Website Otter Creek Farm
Otter Creek Farm will provide a stable foundation for multiple enterprises while remaining diversified and resilient to navigate financial and climate instability. The future of the farm is full of possibility and opportunity. As it grows, so will its plant and animal life along with its family and community.
Farm Description:
Otter Creek Farm is a 6th generation, 450 acre diversified farm located in Johnsonville, New York. In 2018, the farm sold its dairy herd and has since transitioned to a viable diversified and regenerative farming operation. Currently all farm operations are managed by farm owner, Brad Wiley and partner, Elizabeth Collins. There are three business entities which include Otter Creek Farm (hay, land rental and main farming), OCF Cattle (Grass-fed Beef) and Graceful Acres (farm stay, small livestock and meat shares). We manage 40 100% Grass-fed Red Angus cow/calf pairs on 150 acres of hay/pasture using adaptive grazing. Most of the feeder stock is sold in May to local grass finishing farms with a few feeders remaining on the farm to be finished and sold as beef. On a much smaller scale, annually, we raise laying hens, meat birds, 4-6 pastured pigs and 1 dairy cow. The finished products are for our home use, sold locally as meat shares or through Graceful Acres Farmstay. All animals are Animal Welfare Approved. In order to diversify the farm even more Breadtree Farms leases 20 acres and has planted a 1200 Chestnut Tree Orchard. We also have honey bees managed by Honeybee Hill Sweeteners, a local couple.
Our Mission: Otter Creek Farm is committed to the stewardship and use of our resources to provide income to regenerate and maintain the opportunity the farm provides for the family, customers and community
Our Vision: Otter Creek Farm will provide a stable foundation for multiple enterprises while remaining diversified and resilient to navigate financial and climate instability. The future of the farm is full of possibility and opportunity. As it grows, so will its plant and animal life along with its family and community.
We are seeking a long-term member of the farm team to fulfill our mission but also fulfill their farming goals through the opportunity to run their own enterprise.
Location Specifics:
We are located in the Capitol District near the Tomhannock Reservoir in Rensselaer County, New York. Situated an hour south of the Adirondack State Park within 35 miles of Albany, Saratoga Springs, Troy NY and Bennington, VT.
Position Description:
Soil Health and Grazing Manager- This is a live on the farm part-time position with the opportunity to start your own enterprise.
Responsible for all aspects of soil health and grazing:
● Daily operations- setting up daily (or more) moves with temporary fence, water (when needed) and moving cattle
● Planning/Record keeping of grazing chart and eventually implementing Pasture Map (grazing App)
● Conducting and analysis (with assistance) biological soil samples
● Pasture management including clipping, seeding etc.
● Regular Farm/grounds maintenance
Assist with:
● Cattle production including calving, sorting and weighing
● Hay production- Large Squares
● Farm/infrastructure Projects
Requirements and Skill Sets:
● Understanding and practical experience with grazing animals (if not, please still apply as we are willing to train)
● Self motivated with an entrepreneurial mindset
● Ability to work independently as well as with a team
● Ability to lift, bend and transfer items up to 50lbs
● Desire to work efficiently, openly communicate and maintain a positive attitude
● Prefer tractor/ equipments skills (willing to train)
● Great attention to detail
● Passion for farming, animals and especially grazing!
Expectations:
We are looking for a passionate, driven partner to join our farm family. There is so much opportunity here. With the right person we could expand our cattle herd, therefore, increase the regeneration of our farm but also diversify with other grazing animals. Ideally the candidate would like to run their own enterprise (flock of pastured sheep) which would complement the existing enterprises and the part-time position.
Season April 15- Nov 15: 30+ hours and 1 day off/ week
Off-season: 10-15 hours and 2 days off/ week
Participate in weekly planning (Mon and TH), quarterly and annual meetings.
Participate in at least one Continued Education course or conference per year. Owners usually attend 2-5 per year.
Farm coverage: We are typical farmers that don’t travel often or for long periods of time but sometimes we need to leave the farm. Total farm \ coverage is expected.
Our biggest expectation is that you become part of our family and help create the future of this farm with us.
Pay: Year-round farm apartment + pay commensurate to experience
Application Process:
Please send resume, cover letter and 2 references to Elizabeth at ecollins333@gmail.com. We
will respond via email with follow-up questions. Whichever is appropriate, plan for an in-person,
phone or Zoom interview.
To apply for this job email your details to ecollins333@gmail.com