We are looking for someone to help with the demands of rotational grazing on our small farm. Tasks include weed whacking fence lines, mowing fields and yard, and setting up portable fencing. Must be able to work independently and efficiently, follow directions, and know how to operate battery powered weed whacker, riding mower and small tractor with mower attachment. 4-8 hours a week.

The board of directors of Maine Farmland Trust (MFT) seeks a passionate advocate and inspiring leader to serve as president and CEO. Maine Farmland Trust protects farmland, supports farmers, and advances the future of farming in Maine. The overarching goal of this respected nonprofit is to protect Maine farmland and revitalize Maine’s rural landscape by keeping agricultural lands working and helping farmers and communities thrive.

Organizational Overview

Founded in 1999, Maine Farmland Trust is rooted in the belief that the future of farming depends on farmland and that the future of Maine communities depends on thriving farms. The organization’s evolving programming is designed to meet the complex and changing needs of the state’s farm community, with a consistent focus on:

• Farmland. Protecting Maine’s finite farmland from development and creating more affordable access to land for all farmers—through agricultural easements and other tools—is key to ensuring that Maine has the farmland and farmers needed to sustain our region long-term.
• Farmers. Thriving farm businesses feed Maine’s local communities and economy and keep farmland in farming. MFT’s Farm Network programs offer holistic support to farmers at every stage of the farming journey.
• Future. Through grassroots organizing and advocacy, policy change, research, storytelling, and collaboration with local farmers, MFT is helping create an environment that will support thriving, interconnected Maine farms for generations to come.

In recent years, MFT has firmly centered farmers’ voices and reorganized structurally to promote communication, collaboration, and holistic service to farmers; developed the strength of its staff leadership team, made critical organizational investments, deepened its policy and research program in recognition of the magnitude and complexity of the challenges at hand; and been a national leader in responding to the crisis of PFAS chemical contamination on farms. 

MFT supports a growing network of more than 500 farms through our programs, including permanent protection on more than 370 farms, keeping nearly 68,000 acres of farmland in agriculture. This Farm Network is representative of Maine’s diverse agricultural community, spanning all 16 counties and various scales and types of farming. MFT’s membership currently exceeds 2,200, and MFT’s staff work across the state, with offices in Belfast and Portland.

In the face of increasing development, environmental risks, market pressures, and a wave of farmers nearing retirement age, MFT’s work to protect farmland and support farmers is more important than ever. With an annual budget of more than $10 million, the organization has made steady progress toward its goals with the support of a growing community of Mainers dedicated to this vital work. 

More information about MFT’s leadership, programs, and specific impact can be found at the website: https://www.mainefarmlandtrust.org/.

Role and Responsibilities

The president and CEO oversees and guides strategy for public engagement and philanthropy and works in close collaboration with MFT’s leadership team to advance the organization’s strategic vision, deepening its impact. The president and CEO is instrumental in broadening MFT’s base of support, inspiring new levels of public and private commitment and enduring partnerships, including through the planning and execution of comprehensive fundraising campaigns; further magnifying farmers’ voices; and accelerating the changes needed to serve Maine farmers, secure Maine farmland, and protect Maine’s future. This individual partners with MFT’s leadership team on aspects related to financial management, programming, advocacy, farmer engagement, stewardship and board and staff development. 

The president and CEO will report directly to the board of directors and continue to foster a culture of trust, transparency, and teamwork among staff and the entire network.

Position Requirements

Leading Maine Farmland Trust will require an energetic visionary with a broad set of skills and abilities. The board expects that the successful candidate will bring to the organization:

• Senior-level leadership experience, preferably in the nonprofit sector, including proven ability to lead collaboratively and support a diverse, highly motivated, geographically dispersed staff
• Demonstrated ability to lead the implementation of an ambitious comprehensive fundraising strategy, with a focus on cultivating relationships with and securing transformative gifts from major donors, foundations, and other potential funders in a campaign context     
• A proven track record as an effective relationship-builder, and as a skilled and confident communicator who is poised to listen and ready to represent MFT among an array of audiences, ranging from farmers to policymakers to funders
• Ability and desire to work collaboratively with members of MFT’s strong, seasoned leadership team
• Excellent financial acumen, with proven experience in organizational sustainability, budgetary management and oversight, planning, and goal setting
• Experience in developing and executing strategic plans that result in measurable outcomes
• Experience working in partnership with a board of directors and supporting strategic board development and best governance practice
• Skill in facilitating complex discussions and engaging with a diversity of interested parties     
• An understanding of the complexities of conservation and agriculture, and an appreciation for the people who steward our land and grow our food
• Authenticity, curiosity, humility, and adaptability, with a fundamentally kind and compassionate approach
• Demonstrated commitment to and experience in advancing diversity, equity, justice, and inclusion

This position can be based out of Maine Farmland Trust’s Portland or Belfast office.

