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New Traditions Farm is a 5-acre heirloom vegetable & CSA farm located approximately 80 miles away from Chicago in rural Iroquois County, IL.
We are situated in a unique Illinois Savannah eco-system which is nestled between two protected conservation areas, providing a perfect refuge for bio-diversity and rich soil for our vegetables to thrive in.
We are proud to offer our customers 40+ varieties of rare, unusual and heirloom vegetables, all of which have been carefully selected for their excellent taste and unique appearance.
New Traditions Farm is deeply committed to practicing sustainable and organic agriculture.
Work on our farm is conducted much in the same way it has been for generations: by the sweat of our brow and work of our hands. Absolutely no synthetic chemicals, pesticides or herbicides are permitted.
All of our vegetables are harvested and processed by hand, insuring an impeccable product that has been handled with the utmost care.
For more information on our farm, please visit our web-site at: www.newtraditonsfarm.com
For more information on our farm, please visit our web-site at: www.newtraditonsfarm.com
Our Practices:
- We use absolutely zero synthetic chemicals or fertilizers in our production.
- We plant 100% GMO – free crops, most of which are open-pollinated heirloom varieties
- We utilize locally sourced compost, fertilizer and inputs including fish fertilizer made from invasive Asian Carp
- We utilize cover crops to maintain soil tilth and build organic matter
- We irrigate using rain-water collected in our 20,000 gallon pond
- We cultivate and plow using only hand tools and a small walk-behind tractor, limiting our impact on the environment and reducing compaction on our soils
Apprentice Position:
We are looking for hardworking and serious apprentices with experience and interest in organic agriculture, natural building and wood working. Previous knowledge of agriculture is strongly preferred (NPK, Basic Soil Chemistry, Organic Principles, etc.)
Basic housing (camping or rustic cabin) and meals will be provided.
Accommodations and infrastructure on the farm are very basic. At the moment, our facilities consist of a basic outdoor kitchen and outhouse (w/composting toilet). Shower facilities are located approx 25 minutes away from the farm at the State Conservation area and are free to use.
This is great opportunity to get involved with a small farming operation and help establish it from the ground up.
The work environment will be positive, serious and fun. We take our work very seriously and expect that all interns and apprentices do the same.
Many of the tasks completed on the farm require patience, dedication and mental fortitude. In a word: Not all farming tasks are pleasant (nor will the weather conditions, mosquitoes, etc.) While there's nothing more wonderful than harvesting a fresh bunch of greens, it's also important to remember all of the repetitive and challenging tasks involved before we get to harvest.
Our intention is to grow vegetables that meet the standards of discerning chefs and loyal CSA customers, so its important for our conduct to meet those standards.
These are the qualities we are seeking in an apprentice:
-> Enthusiasm (We are looking for people with genuine enthusiasm for Organic Agriculture. We prefer candidates who are serious about eventually starting their own operations and are interested in starting financially sustainable businesses.)
-> Self-Sufficiency (Farming requires a strong, independent attitude. There will be periods of time on the farm when you will be alone and required to complete projects on the fly to satisfy your daily needs / resolve situations as they arise. We are looking for candidates who enjoy periods of solitude as well as group work.)
-> Ruggedness (Infrastructure on our farm is VERY BASIC. We are looking for individuals with experience / enthusiasm for living without many of the modern conveniences we've come to expect.)
-> Clear Communication (We expect all apprentices to first and foremost be CLEAR COMMUNICATORS. Passive aggressive behavior will not be tolerated. If you have a pressing issue, it's important to communicate it quickly and clearly so that it can be resolved. The last thing we want is unhappy apprentices, so if you have an issue, please be prepared to bring it up in a civil and non-confrontational manner.)
Apprentices with their owns means of transportation are strongly favored. The farm is located in an isolated area, so having a vehicle is preferred.
Hours can be negotiated (we are very flexible regarding time off / weekends) however we expect a minimum of 30 hours a week of good honest work.
Basic housing (camping or rustic cabin) and meals will be provided.
Accommodations and infrastructure on the farm are very basic. At the moment, our facilities consist of a basic outdoor kitchen and outhouse (w/composting toilet). Shower facilities are located approx 25 minutes away from the farm at the State Conservation area and are free to use.
This is great opportunity to get involved with a small farming operation and help establish it from the ground up.
The work environment will be positive, serious and fun. We take our work very seriously and expect that all interns and apprentices do the same.
Many of the tasks completed on the farm require patience, dedication and mental fortitude. In a word: Not all farming tasks are pleasant (nor will the weather conditions, mosquitoes, etc.) While there's nothing more wonderful than harvesting a fresh bunch of greens, it's also important to remember all of the repetitive and challenging tasks involved before we get to harvest.
Our intention is to grow vegetables that meet the standards of discerning chefs and loyal CSA customers, so its important for our conduct to meet those standards.
These are the qualities we are seeking in an apprentice:
-> Enthusiasm (We are looking for people with genuine enthusiasm for Organic Agriculture. We prefer candidates who are serious about eventually starting their own operations and are interested in starting financially sustainable businesses.)
-> Self-Sufficiency (Farming requires a strong, independent attitude. There will be periods of time on the farm when you will be alone and required to complete projects on the fly to satisfy your daily needs / resolve situations as they arise. We are looking for candidates who enjoy periods of solitude as well as group work.)
-> Ruggedness (Infrastructure on our farm is VERY BASIC. We are looking for individuals with experience / enthusiasm for living without many of the modern conveniences we've come to expect.)
-> Clear Communication (We expect all apprentices to first and foremost be CLEAR COMMUNICATORS. Passive aggressive behavior will not be tolerated. If you have a pressing issue, it's important to communicate it quickly and clearly so that it can be resolved. The last thing we want is unhappy apprentices, so if you have an issue, please be prepared to bring it up in a civil and non-confrontational manner.)
Apprentices with their owns means of transportation are strongly favored. The farm is located in an isolated area, so having a vehicle is preferred.
Hours can be negotiated (we are very flexible regarding time off / weekends) however we expect a minimum of 30 hours a week of good honest work.