The “La Vista Experience” Apprenticeship Program La Vista CSA Farm 4350 Levis Lane Godfrey, IL 62035

Thank you for your dedication and commitment to Sustainable Farming

La Vista CSA Farm in scenic Godfrey Illinois is now accepting applications for farm apprentices for the farming season.

Apprentices dedicate ten hours each week to learn about sustainable farming practices while actively participating in all aspects of small scale crop production and farm operations.

The goal of the Farm apprenticeship is to provide:

An exceptional experience, a wealth of knowledge, and an abundance of farm fresh produce

  • Apprentices are expected to be reliable, responsible & dedicated.
  • Apprentices are required to commit 8hours per week to the farm. The 8 hour work day include a 30 minute lunch break and 30 minute journaling time.
  • If you cannot make it on your designated day, please call ahead & be sure to make up your hours.

There are approximately 35 weeks from April- November, which means you should dedicate 250 hours during this time span. We know circumstances occur beyond our control. To complete the apprenticeship program, we would like you to complete no less than 220 hours during the program. If you cannot fulfill your requirement before November 15th, we ask that you make up your hours during the first few weeks of November, as the farm is still in operation at this time.

Apprenticeship Learning Objectives:

Planting

  • Learn planting dates and timelines for each specified crop
  • Seed germination in high tunnel
  • Transplanting seedlings into larger pots
  • Transplanting into the fields
  • Sowing seeds in the field
  • Waterwheel transplanting

Cultivating

  • Hand weeding
  • Using simple hand tools
  • Using simple machines such as the high wheel cultivator
  • Using rear tine tillers, lawn mowers
  • Driving tractors with cultivating implements

Irrigation

  • Learning the basics of irrigation systems at the farm
  • Learn the equipment necessary for optimal drip irrigation
  • Learn proper installation techniques of basic drip lines
  • Learn how to maintain moisture retention through natural and organic methods of mulching

Weed Suppression

  • Learn how to properly use basic garden tools such as hand hoes and stirrup hoes as weeds emerge in order to strive for weed free garden beds
  • Learn how to use tractor implements for specific cultivating applications and to prevent invasive weeds from taking over garden beds
  • Learn a wide array of various weed suppression techniques including weed barriers, sheet mulching, composting

Proper Harvesting and Processing Techniques

  • Learn proper harvesting techniques for specific crops
  • Learn how to maximize the shelf life of specific crops
  • Learn proper processing, washing and storing techniques for specific crops

In the high tunnel, you will learn how to accomplish the following tasks:

Sanitize pots, Make soil mix and fill seed trays, sow seeds, fertilize using fish emulsion, water & weed greens beds.

In the field, you will learn how to accomplish the following tasks:

Follow a planting schedule, sow seed by hand and with the seeder, weed with a variety of different tools, set up drip irrigation, learn how to properly irrigate crops, learn how to use the battery powered cultivating tractor, learn how to use the John Deere tractor to till the fields

Additional learning objectives include:

  • sustainable methods of crop rotation
  • beneficial insects
  • compost & manure amendments to fertilize fields
  • row covering
  • green manure
  • cover crop planting, straw mulching
  • assessing crops regularly for insects
  • following a cultivating schedule to prevent an excess of weeds and insect damage
  • Learning many methods to prevent plant disease while keeping plants healthy and strong.
  • Composting and harvesting worm castings

Apprentices will attend educational workshops, get hands-on training and participate in fieldtrips to other CSA farms in the area.

Compensation for the apprenticeship program includes the invaluable educational experience of farming as well as a “Farmhand Share” which includes a bag of farm fresh, seasonal produce once per week for the entire length of the apprenticeship.

Farm apprenticeship schedules are available on Tuesdays and Fridays.

8-hour workdays begin at 8am, with a lunch from 1:30- 2 pm and end at 4 pm.

Dates: The program begins Tuesday, April 5th.It ends in November with an Appreciation Party.

