INTERNSHIP COMPETENCY AREAS

See all the farm-related things you will learn as an intern!

Trays of seedlings in the large scale hoop house at Springhouse Farm.

CROP PRODUCTION

  • Crop Planning & Variety Selection

  • Transplanting in Field vs. Direct Seeding

  • Greenhouse Management & Propagation

  • Propagation

  • Irrigation System Management

  • Plant Fertilization Schedule

  • Field Preparation

  • Field Management

  • Harvesting

Hoop house construction in the vegetable fields of Springhouse Farm.

SOIL HEALTH

  • Striving Toward Small-Scale Low Till

  • Mechanical Cultivation

  • Soil Biology & Ecology

  • Soil Chemistry & Fertility

  • Soil Quality Assessment

  • Cover Crops

  • Crop Rotation

  • Compost Production & Application

  • Bio Char Production & Application

Organically grown Sunflower fields at Springhouse Farm, located in the Appalachian Mountains of WNC.

ECOLOGICALLY-BASED PEST MANAGEMENT

  • Ecologically-Based Pest Management (weeds, insects, diseases)

  • Beneficial Insects & Pollinators

  • Natural Habitat Management

  • Managing Arthropod Pests

  • Managing Plant Diseases

  • Weed Management

  • Intercropping

Interns taking a break and sitting on a tractor at Springhouse Farm.

EQUIPMENT & MACHINERY

  • Proper Selection of Tool for Task

  • Proper Use of Tools

  • Maintenance of Tools

  • Maintenance of Equipment

  • Maintenance of Farm Infrastructure

Farm interns working the Springhouse Farmer's Market Booth in Boone, NC.

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT & MARKETING

  • Farm Enterprises & Budgets

  • Tax Related Information

  • Marketing (including online)

  • Certifications

  • Grants

Interns overseeing a You-Pick Flowers event at the award winning Springhouse Farm of Vilas, NC.

SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS

  • Nourish Family & Community Relations (volunteer program, farm outreach, farm classes, etc.)

Vegetable production in the greenhouse at Springhouse Farm.

SEASON EXTENSION

  • Tunnel Production

  • Variety Selection

  • Row Covers

  • Mulching/Silage Tarping

  • Shade Production

Bountiful vegetable stand display of freshly harvested heirloom tomatoes organically grown at Springhouse Farm in WNC.

POST HARVEST HANDLING & CROP QUALITY

  • Food Safety

  • Post-Harvest Handling

  • Post-Harvest Quality Control

  • Packing & Storage

  • Shipping & Delivery

INTERNSHIP APPLICATION

To apply for an Springhouse Farm Internship please fill out the form below. Allow 24-48 hours for notice that we have received your application. Acceptance/Rejection letters are sent out 1-2 weeks after your application is submitted.

Group celebration in the grass covered gathering space at Springhouse Farm near Boone, NC.

Springhouse Farm is a really special place - we look forward to sharing it with you!