Dalew Farms
Dalew Farms – 2010 Apprenticeship Opportunities
Dalew Farms is located between Sudbury and North Bay, only 1.5 km from beautiful Lake Nipissing. Your hosts, Dave and Chantal own and operate Dalew Farms, and are also active NFU members, and Eat Local Sudbury members. We consider ourselves to be authentic food producers – we are basically organic, but we have chosen not to be certified organic because we worry that the certified organic system is becoming too industrialized.
In 2009 we had a 70 member CSA and also sold from the farm gate, and through a local producer Co-op. (Eat Local Sudbury) For 2010 we could have as many as 100 CSA shares. We grow approximately 5 acres of veggies. We raise grass-fed beef and lamb, pastured pigs and laying hens. We follow as closely as possible Salatin style production systems for our livestock, and adapt them to our environment and farm. Our farm has earned a reputation in our area for being able to produce certain veggies in tough years when other farms in the area haven’t been able to. We’ll share our experience with you and you’ll be part of our on-going experiments and improvements to our growing methods.
We are looking for folks who are very enthusiastic, eager to learn,
motivated, positive, dependable, perseverant, trustworthy, teachable, and just plain keen. A positive, get’erdone attitude is extremely important. You should have the ability to work well with others, or on your own at times. Positive communication skills are essential. In order to get the most out of your apprenticeship at Dalew Farms, you must be willing to listen and learn, and to both accept and give constructive criticism. (We want your feedback too!) It is an obvious plus if you are interested in the issues – local food, young & new farmers, sustainable production etc.
A successful applicant will have their room provided. (Large camper
trailer for 2 apprentices to share) This is an ideal opportunity for a “couple” who both wish to learn about organic farming and vegetable
production as interns. Last year we had a couple as interns and we really enjoyed the camaraderie, etc. of working alongside another young couple. However, individual applicants will definitely be considered as well. You can eat (within reason – no Leg of lamb lunches 7 days a week please!) from Dalew Farms products. Extra snacks, purchased products etc will be at your expense. You will also have some meals with Dave and Chantal. You will work 5 days a week and every 3rd week 7 days a week. You will have access
to Dalew Farms library.
There is the possibility of a long term partnership for the right person.
We require references. Dalew Farms reserves the right to make exemptions on any of these requirements for the right applicant.
Senior Apprentice:
Time: April to the end of November. Longer is ok.
Stipend: You will receive income from 10 CSA shares. Dalew Farms will withhold the deposit amount ($200 per share) until you finish your term.
Extra Opportunity: You will be allowed to embark on one new project of your own, with our guidance. This project will be on your own time, located on our farm. This is your opportunity to try out an idea or new enterprise of your own on a small scale.
Junior Apprentice:
Time: May to October. Longer is ok.
Stipend: You will receive income from 6 CSA shares. Dalew Farms will
withhold the deposit amount ($200 per share) until you finish your time on the farm.
For couples, we can be somewhat flexible on the beginning and end dates if need be. Please contact us if you have any questions.
To apply, please send us an application letter explaining why you wish to embark on this opportunity along with your resume & references to the e-mail address below.
Deadline for applications is: March 31, 2010. Extended deadline! Apply now!!
Dave & Chantal Lewington
E-mail: dalew@phonenet.ca
(705)594-1823
10781 Hwy 64,
Lavigne ON.,
P0H 1R0