Goals:

By the end of the Apprenticeship Program, apprentices will:

  • Learn the overall workings of a sustainable farm, will be introduced to several sustainable farming practices and get plenty of hands on experience in the field.
  • Be well suited to grow their own vegetable garden or work on a farm at the same scale as La Vista. This experience is a life skill and will add great value to your resume.
  • Gain a basic understanding for Greenhouse & High Tunnel operations.
  • learn how to follow a planting schedule for seed sowing, keep seed beds cultivated with various tools and implements, prevent insect damage, & assist in plant health
  • Learn how to operate the various machines such as the John Deere Tractor, the Ford Tractor, the Electric Cultivating Tractor, the riding mower, etc…

Our Farm Schedule throughout Apprenticeship Program:

  • Tuesdays: We harvest and wash hundreds of pounds of produce & set up the share room for Shareholder pick up day (2-7 every Tuesday) We then take care of weather appropriate tasks for that day (transplanting, weeding, watering, etc) and we stock the share room hourly.
  • Fridays: We harvest and wash hundreds of pounds of produce & set up the share room for Shareholder pick up day (2-7 every Friday) We then take care of weather appropriate tasks for that day (transplanting, weeding, watering, etc) and we stock the share room hourly.
  • Saturdays: We drop off produce to Garden Heights Nursery to our Saint Louis Shareholders. Eric hosts a volunteer work day at the farm 2 Saturdays per month.

La Vista Calendar of Events

APRIL

  • Spring Greens begin mid April
  • Earth Day Coffee House at La Vista Lodge
  • Earth Day at Forest Park in St. LouisCome visit our booth in the Farmers Market and say hello.

MAY

  • Farm Open House 2-4pmCome tour the farm, meet the Farmers & see what’s growing! Bring a friend or bring the family.
  • Shareholder Welcome and Orientation1-2 pm .If you can go to only one gathering each season, this is one to attend, especially if you are new to La Vista. We'll distribute Shareholder Handbooks, orient new members to the pick-up routine and tour the farm. Please bring finger foods to share.
  • Kickoff Festival at Tower Grove Farmers Market8am-12pmCome visit our booth & say hello, get a sneak peak of what we will be offering the 1st week of Shares.

Mid May Regular Season shares begin.

Pick up is from 2pm -7pm Tuesdays & Fridays (date subject to change depending on weather and growing conditions). Watch your inbox for a notice of your assigned pick-up day. Don't forget to bring your own bags!!

JUNE

  • Shareholder Gathering, possible BBQ (TBD)
  • Rummage Sale to benefit Garden at St. Ambrose Church

JULY

AUGUST

  • Annual Tomato Fest - 4pm -6pm.Bring a recipe that highlights this wonderful vegetable. We'll have games and a recipe contest.

NOVEMBER

  • Apprentice Appreciation Party & Potluck
  • Annual Harvest Party - 4pm-6pmWe'll wrap up the year with fellowship and introduce theCore Group.Please bring a dish to share at this potluck.

This is an unpaid position. In exchange, you will receive hands on training and invaluable knowledge and experience. You will also receive a farmhand share of produce each week you fulfill your hours

Please email the two completed forms to

Or deliver them on your first day to La Vista Farm 4350 Levis Lane Godfrey, Il 62035 by March 15th.

I have read the outline and the application and commit to dedicating 250 hours during the program. If I cannot fulfill the requirement before November 15th, I will make up my hours during the first few weeks of November. I commit to being reliable, responsible and punctual. I will call ahead if I cannot fulfill my requirement during any given week.

Please go to and on the right hand side, enter your contact info to join our mailing list.

Liability Waiver for Farm Apprenticeship Program

I, the undersigned ______am working as an apprentice for the 2017 growing season at La Vista CSA Farm at my own risk. Neither the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, The Community Supported Garden at La Vista, nor any of its affiliates will be held accountable, reliable or responsible for any injuries I may sustain while on the grounds of the Oblates or the Farm. I understand the dangers associated with working on a farm including but not limited to weather, wildlife, tractors, old out buildings, etc… I hereby release La Vista and all of its affiliates from ALL liability.

Signature______

Name ______Age ______

Address ______

Telephone ______Cell ______

Email Address ______

Emergency contact/phone number______