Location: 46 km west of Leduc and 100 km southwest of Edmonton

Description of operation:

Our farm has been certified organic for seven years and farmed organically for twenty-five. Livestock includes pasture raised Angus Beef, Berkshire Hogs, turkeys and chickens. Laying Hens are outdoors as weather allows. We have our own egg grading station inspected by CFIA which enables us to sell our eggs to stores, bakery, etc. as well as directly at farmers’  markets. This year we began cutting and wrapping our own beef and pork on the farm and are almost finished the installation of our commercial stove, which will allow us to begin the next phase of our farm business - frozen, organic meals forsale at the farmers markets.

Length of apprenticeship: minimum 4 months

Number of apprentices sought: contact farmer for further details

Areas of potential apprentice specialization:
Our goal is to provide training and work experience with laying hens (feeding &  cleaning); eggs - gathering, washing, grading, packaging, cleaning grading station; feeding turkeys; cutting and packaging beef and pork; making burgers and sausage; working with the hogs — sorting, weighing, feeding, etc.; working with farmers’ market preparation.
This is a broad opportunity to learn some useful skills with both the livestock rearing and the business side of direct marketing.

General work expectations:
The ability to work independently after the training period. Further details to be discussed with farmer.

Minimum expectations:
Ed and I welcome anyone with a serious interest in farm life and learning, a sense of humour, respect for the livestock and a good work ethic. Great people skills along with good personal grooming habits, pride in doing tasks well and a willingness to learn will make this a program well worth your being involved in. Because we welcome customers/visitors to the farm we would appreciate a person who enjoys variety, meeting and sharing information and is flexible - farm life often finds days going in different directions than intended. Farm has a no smoking/alcohol/drug policy. Must be able to work Saturdays.

Lodging: Accommodation and food are provided with our family.

Stipend: Provided. Contact farmer for further details