CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
DUNDEE FARM - FARM APPRENTICE POSITION
We are seeking a passionate and highly motivated individual who is interested in becoming professional farmer. No experience is required but preference will be given to those with some farming experience and those who have knowledge of and willingness to strive for and work in regenerative agriculture as a profession and lifestyle. Applicants must be 18 years of age at start of position and able to lift at least 50 lbs. to shoulder height (feed bags, bale of hay, bucket of milk etc.), and be available to work early in the morning - as early as 5 am - into the early evening (evening chores often stretch to 7 pm). Potentially up to 60 hrs./week during peak season (May – November) and 35-40 hrs./week during winter months. This is a full-time permanent job. We are not seeking any summer or seasonal help at this time.
About our Farm:
All Grass Farms is a diversified farming operation, with our main commercial farm located in Dundee, Illinois just 45 miles northwest of Chicago. This location includes 160 acres of pasture and our busy farm store. A second location near Elkhorn, Wisconsin has approximately 400 acres of pastureland and hay production.
The primary focus of our farm is on pasture-based livestock production, utilizing humane, organic, and regenerative agricultural practices. The farm currently raises dairy cattle for raw milk, chickens both for meat and eggs, beef cattle, and heritage hogs and turkeys. We also have 7 acres vegetable production, herbs, flowers and soft fruits which is managed by a former employee. Most products are sold directly to consumers at the busy onsite farm store. To learn more about the farm, please visit our website at www.allgrassfarms.com.
Job Description:
The Farm Apprentice will take part in most farm activities, including learning about the micro-dairy enterprise on the farm, which is a year-round operation. Dairy operation includes once-a-day milking, cleaning the barn, feeding cows, cleaning out their sleeping quarters (mostly in winter), preparing them for milking, prepping and cleaning the milking equipment, and moving cows out to pasture as well as managing pasture rotations. Occasional assistance with calving and care of newborn calves is also required.
The poultry enterprise also operates year-round. Specific tasks associated with poultry include taking care of chicks and poults while in brooder phase of production, taking care of growing broiler chickens on pasture including feeding and watering, moving portable shelters, loading chickens and turkeys for processing, gathering, cleaning and processing eggs from up to 2000 hens, moving eggmobiles several times per week and taking down/setting up their portable fencing. Other farm tasks will include managing pasture rotations for beef cattle and hogs, loading and unloading feed and hay trucks, helping operate farm equipment, planting and maintaining the pastures, feeding and moving pigs. Additional help may be required on occasion with farm store, customer interactions, product marketing, farm tours and events.
As part of your job you will be working with:
- Livestock. Our livestock are to be respected and well-cared for at all times. It is essential to always be attentive to their needs and health issues. Apprentices will be taught how to handle and work with the livestock and expected to follow and remember instructions. Working with animals demands the development of intuitive intensive observation skills.
- Farm equipment, machinery, tools, tractors, vehicles, etc. You will be taught how to safely operate farm tools, machinery and equipment and are expected to follow the instructions and handle the equipment safely and responsibly.
General Expectations:
We expect for you to want to be here, to be interested, to work hard, to laugh when you trip over a fence or fall on a manure pile, to learn from your mistakes and ours, to be challenged, to have grit and determination, to look for inspiration, to ask questions, to try new things, to be observant, self-motivated, able to work independently and as part of a team, able to do repetitive tasks without complaining, with a willingness to be taught and accept constructive criticism. You must be motivated, thrilled and inspired about our farm and regenerative farming. Our methods of farming can be very challenging but also very rewarding in many ways.
Compensation/Hours:
Starting compensation is $16 - $20 per hour depending on experience, during winter hours will be limited to 6-8 hours per day with 1-2 days off per week. During the growing season some days may stretch to 10-12 hours – 6 days per week. At this time we do not have housing available on the Dundee farm, but there is ample affordable housing nearby as we are located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. There is also access to farm produced goods including raw milk, grassfed beef, pasture-raised pork, chicken and eggs at a discount and with a monthly food stipend. All employees also receive Paid Time Off and participation in the farm profit-sharing program.
If you think you are the right person for this demanding job, please send a note describing your interest and why you would be a good fit to cliff@allgrassfarms.com Successful candidates will have the potential to advance into farm management roles as well as entrepreneurial opportunities.
ELKHORN FARM - PART TIME JOB OPPORTUNITY
Job Summary:
We are looking for part-time help for our 400-acre certified-organic, regenerative farm in Elkhorn, WI. The largest enterprise on this farm is our grass-fed beef operation, consisting of both a finishing herd and potentially a growing cow-calf operation. Other enterprises at this location include bred and weaned dairy heifers, grass-fed lamb and pasture-raised eggs, and potentially may include broiler chickens, hogs, and turkeys in the future.
Primary Responsibilities:|
- Manage daily livestock chores on the farm, including feeding the beef, sheep, chickens, and other livestock in the winter, rotating pastures for all livestock in the growing season, and managing and maintaining water lines running throughout the farm.
- Properly operate and maintain farm equipment including tractors, implements, equipment, vehicles, trucks, and trailers used on the farm.
- Maintain pastures using regenerative best practices to achieve optimal animal nutrition and continuous improvements in soil fertility and biological activity.
- Build, repair, and maintain high-tensile electric fence lines throughout the farm, including replacement of broken or damaged fence posts, gates, and electrical connections. Clear fence lines of fallen trees and other debris on a routine basis. Help clear all perimeter fence lines at least twice per year.
- Help maintain farm buildings and infrastructure, including light repairs when needed. Perform landscaping chores including trimming around buildings and other structures. Clean and organize all workplaces.
- Assist with hay production, transportation, wrapping, stacking, and storage.
- Transport livestock to and from the farm when needed, including processor trips and sale barn drop-offs.
Qualifications:
Ideally, we are looking minimum of 2-5 years of beef cattle experience, preferably in a managed grazing environment but we are willing to train the right candidate all the ins and outs if strong desire to learn regenerative agriculture is there. Knowledge and experience with cow nutrition, health, reproduction, and calving issues a plus
Skills/Abilities:
- - Self-motivated with high degree of initiative and productivity
- - Willing and able to work in all kinds of weather conditions
- - Independent and dependable
- - Excellent problem-solving skills
- - High degree of integrity
Compensation and Benefits:
Part time compensation range $18-$22/hr depending on qualifications and experience, plus annual incentive pay based on farm financial performance. Potential on-farm housing available and future full time employment opportunity. Paid time off and monthly food stipend.
Please e-mail your resume and letter of interest to anna@allgrassfarms.com