Stonewood Farm is a small, certified organic vegetable farm in Millbrook, New York. We are seeking a part-time flower grower to run a cut flower operation as part of a supportive farm team.

The flower grower works closely with the farm owners and our vegetable farmer to provide flowers for our weekly farmers market, our on-site events, and several local restaurants. We grow annual and perennial flowers on an approximately 1/3-acre, deer-fenced, irrigation-ready parcel adjacent to our vegetable gardens. We employ a “market gardening” approach to farming, growing on a small scale using intensive methods. We rely on small machinery (we have a BCS tiller) and simple hand tools for field cultivation. We have a compact tractor with front loader and tiller. We also have a walk-in cooler for storage.

A minimum of two seasons of flower production experience is required. Flower design experience is preferred. Our ideal candidate is passionate about flowers, hardworking and lighthearted, dependable and flexible, thoughtful and creative, strong (lift 50 lbs) and has the ability to work independently.

Responsibilities include field production planning, seed selection and ordering, seed-starting/propagation, planting, watering, weeding, trellising, pest management, harvesting, bouquet-making/arranging, delivering, and end-of-season clean up. Sourcing and working with local customers and record keeping are also required. Because the farm is part of a growing agri-tourism business on the farm, the flower gardens must be inviting, very well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing, as well as productive. Weed management is an essential requirement of this position.

The Farm is located just outside the Village of Millbrook in New York’s pastoral Hudson Valley. The area is known as the bread basket serving New York City due to its abundance of farms, vineyards, and other culinary offerings. It is also known for its natural beauty and quiet, rural sophistication. Being less than a 90 minute drive to a wide range of destinations – everything from New York City to the Catskill, Berkshire and Adirondack mountain ranges – the lifestyle here is both civilized and bucolic.

The position starts immediately. Compensation will be negotiated based on experience. A one bedroom, on-site apartment, including utilities, can be part of the compensation. We will be flexible for this right person. Check us out at: www.stonewoodny.com and at facebook.com/stonewoodny. If interested, please send your resume and cover letter to ken@stonewoodny.com

Position description: This position is a two-fold management position that oversees both people and the aspects of farming that fall under “field work.” Because we are a small farm, the person in this role will be doing the same field work as the crew and will have the added responsibility of crew leadership and execution of the crop plan. This person should have a detailed understanding of the farm and an ability to communicate the overall picture to the crew at all times. A big part of your duties will be keeping an eye on the crew in terms of quality control and efficiency. You’ll be asked to manage field staff and/or volunteers on your own, which will require thinking on your feet, making snap decisions in a sometimes chaotic environment, and communicating instructions effectively to others.

All field crew members, including field manager, are involved in all aspects of the farm field work: planting, cultivating, irrigation, pest and disease control, mowing, greenhouse management, washing buckets, and especially harvesting flowers. Crew members can expect to gain an understanding of all aspects of running a sustainable flower farm. Some days are full of many varied tasks, while others are more routine (for example, lots of hand-weeding or harvesting). While we have fun, we are also dedicated to staying focused on completing the farming tasks in an efficient manner, regardless of the rain, wind, heat, or sometimes beautiful weather. This position does not include post-harvest handling/processing of flowers in the studio. In other words: if you have dreams of arranging flowers – this is NOT the position for you.

5-6 days/week plus rotating weekend chores or farmer’s markets. We are looking for help Monday-Saturday. Some staff will go to markets on Saturdays, and a couple people will be at the farm to do the daily chores.

We work ~6-8 hours a day, depending on the time of year. Hours vary throughout the season: March-July hours are 30-40 per week; July, August, and September could be nearly 50 per week; Oct and Nov are ~35 per week. We take lunch breaks every day.

5 unpaid vacation/sick days per season. Paid farm field trips will happen throughout the season.

Employee is responsible for having a valid driver’s license, housing, reliable transportation to the farm, and appropriate farm clothes/rain gear/boots.

This position is seasonal full time, but part-time winter work is also available with a two-year commitment. Hourly wage commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Desired Qualifications:
● Farm work experience (min 2 years)
● Excellent communication (both in person and via text)
● Ability to make decisions and lead effectively
● Interpersonal skills
● Willingness to communicate with diverse groups of people
● Positive attitude
● Able to stand on your feet, lift heavy loads, and do manual labor in all kinds of weather

Responsibilities will include:
● Assisting in execution of a yearly flower crop rotation plan including cover crops
● Planting, cultivating, irrigation, pest and disease control, mowing, greenhouse management, washing buckets, and especially harvesting flowers
● Overseeing work of seasonal staff, volunteers, seasonal interns
● Promoting the farm at farmers markets, farm activities, farm tours, and community events
● Supporting retail and wholesale sales of flowers

Send cover letter and resume no later than 5 pm, Feb 1st, 2019 to
Maggie Taylor 806 S Lynn St, Urbana IL 61801 or electronically to delightCSA@gmail.com Early applications encouraged. Call 402-432-9342 with any questions.

For information:
(631) 655-7999

Please email tuber orders:
pattysberriesandbunchestubers@gmail.com

Visit us online:
www.pattysberriesandbunches.com

Twelve acres of land with five tillable acres of prime, Hadley sandy loam soil. Includes residence with two bedrooms and one bath, plus two-bedroom, one-bath apartment, as well as retail floral showroom and workroom.

Also includes:

• Two 30 x 125 traditional glass greenhouses with raised, soil-filled benches.
• One 20 x 75 glass/polycarbonate greenhouse.
• One 24 x 60 plastic-covered hoophouse
• One 30 x 50 barn, and other storage buildings
• Natural gas and woodchip heat systems.

River irrigation for field, new water system for greenhouses, town water for residences.

Currently growing floral crops for wholesale and our own retail markets, as well as full-service retail florist, in business since 1934. Close to highways and markets.

For more information contact John LaSalle at (413) 210-7376.