About the farm: Needle-Lane Farms is a grower of flowers, vegetables, and herbs since 2003 with 5+ acres in production. The farm is located in Southeast Michigan, a pleasant 45-minute country drive from Ann Arbor, Toledo, Jackson, and an hour from Detroit Metro Airport. This proximity to the cities provides tremendous marketing potential which is primarily done through a 100 member CSA, an on-farm roadside stand, and both the Adrian and Tecumseh farmers markets. We pride ourselves on being a highly bio-diverse farm growing well over 200 varieties of plants, encouraging native plantings and animals, and raising cows, and chickens.. There is also a small Christmas Tree Patch and fruit plantings. Since our inception we have been expanding our production exponentially and would like to expand further yet to in a sustainable way.

Expectations: Be committed for the summer or the whole season. Have a positive attitude and be highly self-motivated and able to work independently or with the team. Be willing to work hard, listen to and follow directions, communicate effectively, and most importantly…have fun!

Time Commitment: 40+ hours a week, Monday through Saturday
Summer: May-Aug (3 months) 
Season:  Apr-Oct (6 months)

  Compensation:

• $500 monthly stipend

• Communal housing with access to home with all modern conveniences.

• Food from farm (veggies, eggs, meat, etc.)

• Education

• Vacation Time

• Compensation for hours worked beyond the expected weekly 40.

Educational Opportunities:

• CSA Operation 

• Composting     

• Cut Flower production and arrangement

• Hoophouse/Greenhouse Construction        

• Farmers Markets 

• Season Extension

• Fruit Plantings                                               

• Greenhouse/Hoophouse Management

• Trees and Perennial Production

• Organic Certification Process

• Dried Flowers and Herbs

• General Farm Management

• Animal Husbandry (Cows, Chickens, Pigs, Etc.)

• And Many More…

Independent projects are possible, welcomed and encouraged

For the 2008 season we are now interviewing for 2 more apprentices who are looking for an incredible educational opportunity. Farm work is very physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging. But also one of the most rewarding occupations in terms of connecting with and learning about nature and yourself. Since Needle-Lane Farms is a relatively new operation there will be a lot of shared learning and opportunities for great ideas. The 70 acre farm is owned and operated by Beverly Ruesink, and her father Lorne. Bev was a 2004 graduate from Michigan State University’s Horticulture Program, and is an alumnus of MSU’s Student Organic Farm. We look forward to talking with you about possibly establishing a mutually beneficial working and learning relationship!

Please contact Beverly for more information and to set-up a farm visit!