On Tue, 13 Dec 1994, Michelle Thom wrote:
> WANTED: ORGANIC FARMER
>
> Title: Organic Farm Manager, Prairie Crossing Community Supported
> Garden, Grayslake, Illinois.
>
> Background:
>
> Prairie Crossing is a new residential community under construction in
> Grayslake, Illinois, forty-five miles northwest of Chicago.
>
> This 667-acre community will combine residential development with
> agriculture and conservation of natural lands. A total of 317 single-family
> houses will be constructed; 60% of the site will remain protected open land
> in restored prairies, wetlands, lakes and a working farm of over 100 acres.
> The farm currently uses about 5 acres to grow vegetables for about 115
> Community Supported Garden members.
>
> Prairie Crossing is within the Liberty Prairie Reserve, a 2,500-acre open
> space reserve. Prairie Crossing residents will be able to hike, bike or ride
> through the Reserve on a public regional trail and participate in various
> educational and volunteer stewardship programs there.
>
> The Farm manager will report to the Environmental Director of Prairie
> Crossing.
>
> Responsibilities:
>
> The Farm Manager will be responsible for operating a self supporting
> Community Supported Garden at Prairie Crossing and helping to develop a
> diversified sustainable farming enterprise. He or she will work in the
> garden to develop healthy organic soil and high quality food. The manager
> will expand and diversify crops grown and develop other marketing
> strategies in cooperation with the Prairie Crossing Environmental Director.
> Possibilities include an orchard, a pumpkin patch, heirloom varieties, pick-
> your-own fruits, berries or flowers, a produce stand, and farmer's markets.
>
> Specific responsibilities include:
>
> *Develop plans for growing the crops and contribute significant labor in the
> garden implementing plans. Expected to work daily in the garden.
>
> *Prepare marketing literature (handbook) and recruit members.
>
> *Hire and teach interns and direct all farm labor.
>
> *Write newsletters to educate members about their produce, farming
> practices and activities.
>
> *Research and experiment with new techniques and plant varieties
> suitable to local soil conditions and markets.
>
> *Develop observation skills and become intimate with the farm's flora and
> fauna.
>
> *Assist in long-term planning for expansion of farm enterprises.
>
> *Maintain farm equipment and buildings and augment as necessary.
>
> *Assist with security of overall community. Qualifications:
>
> *Several years of experience with organic vegetable and fruit growing.
>
> *Experience working with farm labor.
>
> *Experience with financial management, budgeting and planning farm
> operations.
>
> *Success with marketing produce and/or community supported farming.
>
> *Ability to observe garden activities and conditions and keep detailed
> records.
>
> *Ability to build community among workers and members.
>
> *Strong communication skills, especially writing and interacting with a
> diversity of people.
>
> *Computer skills including word processing, database management, and
> spreadsheet applications or willingness to learn.
>
> *Capacity to handle a wide variety of activities.
>
> *Demonstrated interest and belief in the environmental principles on
> which the Prairie Crossing community is being built.
>
> *Entrepreneurial skills. Must enjoy working to build a community. Other
> requirements:
>
> The farm manager must reside on the Prairie Crossing Farm. On-site
> housing is available. Salary: low to mid-twenties plus profit sharing
> opportunities.
>
> Benefits:
>
> Housing subsidy, comprehensive medical, dental and life insurance, 401 (k)
> plan.
>
> Other features:
>
> Grayslake, in Lake County, Illinois, is a village with a population of about
> 9000 in a rapidly growing area on the metropolitan fringe of Chicago.
> Commuter rail to Chicago is available in both Grayslake and nearby
> Libertyville.
>
> As the Prairie Crossing community develops, additional positions are
> expected. One or more of these opportunities may be of interest to a
> candidate's spouse. A husband-and-wife team, both qualified to participate
> in the development of Prairie Crossing, would be ideal.
>
> Prairie Crossing is served by the Woodland and Fremont Grade Schools and
> the Grayslake Community High School. The College of Lake County (a two-
> year community college) is a five-minute drive from Prairie Crossing. Lake
> Forest College and the University of Wisconsin at Parkside are within a half
> hour's drive. The Michael Fields Agricultural Institute is about one hour
> north and offers many organic/biodynamic conferences and activities.
>
> To apply:
>
> Send inquiries or resumes to:
>
> Victoria Ranney, Vice-president
> Prairie Holdings Corporation
> 18202 W. Casey Road
> Grayslake, IL 60030
> (708) 549-8996
> FAX (708)549-0742
>
> 17 November, 1994
>
>
Sal Schettino,Organic Farmer,don't panic eat organic,sals@rain.org
or check out my homepage: http://www.rain.org/~sals/my.html