The Lost Meadow Land Co-op in West Corinth, VT is currently seeking new members.  We have functioned as a stable co-op for almost 30 years, but would welcome members sympathetic to our mission and values in order to replace members who are moving on.  For us this is a time of transition and renewal, one that could provide an unusual opportunity to like-minded folks.   In an age of land destruction and abuse, land co-ops offer a model of healthier land tenure.  They provide an opportunity for people to live together on a piece of land, working together to manage that land wisely and sustainably.  If this is of interest, read on.

THE LAND
 

The Co-op owns close to 600 acres of land in an unusually beautiful and protected rural area outside the small village of West Corinth.  The land is largely forested but with significant open meadows.  There are currently 6 houses on the land,  clustered so as to leave the majority of the acreage open--i.e., non-residential.   Some of the houses are off the grid; all are accessible via class 3 and 4 town roads.  Houses are well-built, attractive, and functional.  There are many woodland trails leading to high ridges with impressive views of the Green and White Mountains.  The entire property is situated within the Orange County Headwaters Project (which we helped start years ago), comprising close to 50,000 acres of undeveloped land.  In terms of land conservation, the area is unique in this part of the State.
 

OUR GOALS
 

The founding principles of a land co-op are as follows:  A) Land and housing should be affordable to people of ordinary means.   B) Dwellings should be permanent full-time residences, not rental properties, vacation homes, or speculative financial instruments.  C) The land as a whole should not be broken up and parceled out as real estate.  D) Land should be managed productively and sustainably, through a mixture of forestry and agriculture, to the greatest extent possible.  E) Cooperative living and working should underlie all activities on the land.   F) Such activities should not only benefit members but also feature an educational component that would serve as a model of responsible land tenure. 
 

OUR STRUCTURE

The Co-op owns all the land by deed.   Members own their own dwellings (either built or purchased).   A Ground Lease Agreement (GLA) gives them a site for those dwellings and defines their privileges and obligations with regard to the Co-op.    A set of Bylaws sets out the Co-op's governance--how business is conducted, how decisions are arrived at.   Decision-making is generally by consensus, but there are provisions for action when consensus cannot be reached.   (Copies of both Bylaws and GLA are available to prospective members.) 
 

MEMBERSHIP PROCESS

There is no clearly defined "process" for accepting new members other than getting to know them.   Co-op membership is a serious commitment, and the fit has to feel right for both parties.  A  trial period of a year is desirable unless that requirement is waived for prospects already well-known.  Right now there are several houses that could be made available for provisional rental leading to purchase.  There is no cost to join the Co-op, other than a commitment to the ongoing fiduciary obligations that membership entails.  Diversity of all kinds is an important value to us; we have already moved along that path and will continue to do so.   A commitment to peaceful conflict resolution is also fundamental to successful cooperative living.  We especially encourage those committed to both these values to apply.

CONTACT:   Dan (Barn) Breslaw, [email protected]

(1546) Pequea Sheds

Looking for help to make fresh Christmas wreaths and garland. Training is provided. Need to be efficient and be able to work independently. Must be able to lift 50 lb. load of brush. Duration - November to mid December (flexible 20 - 35 hours a week). Look forward to hearing from you!

We anticipate having 20+ heifer calves between now and March.  As we do not need that many replacements we will be offering them for sale when they are born.   $150 each.  These heifers are certified organic by VOF and can be registered.

Our farm received a gold award from Organic Valley in 2022.  This means our average SCC was less than 100,000, our Standard Plate Count average was below 20 and our PI Count average was less than 30 in 2022.  Our cows have good genetics and longevity (oldest lady in the barn is 14).  This is why we don’t need quite so many heifers.

The Center for an Agricultural Economy (CAE) in Hardwick Vermont is looking for a dynamic and reliable individual to join our Just Cut production team! CAE’s social enterprise, Just Cut, has two primary goals; fair prices for our farm partners, and consistent, high-quality local products for institutions such as schools, hospitals, and colleges. This is a part-time, hourly position with seasonal fluctuations, working in an industrial kitchen setting where safe food handling practices, working closely with a team, and attention to detail are required. Morning shifts are preferable. The ability to lift 50 pounds repeatedly and work on your feet all day is a necessity.

JOB DESCRIPTION 

• Position: Just Cut Production Assistant
• Reports to: Just Cut Program Manager 
• Schedule: 1-3 days a week, morning shifts preferred, part-time, hours may fluctuate seasonally
• Compensation: 18.50 per hour/part-time, non-exempt 
• Benefits: Paid time off, quarterly phone stipend, eligible for QSHERA after 2 months of employment

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• This is a physical job requiring repetitive movements, standing for duration of shift, and ability to lift 50 lbs
• Ability to work with a team in an industrial kitchen setting
• Ability to work in hot and cold settings
• Exceptional communication and teamwork skills
• Follow all food safety protocols and best practices
• Position requires attention to detail, ability to follow instructions, and receive feedback
• Clean and sanitize equipment, kitchen, and warehouse following SOP
• Dress in required production footwear, uniform, hair & beard nets, or other necessary kitchen safety gear 
•  

Physical Demands:

• Indoor work in Kitchen
• Ability to work in cold environments including walk-in coolers and freezers
• Periodic work outdoors
• Bending, twisting and reaching
• Standing and walking: the ability to stand for up to 8 hours a day, several days a week 
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs frequently and repeatedly, occasionally up to 80 lbs
• Pushing and pulling carts up to 600 lbs
• Repetitive use of hands
• Fine motor skills for cutting, mixing, stacking, food prep, and similar activities
• Able to work with and safely handle all products in our kitchen; produce, flour, peanuts, etc
• With proper training, use manual and electric pallet jacks to occasionally maneuver raw and finished products throughout warehouse, freezers, and cooler space
•  

Mental demands: 

• Ability to take directions quickly and efficiently and able to follow established procedures
• Ability to be detail-oriented, and focused on specific tasks to completion
•  

HIRING PROCESS
We are looking to fill this job position immediately and will accept applications until the position is filled. Selected candidates will have an initial phone interview, followed by a tour of Just Cut’s kitchen space. Candidates will be asked to provide references. CAE is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. CAE will make any reasonable accommodations needed for individuals with disabilities during the interview process and for our staff. For accommodation inquiries, please contact our Admin Operations Coordinator at [email protected].

TO APPLY
Email [email protected] with your resume and include “Just Cut Production Assistant” in your email subject line. We’re interested to hear your thoughts on any life or work experience as it relates to this position. Let us know if you have any questions!