Bluestem Farm is a year-round diversified organic farm located in the tip of the Michigan state mitten. Ready to take your organic farming skills to the next level? Read on! If it seems like we’re a good fit, let us hear from you via the orange button at the bottom.

 
 
 

LEARNING ON THE JOB

As a new farmer starting out, what do you need to spend money on, and what can you get by without? What can you do on a shoestring? How do you build soil fertility in a hurry? How do you go about finding a market niche for your new farm business, and go after it with everything you've got? We're first generation farmers with very recent experience starting from nothing and building a farm business we're proud of. In this job, there will of course be countless on-the-job opportunities for seeing everything from organic crop rotation to sowing and transplanting to successful crop varieties up close. But you'll also be with us to talk about the differences between the several models of beginning farms we've been part of: a non-profit farm in Europe, a raw milk dairy in New England, and our current 4-season farm. While not a direct focus of this position, other important aspects of our farm, from pasture-raised animal husbandry, to social justice, community events, and fermented vegetables, might also be of interest.

ABOUT THE WORK

  • You’d be hand-harvesting vegetables in the morning hours

  • Sowing, transplanting, and weeding organic vegetables

  • Washing and packaging vegetables for sale

  • Doing field-related tasks like moving irrigation and garden clean-up

  • Working inside hoophosues

 ABOUT BLUESTEM FARM

We grow 12 acres of certified organic vegetables, but the farm is much larger than that in all. The remaining acres are in permanent pasture and woods. Four passive solar greenhouses (aka hoophouses) produce both summer and winter vegetables. The core of our business is our farm subscription program, or CSA. Our members bring home what they want from our certified organic vegetables and pasture-raised eggs, pork, and chicken. We also have wholesale accounts. We don't have year-round work for everyone who's part of our summer crew, but our farm is located just a few miles away from a premier Midwestern winter sports resort. Finding winter work to complement the growing season is usually no problem if you decide to stick around when the snow flies.

QUALIFICATIONS

A few different experiences + traits show up again and again in people who are happy working here.

  • Are you willing to be quick and hardworking and efficient with time?

  • Do you feel proud of this type of work?

  • Are you excited to absorb all the lessons this sort of life teaches?

  • Are you up for communicating with coworkers about the little or big issues that come up, so they can be handled with respect for everyone?

  • Do you have the type of attitude that looks at challenges positively?

  • Do you love working outdoors in all types of weather?

  • Do you enjoy the physical demands of working with your hands?

HOURS + COMPENSATION

  • Pay is based on experience, but you can expect a range of $14-17 per hour. More if you have significant experience.

  • Full time work is available from mid-May or mid-June through October or November 2023.

  • We are open to part time hours, for the right person.

  • Organic vegetables to take home, pasture-raised protein is negotiable.

  • On farm housing is negotiable for the right applicants.

  • Free farmer tans!

ABOUT OUR AREA

Our organic farm is located 7 miles east of East Jordan, Michigan, encircled by turquoise lakes, wild rivers, deep forests.

  • This part of northern Michigan is known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

  • Summer and winter tourist destination for hiking, boating, skiing, and fishing.

  • Bluestem Farm is within close driving distance of several picturesque towns.

TO APPLY

Please use the button below to let us know who you are and why you think this could be right for you.