Hello All--
I've got a quick question for you (it has to be quick because I am currently supposed to be outside helping DH dig out the foundation of this neverending renovation project of ours, lol). Anyway--
Like many of you here, I would very much like to someday (and hopefully not TOO far off in the future) have a farm of my own. The sort that raises organic produce, meat products, eggs, maybe dairy too.....for sale farm-direct, from farmer's markets, co-ops, maybe restaurants....that sort of thing. I've grown my own garden for a few years now, but I know that that is hardly anything compared w/ the challenges that comes w/ producing for customers. I also do not have much experience w/ most farm animals (though I've had a horse for years).
I found a website (
http://attrainternships.ncat.org/) that lists organic farms in my state that are willing to take on interns. Sometimes you get a stipend and almost always some sort of living quarters on the grounds, and you help out in exchange for the knowledge gained. Many of the farms listed on the site sell at farmers markets, some farm-direct, and many have CSA's. All are organic, or close to it, and would teach things like pest control, how to deal w/ our short seasons here in MT, etc.
I was wondering if any of you that already have farms would think this sort of situation would be very beneficial before striking out on one's own. Did any of you do something like this? Did you not, and wish that you had?
Anyway, it is a big time commitment for me, and I just wanted to get some input from people that have been there/done that before making my decision). And yep, DH is all for it. At least I will be in the state this time....My last job adventure had me up in AK for a # of months :baby04:. Ok, I'd better get back outside. Thanks for any and all advice and input!!
Erin
