We are now accepting applications for Woofers/Volunteers for the following seasons.
Old Windmill Dairy is specifically looking for someone who is flexible, open and honest individual that is passionate about slow food and who is willing to work hard.
Farm Duties
Beginning in Late Winter through the Fall the Dairy will be in full production making and distributing cheese. Prior to this we take a 2-3 month hiatus as the goats are dry, not producing milk. This means there we are not making cheese until the does kid in February 2010. Approximately 3 weeks after the kids are born, cheese making is in full production, thus ensuing a full days work;
- Feeding the Goats and Cows
- Watering the Goats and cows
- Milking goats and Cows
- Cleaning Stalls
- Mending Fences
- Cleaning the Milk Parlor and the Milk Machine
- Making Cheese
- Packaging Cheese
- Cleaning the Creamery (the Kitchen)
- Washing dishes.
- Distribution cheese and selling at the Farmers Markets
- Economical Planning
- Maintaining best practices in the dairy and on the farm.
Michael and Ed invision woofers and volunteers working side by side on our farm. Our days work starts at 5:45 am and usually ends at 8:30 pm. In the morning we start the day with a cup of coffee. Than off to feeding the does, kids, donkeys, pigs and chickens. Milking starts at 6:15 am. We finish milking around 9 am. Than its time for breakfast.
One of us goes off to make the meal, while the rest of the group finishes cleaning up the milk parlor and starts in the cheese room. I won't lie. Most people would stop here as this might be considered a full days work. But no, there is still a lot more work to be done to turn raw milk into a value added commidty that is going to the market.
Sylvia our right handed women, is usually in the creamery, cheese making room, around 6am. She tends to leading the group in the kitchen. She oversees the orders are filled correctly the cheeses are aging perfectly and ensures supplies for the farmers markets are restocked and washed for the next market. Through out the day she will blend cheese, move cheese, salt cheese, wash dishes, wash equipments, wax cheese and package cheese. It takes 3 consecutive 12 hour days in the kitchen to complete 1200 5oz chevre containers, package 12 lbs of cheddar, Gouda, Blue Cheese, Feta and other cheeses for for the week.
Somedays we have out door projects going on such as fencing, landscaping, gardening, hoof trimming, paintaing, and equipment maintanence.
We do our best to prioritize the need of the farm versus our individual needs. We encourage breaks, drinking lots of water and getting the rest we need. We hope that you wil speak up and let us know how much you can physcially do.
Our day ends with milking. We start the evening milking in the same manner; feeding and watering the animals. We prepare the milk parlor than start milking.
When you are on the farm we will teach you our routine ways of cleaning and keeping things organized and the ways in which we do things on the farm. Certain routines need to be respected to ensure safety, cleanliness and organization.
Volunteer/Woofer/Internship Benefits
- Room and Board - including delicious meals
- Small Stipen- based upon season and individuals ability to complete work in a timely manner.
- On the job training of practical information needed to run a farm/dairy.
- Working with small close group of people who consider themselves family.
Volunteer/Woofer/Internship Personal Responsibilities include but not limited to;
- To maintain clean organized working and living environment
- Remain free of substances
- Be respectful of customers and others working on the farm
- Be respectful to farm animals
- Reporting unusual findings to Michael and or Ed
- Good communications - including knowing your limits of fatigue.
Qualities Admired in an Intern
- Being sociable and respectful
- Trustworthy
- Dependable
- Able to lift 50lbs
- Being able to work in hot or cold environments
- Being able to cashier and handle money
- Able to follow directions
- Being clean and organized
- Able to learn and perform regular routine duties, such as milking, shopping and cleaning
- Able to work with others in a team environment
- Able to cook for self and others
- Problem solving in a team enviroment
- Able to identify and solve spontaneous challenges
- Being an economical shopper
- Gardening skills
- developing routines and instructions for on coming wolfers and interns.
- Keeping the dairy organized.
- Most of all having and open mind and being willing to learn from an organized professional group of individuals.
- Being honest with your self and us about everything on the farm - including your own ability work hard.
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