Nature's Roots Farm is a diversified family farm which produces beyond-organic, nutrient dense foods by centering its farming practices around holistic agroforestry, animal husbandry, and pasture management principles. The farm also serves as an educational outreach for individuals of all ages to be equipped with the knowledge and support to start small farms and create local food markets. We are looking for individuals to help us continue to grow the business and if it works out to start their own enterprise on our farm at the end of the apprentice program.
We are located in Oxford, NC (45-60 mins north of Raleigh/Durham) and have 100 acres of woodland and pasture. It is a quiet and safe area outside of the city where you can enjoy the fresh air and beautiful stars at night.
We offer a 6 month Semester Abroad on the Farm. This is considered an abroad program as it is a complete lifestyle change outside of every day living in our current society. Be ready to get your hands dirty, your mind clear and your heart full.
You will learn how to effectively manage the following:
100% Grass-Fed Cows (Dairy)
Pasture Raised Chickens (Egg Layers & Meat Birds)
Forest-Fed Pigs
Chemical Free Pasture Management
Forestry & Woodworking
Gardens & Orchards
Permaculture Practices (symbiotic nature between animals and plants)
As part of this program, you will also learn how to start a farm including business setup, sales, marketing, building a customer base and more. There will be weekly study/discussion groups and a large learning library that you can use during your stay. Housing and food are included (everything we grow / sell on the farm). This program will allow you to experience a full "season" on the farm. At the end of the program, you will have the opportunity to partner with us to begin your own enterprise on or in connection with the farm.
Food will be provided for you to cook for yourself for breakfast and dinner. We will eat lunch together every day that you work. We will provide food from everything we grow on the farm and our farm partners. For items we do not have available on the farm, you will need to purchase them at your expense.
We expect that the candidate will be eager and interested in learning all aspects of the farming operation and that they work together with the farm owner to ensure the farm runs smoothly. Also, we expect that the candidate be ready and willing to start work each day at the agreed upon time and maintain a positive and respectful attitude as well as flexibility with changing schedules based on projects underway. We are very open and interested in feedback and ideas so feel free to share anything we can do to make the farm a better place to live, work, etc. We do not accept couples and you cannot bring your pet(s) - dogs/ cats.
Email us directly if you are interested and we will send an application. Once received we will review it internally and setup a conference call. If that goes well, we will ask you to come to visit the farm. If you live far away, you can come out for the visit and if it's a good fit, you can start right into the apprentice program. .