Apprenticeships

We are always looking for the next apprentice.  Please see the general description below.  Our 4 month program rotates every spring, summer, and fall with opportunities to stay on longer as our farmhand needs allow.

We accept two males or two females at a time, due to our on-farm housing situation.
Must be at least 18 years old and have a clean driving record.
Email qualified resumes to bakersgreenacres@yahoo.com

Baker’s Green Acres is a 80 acre beyond organic farm. We specialize in Pastured Poultry and Pastured Pork, but also have laying hens, a produce field, and a few beef cows.  We work together as a family, so, while Mark and our son Sam are the bosses, you’ll experience the family dynamic of the farm. We are seeking the same type of person that would apply for a position at Polyface, and have borrowed heavily from their job description language.

We are seeking a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, self-starter, eager-beaver, situationally aware, go-get-’em, teachable, positive, non-complaining, grateful, rejoicing, get’er done, dependable, faithful, perseverant, take-responsibility, professional individual. We require a two-day “checkout” prior to acceptance. You are responsible for travel expenses during your checkout, but Baker’s Green Acres will house and feed you during your stay. Our choice will be based on performance, attitude and the best interest of the Farm. Apprentices must commit to a 4-month stay, with a possible extension based on our farmhand needs.  We accept two people from May through August and two more from July through October.

Room and (some) board are provided during the apprenticeship. Accommodations consist of a simple room with bunk-style sleeping quarters. Adjacent to the quarters is a full bath with plenty of hot water to wash off the grime of a hard day’s work. A fully kitchen is available for meals. Our apprentice accommodations may or may not include wifi, although the Farm office has wifi that can be accessed on a regular basis. Meals are generally on your own, though lunch may be with the Baker family at times, and we will enjoy the occasional dinner around the campfire.

Must be at least 18 years of age at start of apprenticeship. Work schedule is seven days per week. Saturday work is usually minimal, and Sundays are usually chores only. We expect you to join in and work when we work, which sometimes includes nights as well as days. Raising livestock is a selfless occupation, and we expect you to care for the animals first and put all non-essential activities on hold if the livestock need your care. Family is first, followed by livestock care.

Most of the time you will work alongside Sam, Keith, and Mark, but as you gain experience and ability, we will turn you loose on projects and animal care. We won’t ever ask you to do something we wouldn’t do ourselves. Farming is full of diverse, hard, yet very rewarding work.

Like any experience, you will get out of it what you put into it. We have attainable benchmarks, but they require effort and sweat. You’ll be amazed by how magnificently your physique will react to hard work on the farm. Emotionally, you get to know what you did that day, why it was important, and feel great about it! Some days will be tough, tougher than anything you have ever experienced, but after it’s all said and done, you’ll be surprised how long you will smile about your time at Baker’s Green Acres.