Peacemeal Farm is nestled in the rural hills of Dixmont, Maine where we grow approximately 17 acres of MOFGA certified organic vegetables.  Our goal is to grow quality organic produce that everyone can afford.  We sell the majority of our veggies at local farmers' markets within an hour of the farm in Belfast, Orono, Camden, Bangor and at our farm stand. 

We are looking for hard working, reliable folks who want to join us for a full immersion organic vegetable farming experience.  We have apprenticeship/internship positions available, as well as hourly paid positions for those who live locally and do not need housing. 

Apprenticeship Positions
Apprentices will learn all aspects of production from seed starting and weeding, to harvesting and marketing from April through November. We can usually accommodate students who only have summers off, with a minimum stay of 3 months.  We work 10-15 hour days Monday through Friday and a half day on Saturday. In the spring we start a bit later, but once the season is in full swing, we start at 6 am and finish up for dinner around 8 pm. We take a 1 hour lunch break in the middle of the day and a late afternoon break before transitioning to evening tasks.

The season begins in the spring with greenhouse work. Apprentices will 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. Apprentices 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. Apprentices go to at least one market every week and will learn all aspects of selling vegetables at a farmers' market.  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. The full farmers’ market schedule continues until Thanksgiving at which point we switch to our winter market schedule.  

We have a Crop Walk every Monday in which we scout each field, discuss what is happening and create a work plan for the week.  The combination of long hours and the nature of the work can be both physically and mentally challenging.  Despite this, we have fun accomplishing the many jobs we have each day and selling the fruits of our labor directly to our appreciative customers.

Apprentices have their own room in either the barn or cabin. We all share the kitchen in the farmhouse.  Everyone has one night during the week to come in early and make dinner for the crew. Since we try to eat as much local food as possible, our crew dinners usually include meat or dairy.  In addition to room, board and a hands on learning experience, we pay first year apprentices $350-$400/week. 

Hourly Worker Positions
We also hire hourly workers who live within driving distance to the farm.  The work is the same as described above.  The hours per week are flexible for local workers, but reliability is a must.  Starting pay is $10-$12/hour based on experience.  This includes an hour paid lunch break and overflow veggies.

 

The ideal candidate for joining the Peacemeal Farm crew will possess the following:

- A strong work ethic.
- Physical and mental endurance for working long hours in all types of weather.
- Ability to maintain an efficient workflow for extended periods.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to work with a group or alone.
- Ability to maintain a positive attitude under stressful conditions.
- Good communication skills with the farm crew and market customers.
- The burning desire to join us for a full immersion veggie growing experience.
 

Vegetable farming can be hard on your body.  Everyone should be ready for heavy lifting, repetitive hand movements and a good deal of kneeling.  We encourage anyone applying to visit the farm and make sure it is a good fit.  Potential apprentices are also encouraged to contact at least two of our former apprentice references. For pictures and more info about the farm, see our Facebook page.