Compensation 

The president and CEO will earn a competitive salary of $170,000 - $185,000, commensurate with experience, and benefits including a group health plan, group vision and dental plans, a 401(K) retirement plan, wellness and farm share benefits, and paid vacation, holidays and other forms of paid time-off. The successful candidate can expect a formal review after the initial six months, as well as an annual review thereafter.

Nondiscrimination

Maine Farmland Trust does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, national origin, ancestry, public assistance, ethnic background, religion, marital status, economic class, age, disability, sex, creed, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression and any other legally protected characteristic. The organization complies with all applicable national, state, and local laws pertaining to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity.

To apply 

Interested candidates should send a resume and a cover letter explaining why they are interested in this opportunity and how it is well-aligned with their strengths to Starboard Leadership Consulting at the email address provided. Inquiries may be directed to the same email address. Paper copies of applications may be sent to Jessica Weiner, Starboard Leadership Consulting, 84 Harlow St., Bangor, ME 04401, but electronic submissions of material are preferred.  No phone inquiries, please. 

The application deadline is Friday, June 28, and review of all submissions will begin immediately thereafter. 

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 have embarked on a process of bringing in new members, sympathetic to our mission and values, to replace members who are moving on.  For the Co-op this is a time of 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 Lost Meadow Land Co-op in West Corinth may have several spaces in its houses for rent the coming year.  We're looking for renters with an interest in joining the Co-op.   For more information about us (including our agricultural mission) see our accompanying classified ad on this site.  
 

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

Position summary:
Plowshare Farm is in search of a farmer with dairy, pasture care, and equipment experience, who is open to biodynamic principles, to join our farm crew and help carry our animal husbandry, dairy and meat production. Strong candidates will have experience in pasture care, grazing rotation, fencing, haying, maintenance of farm equipment, herd health oversight, and other aspects of animal husbandry.

We are specifically looking for someone whose primary task will be caring for the land and animals. (While growing into a role working with our community members with special needs is a possibility for the future, this is not our primary need.)

About Plowshare Farm:
Nestled in the woods of southern New Hampshire, Plowshare is a community of about 45 people who choose to live and work side by side, building an inclusive and sustainable community. Our farm and animals are an integral part of our community. With a small cattle herd including 2-3 milkers, sheep, layer chickens, meat birds, and usually a couple of pigs, we strive to care for our animals well while producing milk, eggs, and meat to sustain our community. (Our farm operation could grow to include other livestock if there is a need/use for it and a commitment to carry it forward.)

Plowshare is part of the worldwide Camphill movement, a movement of inclusive communities wherein people with and without developmental disabilities live and work side by side. As an Anthroposophically-based lifesharing community, we are innovators creating a model of social and ecological renewal.

Benefits:
Plowshare Farm seeks to meet living needs so that energy may be freed for vocations. Benefits of this position include:
 

• On-farm private housing – we have standalone housing for an individual, a couple or a small family to join us (Plowshare is a great place to raise children).
• A “cash benefit” income, with pay commensurate with experience/responsibility.
• Shared community meals (community lunches Monday to Friday) and a share of the vegetables, dairy and meat produced on the farm.
• Health insurance and a monthly employer contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA).
• Two free days per week, and 6 weeks of vacation annually
• A retirement plan (eligible after the first year).
• Plowshare also supports completion of Biodynamic and/or Social Therapeutic trainings.

To start a conversation, please email [email protected] or call (603) 547-2547.

For more information about our community, please visit www.plowsharefarm.org. 
 

The Intervale Conservation Nursery is seeking a Stewarding Crew member to join them for the 2024 season. The Stewarding Crew supports the Intervale Center’s conservation efforts by stewarding newly planted riparian areas and assisting in general nursery tasks.

For the full job description and instructions on how to apply, click here.

Greetings,

I find myself to be confined to a wheelchair for the next 6 months, and trying to manage ven a very reduced spring grow-out of poultry is giving me some challenges.

Are there any experienced wheelchair based farmers that can offer some guidance?

Might anyone have an old  18x18 up to 20x20 framed wheelchair already adapted for agricultural use: 

large knobby pneumatic rear wheels:  https://livingspinal.com/products/sumo-bombers-for-beach-and-snow-pair…

Or a front freewheel adapter, ( https://tadpoleadaptive.com/products/folding-wheelchair-freewheel-kit?variant=5884414132254 )

Limited cash but I have some fantastic breeding trios of Standard Bred Chantecler poultry, ready for sale/barter!