Barrington Natural Farms is a diversified 50 acre farm located just 45 miles northwest of Chicago, Illinois. The primary focus of the farm is on protein production utilizing humane, pasture-based, organic, and biodynamic agricultural practices. The farm currently raises dairy cattle for raw milk and cheese production, chickens both for meat and eggs, beef cattle, hogs, and a small vegetable CSA. All products are sold directly to consumers from the farm.  In 2015 we plan on expanding operations to a new barn and pastures and opening a farm store nearby in Algonquin, Illinois.

We are looking for two highly motivated and hardworking interns who think that our farm might be the right place to learn about the many aspects of sustainable farming we are engaged in.

Qualifications:

We are seeking passionate individuals who are interested in becoming professional farmers. No experience is required but preference will be given to those with some farming experience and those who have a knowledge of and willingness to strive for and work in sustainable agriculture as a profession and lifestyle. Applicants must be 18 years of age at start of position and able to lift at least 50 lbs to shoulder height (feed bag, bale of hay, bucket of milk).  Must also be available to work early in the morning (7 am milkings) and into the early evening (evening chores often stretch to 7 pm).

Job Description:

Farm Interns will take part in most farm activities with a strong emphasis on learning about and managing the micro-dairy enterprise on the farm, which is a year-round operation requiring approximately 4 hours of work per day with morning and evening milkings.  Dairy operation includes feeding the cows, cleaning out their sleeping quarters (mostly in winter), preparing them for milking, prepping and cleaning the milking equipment, and moving cows out to pasture after milking. 

Our poultry enterprise also operates year round. Specific tasks associated with poultry include taking care of chicks while in the brooder phase of production, taking care of growing broiler chickens on pasture including feeding and watering, moving portable shelters, taking down and setting up portable fencing, loading chickens for butcher, gathering and cleaning and processing eggs from 400 hens, moving eggmobiles several times per week and taking down/setting up their portable fencing.

Other farm tasks might include moving portable fencing for beef cattle and hogs to new pasture/woodlot portions, loading and unloading feed and hay trucks, interaction with customers during pickups and farm tours, helping operate farm equipment, planting and maintaining the pastures and market gardens, feeding and moving pigs, and making firewood.

As part of your internship you will be working with livestock. Our livestock are to be respected and well-cared for at all times. It is essential to always be alert to their needs and health issues.. You will be taught how to handle and work with the livestock and are expected to follow and remember instructions. Working with animals demands the development of intensive observation skills.

General Expectations:

We expect you to want to be here, to be interested, to work hard, to laugh when you trip over a fence or fall on a manure pile, to learn from your mistakes and ours, to be challenged, to have grit and determination, to look for inspiration, to ask questions, to try new things, to be observant, self-motivated, able to work independently and as part of a team, able to do repetitive tasks, non complaining, willingness to be taught and accept constructive criticism, and be self-confident. You must be motivated, thrilled and inspired about our farm and farming. Farming is very challenging but can be very rewarding in humble ways.

We will strive to teach you everything we have learned about pasture-based livestock farming, including choosing the right breeds for pasture, managing animal care for optimal health, sourcing livestock, managing pasture and soils, building portable housing, finding the best feed and hay, direct marketing, packaging your products for sale, just to name a few of the many facets of farm management you will need to learn.  If you are productive and enthusiastic about farming and stay with us through the entire pasture season, we will begin offering a 50% scholarship to the Stateline Farm Beginnings Course in fall 2015, offered through the Angelic Organics Learning Center.  

Compensation/Hours:

Compensation is $10 per hour, during the winter hours will usually be limited to 4-6 hours per day with 2 days off per week.  During the spring and summer there will be days that stretch to 12 hours, with 1-2 days off per week.   At this time we do not have housing available on the farm, but there is ample affordable housing nearby as we are located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.  There is also access to farm produced goods including raw milk, grassfed beef, pasture-raised pork, chicken and eggs at a discount.

We have recently filled our year-round intern position, but plan on filling our seasonal position starting in March/April 2015. Barrington Natural Farms has incredible growth potential and we’d like more inspired souls and able-bodied people to join us. For the right person there will be many opportunities on the farm beyond the internship.

If you think we are the right for you after reading about us, please send a note describing your interest in sustainable farming and why you would be a good fit for us to cliff@bn-farms.com.