Camphill Village Minnesota (CVM) is a biodynamic farm in the glacial moraine of central Minnesota. We steward the land biodynamically to foster the relationship between humanity and the beings of nature while growing the food that nourishes us, taking care of animals and tending to prairies, fields and forests. The farm is home to a herd of beef cattle, a community of 40 people, and has a large vegetable garden that helps sustain the community year-round. Camphill is a community where people with and without disabilities live, work and care for each other in fostering social, spiritual, cultural and agricultural renewal and is part of a global movement of Camphill communities. The biodynamic approach to agriculture provides the core tenets of our farming philosophy and is the foundation of our farming operation. The farm provides meaningful work for the people in our community.
Size of farm: 525 total acres. 120 acres in permanent pastures. 100 acres in a legume/grass-based rotation. Three acres in vegetables. Small orchard and herb garden. ~300 acres forest and wetlands.
Diversity of livestock and produce: 10 head grass-fed beef brood herd. 15 finisher herd. 60 laying hens. Broiler chickens some years. Diverse vegetable garden grown in the field, and in greenhouses. Extensive haymaking. Sustainable forestry including timber stand improvement yielding firewood and lumber. Apples, raspberries, strawberries. Diverse herb garden for teas and skincare products.
Apprenticeship details: Apprentices are housed in one of our community houses. They help with some household responsibilities and meal preparation. Apprentices are given the opportunity to focus on certain areas of our land work, or gain a broader experience a diversity of areas.
Housing: Housing and meals are provided by the community.
Compensation: Base - $300 / month stipend, $250 in student debt payments, health insurance, room and board, vehicle access. Needs-based fiscal conversation upon acceptance, to make sure financial dependencies are being met during the apprenticeship. Three weeks paid vacation per year. Time provided to be away for trainings and conferences.
Work schedule: Winter - 9am-5pm, with one day off per week. Summer - 50 - 60 hours / week, with one day off per week. Hours are variable, due to schedule revolving around weather and harvest windows.
Mentor Farmer: Angela Michieli
Address of Farm: 15136 Celtic Drive, Sauk Centre, MN 56378
Phone: Angela Michieli (cell) 480-427-9807
Email: Angela Michieli amichieli@hotmail.com (link sends e-mail)