Merry Lea Sustainable Farm, Goshen College
Albion, IN
Mentor Farm
Agroforestry Systems:
Forest Farming
Silvopasture
Farm Information
The Merry Lea Sustainable Farm is an educational, demonstration, and experimental farm specializing in perennial agriculture, carbon farming, regenerative agriculture, food literacy, and environmental education.
It is a #3 nationally ranked college farm set within a 100-acre landscape that includes pastures, woods, prairie, wetland, orchards, vegetable gardens, and a historic farmstead. Students gain experience with annual vegetables, fruit and nut orchards, and livestock. One unique feature is a 5.5-acre Woody Perennial Polyculture mixed crop and animal system. Merry Lea Sustainable Farm raises fruit, vegetables, herbs, mushrooms, nuts, and animals (meat chickens, laying hens, milking goats, and cattle) that it supplies to local food pantries, Merry Lea programs, the Goshen College dining services, and a student CSA.
Farm Information
Acres: 100
Located: Albion, IN
On-Farm Training Opportunities
Trainees assist with the production and maintenance of Merry Lea Sustainable Farm under the supervision of the farm manager. The crew member will also work with other staff, students, and volunteers to develop the farm as a setting for learning. This opportunity gives farm crew members a chance to gain experience in many areas of small farm management. Example tasks include: working with farm staff and volunteers to plan, plant, and maintain plots (planting, watering, weeding, pruning, mowing, pest management, composting, harvesting and washing produce, cleaning workspaces and tools, caring for farm livestock, and maintaining farm records). Some morning, evening, and weekend chores will be required (animal care and watering crops).
Availability: Open
Qualifications
- Self-motivation, physical stamina, and the ability to work independently
- Attention to detail
- Good people skills
- Basic familiarity with word processing and spreadsheets is also an important component of this position
- Positive attitude and a love of the outdoors are both a must!
- Ability to start in May and continue through August (flexibility available depending on schedule; 40 hours per week)
Benefits
- Pay: Hourly rate is $9.25 per hour before taxes.
- Housing: On-site housing at Merry Lea
- Food: Farm-fresh vegetables, meat, dairy, and eggs through our student CSA
- Remoteness: Approximately 40 minutes Northwest of Fort Wayne, IN.
Support Our Work
Sponsor a Trainee
Your gift could provide experience and technical education for aspiring farmers through on-farm training with a mentor farmer and community building opportunities for farmers, trainees, and those interested in incorporating trees on farmland.
