Mount Pleasant Foundation is seeking a farmer with experience in pasture-based animal husbandry and/or market garden scale vegetable production.
Mount Pleasant is a private, historic plantation located in Surry County, Virginia, a ferry ride from Colonial Williamsburg. The mission of the foundation is to maintain a highly diverse, sustainable agricultural operation that preserves and promotes the heritage breeds of livestock that were endemic to early American life in the lower Chesapeake.
When fully staffed, the farm crew consists of three full time farmers who manage breeding and grazing programs for our livestock on 70 acres. The farm raises American Milking Devon cattle, Leicester Longwool sheep, Hog Island sheep, pastured broilers, turkeys and layers, and hogs. On average, they calve out 10+ cows a year and 20 ewes. The farm is looking to expand the wood lot pork finishing operation into a breeding program, so a candidate with a background in pastured hog breeding or wood lot finishing would be a plus. The farm also includes a one-acre kitchen garden that grows annual and perennial fruits and vegetables, herbs, and a small orchard.
The diversity of farm operations mean that the daily work and responsibilities of this position will vary greatly according to skillset and experience of the candidate. Regardless, all the members of the farm team help each other on large projects, and everyone shares the responsibility for the maintenance feeding of livestock. Even a new hire with mostly vegetable experience will be trained in handling and feeding livestock.
Compensation:
Hourly, with overtime. Rate commensurate with experience. Health insurance included.
Work Schedule/Season:
Year round, mostly a standard work week with alternating work weekends, and busy and slow seasons.
Housing:
Available to qualified candidates, upon request
Qualifications:
-A minimum of two years of farm experience in vegetable or pastured livestock production
-A valid driver’s license
-Physical ability to lift 75lbs
-Willingness to work in inclement weather
-Strong work ethic and ability to self-direct
-Tractor, implement, equipment, and trailering experience preferred
The ideal candidate will have the initiative and skillset to run an existing or develop a new program within farm operations. A preference will be given to those with heritage livestock experience.
For more information, visit our website, https://mountpleasantplantation.weebly.com/
If interested, please send a letter of interest and a resume to Dea Keen at dkeen@mountpleasantplantation.com
