Job description

We are an Animal Welfare Approved grass based livestock farm located in the mid Hudson valley. We raise 100% grass fed cattle, sheep, as well as pastured pigs and chickens, and bees. We are committed to the health and welfare of our animals, which begins with giving them the chance to express their instincts and eat their natural diet as much as possible. This coming year we expect to calve out 130 cows, lamb 180 ewes, and farrow 3 sows; manage 4 livestock guardian dogs with the sheep; raise & harvest on farm 500 broiler chickens from chicks throughout the summer and maintain our flock of 400 laying hens on pasture; and plant and maintain a farm garden; care for and milk our farm dairy cow; raise and harvest 900 tons of hay for winter feed.

We sell directly to consumers out of our farm store, and to restaurants and butcher shops locally and in NYC. The farm store is small but active. We sell frozen cuts of beef, lamb, pork, chicken, eggs and honey to walk in customers every day, and the main farm “scenic campus” is generally open to the public for visits with guided tours given on weekends. In addition to serving customers in our on farm store, we run a seasonal agritourism Farm Stay.  

Internship Details:
Internships are tailored to the specific interest and focus of the intern. However, interns are expected to experience and help with all aspects of the farm operation and daily chores.

Tasks can include but are not limited to:  
- daily livestock care chores like feeding & watering pigs and poultry, monitoring grazing stock and pasture health
- setup and takedown of temporary electric fencing and watering systems    
- preparing eggs for sale & farm store inventory stocking- farm store customer service
- small vegetable garden upkeep for the farm crew and Farm Stay guests
- assistance on larger infrastructure building & repair projects like high tensile fence, barn and coops
- assistance with seasonal cattle, sheep and pig vet med working projects  
- general farm grounds, barns, housing cleaning & upkeep  

Interns are expected to:
- learn and practice low stress animal handling techniques & good stockmanship moving and sorting animals- participate in on farm poultry slaughter & processing, develop some knowledge for choosing finished (harvest weight) beef, lambs & hogs  
- good customer service for the store, develop some knowledge of nose to tail meat cuts & how to cook them - a positive representative and tour guide for the farm to Farm Stay guests & the general visiting public
- pay attention to details - daily decisions about stock care are based on careful observation of the animals and environment.

Our Spring & Summertime working hours are often 7am to 7pm, with lunch and some downtime mid-day. Interns get one day per week off. The hours are long and the work is physically demanding and dirty. Depending on the day, it can be the most rewarding or frustrating work you have ever done. We're looking for people who are positive, enthusiastic and willing to embrace these challenges and contribute to our team for a season. The internship is paid and housing is provided.  We've found it's best if applicants visit the farm for a 2-3 day working visit. By the end of the visit, you’ll have a good feel for what the farm is like, and we’ll all have a sense of whether we are a good fit. To apply, please send an email that tells us a bit about you, your past work experiences, and why you are interested in this farm and agriculture in general. 

Skills Desired:
We’re looking for people who are interested in learning more about how to raise livestock sustainably. People who see farming as a part of their future are especially encouraged to apply. Drivers license preferred, but not absolutely necessary.Physically fit, there is a lot of walking involved in this job, ability to lift 50 lbs Cooking ability and interest in producing, using and selling high quality food Interest in livestock and pasture health, appreciation for maintaining the land as farmland  

Educational Opportunities:
An internship with Kinderhook Farm will include an opportunity to learn and practice low stress animal handling techniques and good stockmanship practices; on farm poultry slaughter & processing, develop knowledge of how to select finished (harvest weight) beef, lambs & hogs; develop knowledge of nose to tail meat cuts & how to cook them. Interns are encouraged to seek educational experiences in line with their specific interests (particularly where they intersect with the work of the farm), farm tours, visits, attendance of workshops or conferences are encouraged.

Compensation

this position is: stipend / non-monetary compensation

Application instructions

Deadline

no deadline