Open Book Farm

Last Updated On: May 7th, 2026 at 07:36PM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
6600 B Roy Shafer Rd
Middletown, Maryland, 21769

Primary Contact: MK Barnet
Primary Phone:
    Type: Cell
    Number: 2404572558
    Email: openbookfarm@gmail.com

Website: http://openbookfarm.com

Internship information

General Farm Description: "We are a diversified livestock and vegetable farm about one hour outside DC. We raise chickens, turkeys, pigs, and steers on pasture, as well as a small, certified organic market garden. We market our food directly through farmers market, CSA, and local wholesale. As farmers, our focus is on soil health, livestock well-being, and direct-to-consumer sales. To apply, please submit a resume, two references, and answer the short questionnaire below: Why do you want to work on our farm? Please describe the most physically strenuous job or recreational activity you have participated in. Any special considerations we should know about (diet, health, pets, skills/trades)?

CRAFT Member Farm? Yes

Internship Starts: April 1 (with the possibility of an earlier start date by mutual agreement)
Internship Ends: October 31st (with possibility of part time winter work by mutual agreement)
Number of Internship Available: 1
Application Deadline: applications are considered as they come in
Minimum Length of Stay: 6 months

Internship Details:

Open Book Farm is looking for a person who wants to join our team for the 2023 season and potentially beyond. The ideal candidate will have experience in either vegetables or livestock, but will be excited to work in all parts of our operation. In this our 13th season, we know what we do well, and we continually strive to find ways to work smarter, not harder. We aim for a farm to be a respectful, productive, happy place for employees, customers, and our family!

Key Responsibilities for the Farm Team Member:

Livestock
Collect, wash, and pack eggs
Move fences for hogs, laying hens, and steers
Perform daily broiler/turkey chores
Maintain optimal conditions in our chick brooder.
Assist with chicken processing
Vegetables
Soil prep work: fertilizing, prepping soil for seeding/transplanting
Greenhouse work: seeding, watering, and potting on
Field work: transplanting, weeding, harvesting
High Tunnel: trellising, pruning, harvesting
Markets
Work to create an attractive display and a well stocked stand
Strive to create a positive experience for customers
Utilize POS systems effectively for accurate sales record keeping
Safely travel to and from market and deliveries
Mindset
Maintains food quality and food safety standards
Prioritizes organization and a tidy farm
Works with an eye for efficiency and system improvement
Maintains flexibility and a positive attitude
Work week is 5 days, Tuesday-Saturday 35-45 hours per week, with weekend chores on rotation.
Requirements

2+ season of experience on for-profit farms
Strong communication skills
Ability to make informed and accurate decisions and work productively either solo or in groups.
Ability to lift 50 pounds.
A valid driver’s license and clean driving record are required for insurance purposes and because driving a company vehicle will be an aspect of your job duties in this role.
Other Skills, preferred but not required

Familiarity with a tractor, front end loader, and implements such as brush hog, chisel plow, and tiller
Proficient with small internal combustion engines (weedwacker, BCS, chain saw)
Experience with hand tools (drill, circular saw, sawzall, etc)
Compensation 12.25/hour-15/hour, depending on experience.
Housing available in a furnished apartment for $350 per month. Full time employees are entitled to 5 paid days of vacation per year.

Educational Opportunities: Educationally, we take the time to show and explain all of the systems that make our farm run well, and we encourage employees to ask questions and make connections. We encourage employees to visit other farms in the area and are happy to facilitate connections.

Skills Desired: We will give priority to applicants with 1-2 seasons of experience working on for-profit farms. Ability to easily lift 50 pounds required. Qualities we look for in potential apprentices: a positive attitude, self-motivation, good customer service skills, an eye for efficiency and detail, and a willingness to problem solve and to learn from constructive criticism. "

Meals: Employees are welcome to take food from the garden and eggs, or to purchase meat for 10% off on-farm prices. Occasional free meat (when a vacuum seal breaks, for example), or on chicken processing days.

Stipend: We offer an hourly wage of $13-15, based on experience.

Housing: Housing is available in a furnished on-farm apartment. The apartment has power, wifi, hot water, and air conditioning. Laundry is available in our home. Rent will be deducted from pay at a rate of $350 per month.

Preferred method of Contact: email