Great Song Farm, located in New York's Hudson Valley, works to create a community farm based around a CSA supplying fresh vegetables to 75 families through the summer and 30 through the winter. We strive to craft a just, accessible, and transparent food system that is economically viable and fulfilling for both farmers and supporters. A cow herd grazes our pastures and provides manure. We create and use our own prepared compost from our cow manure as the basis for fertility. Our farm is leased from 2 gracious landowners. Both the landowners and Anthony's partner Sarah regularly lend a hand.
Size of farm: 87 acres: 2.5 acres cultivated, 20 acres pasture, 4 acres wetland, and 59 acres in forest.
Diversity of livestock and produce: A wide variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers for a 75 member on farm Summer CSA and 30 member Winter CSA. A herd of 10 cows, an apiary of 20 hives, and a flock of laying hens for home use.
Apprenticeship details: We are seeking 2 apprentices for the 2018 season from April until November.
Apprenticeship focus will be on vegetable production including greenhouse seeding and care, direct seeding, field preparation, making and applying compost, cultivation and weeding, transplanting, harvesting, washing, and interaction with CSA members. Pasturing of cows is also included. Most of the work in the vegetables is hand work in a minimal to no till intensive planting situation on permanant beds with living pathways.
Working with biodynamics is central to our work on the farm. No prior knowledge or experience is necessary, though an open mind and willingness to participate is requested. We are happy to share our experience.
Educational Opportunities: We participate in the local CRAFT (collaborative regional apprentice farmer training) program which is a group of farms in the area who host apprentices for a tour of their farm and a presentation on a particular aspect every other week. There is also a group of local biodynamic farm that regularly get together to share in work and community.
Housing: On farm housing is provided.
Compensation: We share vegetarian lunches. Apprentices are supplied with vegetables from the farm, and eggs when available. A general stipend is included.
Work schedule: Our workweek is Monday through Friday and Saturday Morning. There are shared, rotating weekend animal and greenhouse chores.
Mentor Farmer: Anthony Mecca
Address of farm: 475 Milan Hill Road, Red Hook, NY 12571
Phone: 845-758-1572
Email: greatsongfarm@gmail.com
Website: www.greatsongfarm.com (link is external)