Cattle/Grazing Apprenticeship on Regenerative Farm

Title: 2023 Season Internship at Otter Creek Farm

Farm Description:

Otter Creek Farm is a 6th generation, 450 acre diversified farm located in Johnsonville, New York. In 2018, the farm sold its dairy herd and has since transitioned to a viable diversified and regenerative farming operation. Currently all farm operations are managed by farm owner, Brad Wiley and partner, Elizabeth Collins. There are three business entities which include Otter Creek Farm (hay, land rental and main farming), OCF Cattle (Grass-fed Beef) and Graceful Acres (farm stay, small livestock and meat shares).   We manage 40 100% Grass-fed Red Angus cow/calf pairs on 150 acres of hay/pasture using adaptive grazing. Most of the feeder stock is sold in May to local grass finishing farms with a few feeders remaining on the farm to be finished and sold as beef. On a much smaller scale, annually, we raise laying hens, meat birds, 4-6 pastured pigs and 1 dairy cow. The finished products are for our home use, sold locally as meat shares or through Graceful Acres Farmstay. All animals are Animal Welfare Approved.

In order to diversify the farm even more Breadtree Farms leases 20 acres and has planted a 1200 Chestnut Tree Orchard. We also have honey bees managed by Honeybee Hill Sweeteners, a local couple.

Our Mission: Otter Creek Farm is committed to the stewardship and use of our resources to provide income to regenerate and maintain the opportunity the farm provides for the family, customers and community

Our Vision: Otter Creek Farm will provide a stable foundation for multiple enterprises while remaining diversified and resilient to navigate financial and climate instability. The future of the farm is full of possibility and opportunity. As it grows, so will its plant and animal life along with its family and community.

Location Specifics:

We are located in the Capitol District near the Tomhannock Reservoir in Rensselaer County, New York. Situated an hour south of the Adirondack State Park within 35 miles of Albany, Saratoga Springs, Troy NY and Bennington, VT.

Position Description:

2023 Farm Intern- This is a live on the farm internship with the opportunity to run your own enterprise.

Skills to be aquired:

• Adaptive Grazing planning and operations- setting up daily (or more) moves with temporary fence, water (when needed) and moving cattle
• Planning/Record keeping of grazing chart
• Conducting and analysis biological soil samples
• Pasture management including clipping, seeding etc.
• Regular Farm/grounds maintenance

Assist with:

• Cattle production including calving, sorting and weighing
• Management of pastured pigs, meat chickens and layers
• Some assistance with our farm stay
• Hay production- Large Squares
• Farm/infrastructure Projects

Requirements and Skill Sets:

• Understanding and practical experience with grazing animals (if not, please still apply as we are willing to train)
• Self motivated with an entrepreneurial mindset
• Ability to work independently as well as with a team
• Ability to lift, bend and transfer items up to 50lbs
• Desire to work efficiently, openly communicate and maintain a positive attitude
• Prefer tractor/ equipments skills (willing to train)
• Great attention to detail
• Passion for farming, animals and especially grazing!

Expectations:

We are looking for a passionate, driven partner to join our farm family this season. There is so much opportunity here.

Season April 10- Nov 10: 30+ hours and 1 day off/ week

Participate in weekly planning (Mon and TH), quarterly meetings.

Participate in at least one Continued Education course or conference per year. Owners usually attend 2-5 per year.

A season on this farm will provide the intern with the broad overview of running and managing a diversified farm. This will give the intern the opportunity to learn what makes a successful farm and may solidify what they love farming and what they may not want to farm. The internship will be especially tailored to fit the interns goals. For the right candidate, this internship could lead to a permanent position.

Pay: Private residence plus $250/month stipend with access to meat and vegetables from the farm.