for about 100 Community Supported Agriculture shares (every week and every other week) from May-December (with a month-long break in July), online sales for farm pick-up and local delivery May-December. We also sell to consumer co-ops, including Iowa Food Co-op in Des Moines and Grinnell Farm to Table year-round; and wholesale to McNally’s grocery store, Grinnell College Dining Services, FarmTable Procurement & Delivery and Prudent Produce. We hold an on-farm plant sale in May and online sales of plants for farm pick-up and local delivery.
We are Certified Naturally Grown and follow organic practices, including using only OMRI-approved products. We practice both conventional tractor tillage and plasticulture, as well as hand-managed beds with minimal or no tillage. In 2023, we will be introducing two-wheel (Planet Junior) and four-wheel tractor (tine weeding) cultivation in some of our fields. We have a 30-by-96-foot high tunnel that we grow in 12 months a year and manage entirely without mechanical tillage.
Our main sources of fertility are purchased compost; organic amendments, minerals and micronutrients; locally procured mulches such as straw, hay and leaves; and cover crops. We use weekly spraying of organic pesticides and foliar nutrients to manage common pests and diseases. We also have an ongoing effort to restore non-cultivated ecological areas in and around our cultivated fields, including a five-year-old native hedgerow, a one-year-old prairie and a one-year-old perennial herb hedgerow.
Job title: Farm Crew Member
Terms, hours, status: Starting pay rate is $15 per hour, or commensurate with experience (up to $15 per hour). Hours are up to full-time, 40 hours per week, but we will consider the right candidates who wants to work fewer hours.
Other benefits: Flexible scheduling and one month of unpaid vacation and sick time to be used between March and December. Unemployment insurance can be used in January and February for returning employees. A weekly CSA share (a value of $20-$35-plus per box) and access to unlimited after-market produce and plants.
On-farm housing: There is an updated, multi-bedroom farm house on the property that may be rented for a reasonable rate from the landlord’s family.
Work activities: Farm crew activities include seed starting, watering and regulating temperature in greenhouses; soil preparation; planting, irrigating and weeding; field clean-up; harvesting and storing produce; washing, bagging and packing produce; cleaning wash and pack areas; and assisting with light construction, assembly and repair.
Minimum qualifications: Able and willing to work early mornings (7 a.m.) and outside in all potential weather conditions. Tolerance for both outdoor manual labor and indoor washing, bagging and packing. Able to lift and carry at least 50 pounds. Transportation to and from farm. Has a cell phone and ability to reliably communicate by phone, text and email. Willing to take constructive feedback and work closely and kindly with other crew members.
We strongly prefer applicants who are vaccinated for COVID-19 and willing to follow basic COVID-19 precautions when appropriate.
Skills desired: Experience with outdoor manual labor, especially farm work. Vocational interest in market farming. Basic garden knowledge (how to identify plants, common tools, basic garden and farm layout, etc.). Prior ability to drive and use a tractor and other power equipment (mower, weed whacker, rototiller). Experience in a production environment where efficiency is required.
Start date: March-May (approximately)
End date: October-December (approximately)
Contact: Jordan Scheibel, jordan@middlewayfarm.com
Matt Vermeersch
Mud Ridge Ranch – Council Bluffs, Iowa
Experience: 5 Years
About the farm: We operate a 30-head Scottish Highland fold along with 100-150 sheep and goats and grass-fed poultry. This year, we will begin to offer direct-to-market grass-fed beef, poultry and egg sales. We also offer breeding stock for sale. The sheep and goats are used as part of our Goats On The Go affiliation to provide targeted grazing services (brush management) to private landowners, farmers, cities, county parks and state parks across nine counties in southwest Iowa.
We use rotational grazing and hope to graze cover crops in the near future. Our intention is to be as regenerative as possible. Beef, chicken and eggs are sold locally while calves, kids and lambs are primarily sold privately with calves sold across the U.S.
Job Title: Grazier / Ranch Hand
Terms, hours, status: Pay rate is $12 per hour, or commensurate with experience; hours are full-time and variable.
Other benefits: Weekly meal stipend
On-farm housing: Housing option may be available; inquire at time of application.
Work activities: Activities include rotating cows; loading and moving cows; installing hot wire and electronet fencing; checking, loading and moving goats; helping with calving, kidding, lambing and animal socialization; halter-breaking; fence installation and maintenance; baling activities; and pasture restoration.
Minimum qualifications: Must be able to work outside in all weather, move through rough terrain, lift at least 50 pounds, possess a valid driver’s license, have a strong work ethic and problem-solving skills and be open-minded and willing to learn. Livestock experience is desired.
Start date: May
End date: December
Contact: Matt Vermeersch, mattvermee@gmail.com or (712) 292-1230
Donna Warhover
Morning Glory Farm & Event Venue – Mt Vernon, Iowa
Experience: 10 years
About the farm: We raise vegetables and herbs for our CSA; for restaurants, chefs and college food service; and for a weekly on-farm market. Though not certified, we practice organic production and use cover crops in our crop rotation. We host community, learning and private events throughout the year.
Job title: Farm Assistant
Terms, hours, status: Pay rate is $12 per hour; hours are part-time and variable.
Other benefits: Workers comp insurance; fruits and vegetables available; and connection to larger farming and local food community.
On-farm housing: N/A
Work Activities: Activities include seed planting; greenhouse management; high tunnel planting and management; field planting (transplants, direct seed); organic pest management; irrigation management; weed management (tractor cultivation and manually); harvesting and processing for CSA, markets and other sales; preparing for and hosting students, visitors and community events; working with volunteers; staffing a farmers market table; and distributing CSA shares.
Minimum qualifications: Must be able to work outside in all weather, stand for long periods of time, lift at least 50 pounds, possess a valid driver’s license, have strong work ethic, be able work in a fast-paced environment, have a commitment to local foods movement and adhere to Morning Glory’s vision.
Start date: March (approximately)
End date: October (approximately)
Contact: Donna Warhover, morningglorycommunity@gmail.com
Noah Wendt
A & W Farms – Huxley, Iowa
Experience: 11+ years
About the farm: We raise conventional row crops and organic small grains using no-till and cover crops. We also raise a herd of grass-fed and grass-finished beef cattle and rotationally graze them on cover crop acres in our organic rotation. Our grass-fed and -finished beef is processed at local lockers and sold to local customers.
Job title: Organic Crop Farm Intern
Terms, hours, status: Pay rate is $15 per hour, or commensurate with experience. Hours are full-time, 40 hours per week.
Other benefits: None
On-farm housing: N/A
Work activities: Our intern would help with the production of organic small grains and row crops. Work duties would include, but are not limited to: operating equipment to weed and harvest grain crops, delivering seed and other inputs to the field and coordinating other activities focused around organic crops.
Minimum qualifications: Able to work outside for long periods of time and lift 50 pounds. Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to work in adverse but not dangerous weather conditions.
Skills desired: Experience operating farm equipment and experience with livestock is helpful but not a requirement. Our intern must be responsible for tracking work performed and reporting that work to the farm owners.
Start date: May 15 (approximately)
End date: Aug. 15 (approximately)
Contact: Noah Wendt, (515) 491-7915 or wendtnoah@hotmail.com