Say Hay Farms produces certified organic mixed vegetables and pastured eggs on 50 acres in Esparto, CA. Entering our seventh year of production, we seeking motivated farmers to join our talented crew.
Job Title: Farm Crew
Works as a team under the supervision of the Harvest Manager.
DUTIES
1) Performs all harvest and post-harvest duties of vegetable crops in year-round conditions.
2) Assists in daily operations of chicken care, egg washing, and packing.
3) Observes and communicates crop quality issues.
4) Operates with a sense of urgency and efficiency during busy times.
5) Assists is recording data about yield and time.
QUALIFICATIONS
1) One full year of experience on a for-profit diversified vegetable operation.
2) Basic knowledge of vegetable crops, seasonality, and growing techniques.
4) Good communication skills.
5) Ability to work early, long, and hard. Weeks averaging 50 hours, but will vary with season’s demands and weather conditions.
COMPENSATION
Starting wage: $12/hour.
Accrued Paid Time-Off; 2 weeks/year.
Regular Schedule: Four or five 10-hour days with two days off in a row.
BACKGROUND
Say Hay Farms started in 2010 with just two acres and 100 hens. Having farmed 20 acres for the past few years, we are completing the transition to our new packing facility and infrastructure in Esparto, CA. We farm two properties totaling about 45 acres of vegetable ground, 5 acres of almonds in need of rehabilitation, and a half-acre of oranges. With the time needed to properly rotate and fertilize our grounds with chickens and cover crops, we usually don’t have more than 25 acres in vegetable production at a time.
Our goal is to meet much of our fertilization needs through pastured hens and cover crops, supplemented with compost and imported manure fertilizer when necessary. Our current laying flocks total 1600 laying hens, with plans for additional flocks.
Having grown for a small 60-member CSA, restaurants, farmers’ markets, independent grocers, co-ops, and wholesale distributors, we are currently on a trajectory towards focusing on the latter.
Our farm business strategy is to have the equipment and systems necessary to operate efficiently with a small team, the data to make informed planning decisions, and the skill and attention to detail needed to execute those plans successfully.
We are a young, evolving farm and looking for the right people to help support our growth as we help you grow into a seasoned farmer, and, hopefully find a longer-term role in our farm’s success.
TIME FRAME
Interviewing now.
Starting Time Frame: Flexible between now and May 1. We are seeking the right people and will do our best to meet your needs.
This position is year-round employment.
TO APPLY
Please email a brief cover letter, resume, and references to sayhayfarms@gmail.com with the subject title “Farm Crew.”
