Farmer Fred's is located in the beautiful rural Appalachians of northeastern Pennsylvania. The farm was created with two major goals in mind….to be as sustainable as possible and to craft strong relationships with local consumers.

Speaking to sustainability, Farmer Fred’s employs organic methods in all of its enterprises including (but certainly never limited to) vegetables, fruit, maple syrup, honey, eggs, decorative fall pumpkins, meat, and herbs. The owner, Fred McNeal, holds an advanced degree in renewable energy engineering, and is always looking for creative ways to sustainably provide energy for the farm. For example, a small biofuel facility will go online in 2012 that will create diesel fuel (from soybeans) for the farm’s tractors and other machinery. Wind and solar power are also being explored and the farm currently generates its own compost, mulch, and other soil amendments. If you have a strong interest in renewable and sustainable energy/resources, then this is the farm for you! We are always looking for new ideas and enjoy teaching workers all the in’s and out’s of renewables.

Farmer Fred’s will be opening a new farm store in the spring of 2012 that will offer products from the farm as well as products from other local farms in the area. Farmer Fred’s will also be participating in local farmers’ markets and will sell pumpkins at two locations during the fall season.

We will expect quality work from our interns and we need individuals who are both able to work alone and as part of a team.  A typical work day will be three hours in the morning and three hours at night (we try to keep you away from working during the hottest part of the day!), six days a week for a total of 36-40 hours per week. We are able to be flexible, however, and typical work hours and/or additional time off can always be arranged with notice. The rural landscape is perfect for hiking and biking, and you will also have access to a 10 acre family pond for fishing, swimming and relaxation.

Room and board will be provided in exchange for labor and education. A small stipend may also be available depending on experience and performance. If the farm is successful we will always divide the fruits of our labor.

Duties will include typical gardening tasks such as planting, weeding, and harvesting, (beekeeping if that interests you) but will also include participation in the farm stand/store and farmers’ markets. Entrepreneurial activities may also be accommodated if inters show great desire in a new enterprise and a strong business plan. Most importantly, we will continuously try to craft your duties at Farmer Fred’s so that you can enjoy your stay, build the skills that are most important to you, and learn as much as possible. If you really enjoy customer interaction we will get you to the farmers’ markets and farm store as much as possible, if you love making plants grow we will try to keep you around the garden.  Come work, play, sweat, and learn with us and help build a brighter future through sustainable agriculture.

Email: mcneafm05@gmail.com   Phone: (607) 738 3837