hey bayles! farm offers an intern program for those looking to gain experience on a small organic farm with a diverse array of crops and products. We supply local natural food stores, restaurants, farmer's markets and we offer shares through our Community Supported Agriculture program.

Our intern program has been in place on the farm since 1998 and has had a high success rate. Many of our graduates have gone on to start their own successful farms; others have started and/ or run non-profit community and youth gardens; others have gone on to be accepted into the highly competitive UC Santa Cruz Sustainable Agriculture Institute; all have taken their skills and grown in their gardening ability and their connection to the land.

Surrounded by the forests of the Oregon Coast Range, our three sites include a wide variety of row crops, specialty perennials, berry bushes, fruit and nut trees. The small town of Lorane is the setting for a rich experience of community involvement and interaction, including dances, musical venues, town picnics, competitive sports and family socials.The town and the area is so alluring that many of our graduates have stayed in the community to become involved, active members.

Within this context, you will be an integral part of a vibrant, working farm, gaining experience and knowledge from a cast of growers with numerous years of experience and education. Your experience will include greenhouse propagation; row crop cultivation; greenhouse management of hot crops; extended season cold frames; and care of perennial crops such as berries, nuts and fruit tree orchards.

You will also be involved in selling and interacting with customers at the thriving Lane County Farmer's Market in Eugene. You will also be a part of our CSA and its special harvest and packing needs. Multiple field trips throughout the season will allow you to visit other local farms to see how they are both the same and different.We have also designated part of your learning schedule to be in a classroom type setting, covering topics such as farm food safety, soil fertility and tilth, marketing and business, and much more. We will also bring in local experts to discuss other areas of interest such as Composting, Bee Keeping and Vermicomposting. Of course we will also spend time on the farm observing, discussing and questioning the processes occurring on the land.

It will seem like a lot to do and learn throughout the season, but with effort and through experience, not only will the crops grow, but so should you.

SUBJECTS COVERED

All prospective interns should note: This list of subjects covered are in no way exclusive. Interns are encouraged to explore areas of interest and engage instructors with their interests.

• Greenhouse Propagation
• Soil Fertility and Plant health
• Pest Management
• Irrigation Techniques
• Extending Seasons
• Marketing
• Organic Certification
• Small Equipment Management
• Composting Techniques
• Bee Keeping
• Soil Cultivation
• Cover Cropping
• Fruit Tree/Orchard Management

REQUIREMENTS

• Be of strong mind and body, with the ability to dedicate oneself to the completion of tasks and the pursuit of knowledge.
• Be comfortable working in groups attempting to maximize cooperation.
• Be willing to live the farm life, working in the fields, at the market and in the classroom 5 days a week.
• Be available from April 15 through October 31.
• Be willing to be a contributing member of the farm, with your fellow farm-mates and to the community around you.

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATIONS

• Stipend of $250 per month.
• Housing provided in our lower meadows.
• Fresh produce straight from the farm.
• End of season bonus.
• Workers compensation coverage through the Saif Corporation.
• Farm sponsorship perks, such as concerts and other community events.
• Miles of backwoods hiking and biking roads and trails.
• Community events such as yoga, basketball, softball, music and more.
• Field trips to other farms and growing establishments.

HOW TO APPLY

Send us your resume!

Include:

• Your Name
• Your Address
• Your Phone number
• Your e-mail

Also include:

• What you hope to accomplish in the intern program and beyond.
• Past work experience, positions of responsibility, team member ship, gardening interests, and community involvement.
• Three personal references with at least one being an employer.
• And , anything else you think we may be interested in knowing about you.

Send it to:

hey bayles! farm
25766 siuslaw river road
lorane, or 97451

Or email it to: Intern@heybaylesfarm.com

We will contact you about interviews and farm visits. Thanks for your interest and good luck!