Share-Farmer, Organic Chickens

Overview

Business Location: Stream Farm, Bridgwater, Somerset.

Hours: Full time, including weekends on a rota.

Contract: Self-employed, two year minimum commitment. 

Rate: Competitive, with on-site accommodation and bills included. 

Start date: ASAP

About Stream Farm

Stream Farm is a 260-acre organic farm, nestled in a valley high up in the Quantock Hills in Somerset. We are certified Organic and Pasture for Life, and focussed on sustainable, regenerative farming practices. Across the 260-acres we produce organic chicken, beef, lamb, pork, eggs and apple juice, along with honey, and stream-fed fresh and oak smoked rainbow trout, sold directly to consumers and small businesses only. 

The farm operates a share-farming model, where a number of small farming enterprises work collaboratively on the land, selling collectively under the Stream Farm brand. Eight businesses currently run across the farm, providing the opportunity for those who want to farm to join, for a couple of years, and gain experience as a share-farmer in learning how to run a farming enterprise. 

Our work is driven by a desire to reverse the damage done to our food system, environment and rural communities by the supermarkets and industrial-scale farming. Our hope is that, through its model, Stream Farm is able to show that the country is far better served by many small farms or farming businesses selling directly to those who are going to consume it, rather than a few huge farms selling to supermarkets. 

Central to the ethos of the farm is our active Christian faith which, shared by those who farm and live on Stream Farm, underpins all we do. We meet twice weekly as a team to read the Bible and pray together. 

Share-farming Opportunity

We are looking for someone to join Stream Farm, as a share-farmer, taking on primary responsibility for the organic broiler chicken business. This includes all aspects of rearing and caring for approximately 2,500 broiler chickens across the farm, ranging from day old chicks upwards, ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare are exceeded, as well as organising weekly sales and deliveries, record keeping and equipment maintenance. 

As a share-farmer you will also contribute to the wider running of the farm alongside the other farmers, working with livestock and machinery, tractor work and land management, completing administrative tasks, regular weekend cover, and a wide range of other work as required. 

Each share-farmer is self-employed and takes their income as a percentage share of the gross sales of the enterprise they are responsible for, less agreed costs. No capital input is required. 

Accommodation is provided as part of the position, in a one bed cottage on the farm, with utilities, internet and bills included. 

The role is best suited to someone with good attention to detail, who enjoys working with their hands, both inside and outside in all seasons. Training will be provided so previous farming experience, while desirable, is not necessary. Of greater importance is a positive attitude, practical mindset, flexible approach to work and a willingness to learn. The role is physically demanding, so a good level of fitness is required. 

You must be able to work as self-employed within the UK. The role requires the driving of a range of vehicles, both on and off the farm, therefore a full UK driving licence is needed.