Position Overview
Work Activities
Work activities on the farm are varied and change with the seasons:
- Mid-March through May is kidding and weekend goat yoga.
- Throughout the season, we milk and collect eggs daily, following standard operating procedures for egg cleaning and raw milk production and handling.
- We package and deliver orders to local customers each Thursday morning.
- All livestock on the farm require daily feeding, pastured coop and fence rotation, cleaning and maintenance, and general animal care.
- Agritourism activities occur on an ad-hoc basis.
- Other work may include general groundskeeping and maintenance.
Training Opportunities
- Raw milk production and value-added products
- Pasture-raised poultry and egg production
- Agritourism
- Flowers, produce, and chestnut harvesting
Minimum Qualifications
- Age 18+ with valid driver's license
- Able to lift 50 pounds
- Able to work in all weather conditions
- Good organizational and communication skill
Desired Skills
Dependable, positive, willing to learn, and able to work independently and in a team.
Other Benefits
Opportunities to learn value-added production and farm management.
On-Farm Housing
Private furnished room available in farm shop with shared facilities.
About the Trainers
Susan and Rich Young
Trainer Experience: We would like to be trainers for L4L because we have fifteen years' worth of on-farm knowledge, a wide variety of skills, and a unique, diverse agricultural experience to share. Susan was raised on a farm, is a lifelong educator and was a 4-H leader for ten years. Rich retired in 2022 and brings 30-plus years of business experience to our operations. We have mentored people getting started with dairy goats, egg production and turkey sales. Having evaluated, initiated and terminated various enterprises over the years, we can provide an entrepreneurial learning experience for a new farmer or someone who is looking to expand their own knowledge base.
About the Farm
Lucky Star Farm sits on 20 acres between Iowa City and Kalona. We strive to implement humane and sustainable practices with minimal impact on our environment. We are dedicated to sharing local food, education and lodging with the community.