Farm Internship

The ongoing work of developing a community-based biodynamic farm individuality in the northern suburbs of New York City is the foundation for our educational programming. We balance the sharing of knowledge and skills with awakening to opportunities where the farm itself is the main teacher, where inner capacities, such as observation and relationship to the natural world can be cultivated.

Applications for our Internship Program are accepted from January through March each year. We typically accept two to three individuals per season.

Our 2024 farm internship positions are now full. Applications for 2025 will become available in January 2025.

As an intern, you will have the opportunity to learn:

• Biodynamic principles and practices through experiences on farm and participation in our Biodynamic Course, Mid-Winter Intensive and Bee Workshops.
• Annual Farm planning i.e.. maps, seed order, succession planting, crop rotation, Stella Natura planting calendar.
• Market-garden and field-scale vegetable production from seed to harvest.
• Cow care and milking.
• Handling and distribution of raw milk.
• Milk processing and yogurt making.
• Pasture management and rotational grazing.
• Horse care and draft work.
• Greenhouse care and management skills from seeding to transplanting, including preparing for and hosting an Annual Plant Sale.
• Composting techniques.
• Healthy soil regeneration methods through managing and applying Biodynamic compost and field sprays, crop rotation, cover cropping and weed management.
• Biodynamic plant pest and disease management.
• Succession planning for fresh vegetables throughout the growing season.
• Proper tractor use and maintenance.
• Apiary care and observation.
• Cultivation, drying and processing of annual and perennial flowers and herbs.
• Production of value-added herbal products.
• Record keeping.
• CSA share distribution and customer relationship skills.
• Seed saving skills from growing and selecting seed crops to seed cleaning and storage.
• Building relationships with community members and coworkers through working, meal sharing, and festival life.

As an intern, you will be expected to:

• Arrive on time, ready to work, and prepared for changes in weather conditions.
• Be able and open to learning from mentor farmers, staff members, other learners, animals, plants, the land, your own mistakes, and the mistakes of others.
• Share and communicate your knowledge and understanding.
• Communicate your learning needs and personal needs clearly and compassionately, and hear and take into account the needs of others.
• Be able to bend, crouch, sit, walk, run, stand for long periods of time, and lift at least 50 pounds.
• Be able and willing to work with children (in the presence of teachers or camp counselors), people with special qualities, and volunteers.
• Assist with hosting the work of volunteers, community members, and other learners in your areas of competency.
• Participate in preparing, meal sharing and cleaning up communal meals with Fellowship elders and coworkers.
• Farm in the context of an intergenerational elder care community.

The 2024 Internship program runs from April 29 through November 22. Working hours vary with the sunrise and tasks assigned, but generally are Monday-Friday, 7:00am-12:30pm and 2:00-5:00pm, plus weekend chore rotations, classes and special events. Hours will be adjusted to maintain a 40 hour work week.

Interns receive $15/hr, health benefits, a room in Holder House, a 40-room student dormitory on Threefold’s campus, produce from the farm, as well as enrollment in our Biodynamic Course and all one-day workshops. Attendance in the Biodynamic Course is mandatory as part of your studies of Biodynamics.

Threefold Community Farm is a Participating Mentor Farm in the Biodynamic Association’s Farmer Training Program.

An application form and an interview (in person or by phone) are required. A work-along visit may be requested. Applicants who accept an internship offer are required to submit a medical form signed by their physician. For more information about the internship or the application process, please call 845-352-5020 x120, or email [email protected].

Our 2024 farm internship positions are now full. Applications for 2025 will become available in January 2025.