Apprenticeship Opportunities at Alma Farm for 2012
Each year we take on a number of apprentices to share the joys (realities) of the farm life. Apprentices come to work for us for the season, and in return we provide extensive hands-on training in every aspect of our farm business. We are always looking for partial season apprentices. Please contact us if you are interested in finding out more about our apprentice program.
We are looking for 2 full season and 1 summer apprentice for the 2013 season. Please head to MOFGA's website to read a description of life at alma farm... we are oxford - 01.
What Previous Apprentices and Workers Have To Say About Alma Farm
Melissa - "This
was my first time farming and I don't think I could have found a
better place to learn. Geof and Gina are incredible mentors...funny,
knowledgeable, and patient.
Geof always seeks to pull
out what is best in a person. He knows when to highlight and commend
your strengths, but will always push and challenge you to overcome
your weakness. He knows the importance of balance.... hard work is
always tempered with laughter. He loves nature and his knowledge of
the subject is endless. His pride of Maine makes him a wonderful
host, always sharing the beauty and history of his home. Gina was
just as patient and supportive. She was equally as gracious of a
host, finding time amidst all of her responsibilities to make hot
chocolate and scones on the rainiest of days. They are both
incredible mentors who offer a "yin and yang" of technique
and thought. Farming is such a personal way to provide
for one's family. Yet, Geof and Gina were always trusting and open
with us. This trust helped us to learn very quickly what farming is
all about. Adeline and Emilia are just as much fun to watch
growing as every vegetable in their field. They are just as talented
and dynamic as their parents and a wonderful part of the Alma farm
experience.
There is not a day that goes by when I do
not think about Alma farm. There is something very special about the
land and the community that exists in that corner of the world. I
really don't know what I expected to learn, but I left Alma farm
with more knowledge of myself, community, and love.
It was wicked
fun."
Frayser - "My season at Alma Farm was one of the best summers of my life. It was a wonderful growing operation in a beautiful area of western Maine. Geof and Gina aren't just farmers by any means. They're teachers and artists as well. There was plenty of instruction, but I learned mostly by being included in all the daily tasks of vegetable production, livestock management, as well as the business side of the farm. Even when the work was particularly strenuous, they always found a way to keep it interesting and our spirits high. We always did the work as a team and relied on each other, but I also appreciated their trust to do many things myself. Geof and Gina's business is an open book, and they were a great source of knowledge of all things farm and otherwise. Their distinct personalities and work styles gave dimension to what would otherwise be a one-sided learning experience. Emilia and Adeline are just as distinct, but they are mostly just hilarious. The tight-knit community of friends and farmers in the area were also very fun and welcoming."
Leslie - "My apprenticeship at Alma Farm was a wonderful experience that I wouldn't trade for anything. Geof and Gina were knowledgeable, flexible, and always attentive to the needs of their apprentices. Their passions for farming, family, and community were present in all that we did. I had both the opportunity to work right alongside them, benefiting from their extensive farming experience, and to work independently with my own responsibilities. Geof and Gina were always patient with me, whether I was feeding the livestock for the first time, struggling to keep up with the rush at farmers' markets, or learning to drive their beloved tractor around the fields. I learned every part of the farming process, from planting in the spring to preparing the fields for winter, and I had an active part in all of it. I now feel confident and experienced in producing healthy food in a sustainable way. Most importantly, during my apprenticeship with Geof and Gina I always felt that I was not only a part of their farm, but a part of their family. It was a fantastic season!"
Becky - "I had the pleasure of working with Geof for the 2008 growing season. I can say that as a mentor and manager Geof always thinks of others first. No matter how tired he always finds time to answer questions, provide feedback, and afford encouragement (and at times a little friendly competition). His easy going nature makes it possible for personalities to blend no matter how different they might be. He strives to be the best and he strives to make his apprentices the best as well."
Terra - "I was an apprentice at Alma Farm for the summer of ‘08. Geof is probably one of the most patient, easy-going people to have a mentor. For one, he somehow was never too busy or tired to endure my endless amount of questions. For this reason, I left my time with him with a solid enough understanding to now manage a farm on my own! Geof was always ready to listen to any concerns I had, whether about the farm or my personal life. As any successful farmer should be, he was observant and flexible. He will challenge you, but knows when to provide guidance and when to step back. He is extremely generous and kind, and made stops for ice cream an integral part of my farming experience! Geof can be an extremely social person at times and cares deeply about his community, so his circle of friends and acquaintances reaches far and wide. Probably one his most endearing traits is his ability to keep a sense of humor and positive attitude at the end of even the most exhausting days."
Evan - "I have never had so much fun farming as I did working with Geof. Few people bring the amount of passion and enthusiasm to their work that he does. Now that Gina brings her knowledge and care to the farm I expect great things to come from Alma Farm. Alma farm is my hands down favorite new farm."
Julianna - "It was always a pleasure-- they kept morale high and never failed to see the endless good in what we were accomplishing. I learned sooo much, most of which they naturally shared in a stream-of-consciousness type way while we were weeding or planting or picking bugs. Working at the farm definitely gave me a new perspective on how everything ties together: the weather, soil, plants, people--all that science stuff I learned in a classroom but never really experienced. Very cool."
