> Any ideas on how to structure this position and find an exceptional
> apprentice? One big obstacle we face is that we have no housing for an
> apprentice at present. Creative solutions to this problem would be
> gratefully appreciated.
>
> Let us hear of your ideas and other people or groups that might offer
> further enlightenment.
>
> Thanks
>
> Barb Buchmayer
> Green Hills Harvest
> 14649 Hwy M
> Purdin MO 64674
> 660-244-5858
> ___________________________________________________________________
Hi Barb, congratulations on starting up a most difficult yet promising farm
enterprise. I think the only way to make a significant net profit in
dairying today is with a organic, seasonal, grass-based dairy that
pasteurizes and bottles for local sales. We are in the throes of making that
decision on our farm, primarily for the income, secondarily to utilize the
excellent forage that results from rotational grazing layers, broilers and
turkeys.
To get good apprenticeship applicants I recommend ATTRA, they have an
excellent listing, as well as Missouri Alternative Crops.
To provide housing, we do it one of three ways. One is to pay a wage large
enough to enable the apprentice to rent off-farm housing. $6 per hour is
what we figure it takes to get a good apprentice when he or she has to live
off-farm. Or, build a tiny house next to your house, sans bathroom and
kitchen, and let them share your bath and kitchen. In this case we pay $100
per week plus cottage and food from the farm. Third, we have a small
apartment in our walk-out basement that is quite cozy with a bathroom, wood
stove and gas wall heater, and a kitchenette made up of a small fridge, a
two-burner hot plate, a toaster oven and a folding table and chairs. This is
where our farm manager currently resides until we can build a tiny house for
him.
Our farm manager and apprentices are on their own for breakfast and lunch,
and share dinners with us, all taking turns cooking and dishwashing.
Finally, I am traveling to Missouri in February to do a workshop and would
like to arrange a visit to your farm. Is that possible?
Regards,
Andy Lee
Good Earth Farm School
Buena Vista, Virginia
540-261-8775
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