Red House Farm

  Brynn in the field

Scott and TobyBrynn at the farmers market

MISSION
To develop and support  local economy with the Boulder area through self-reliant agriculture, community culture and education, and use of appropriate technologies.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Red House Farm will realize its vision through the following Guiding Principles:
 -Acknowledging that the current level of use of fossil fuel inputs and the resulting effects on our environment and economy is not a sustainable path for future generations,therefore, we will work to reduce the need for external inputs necessary for meeting the needs of everyday life by:
             1. Assisting in the development of individual self-reliance within the community
             2.  Facilitating the exchange of information amongst community mbers
             3. Working towards economic self-reliance through the use of agriculture, art and           technical knowledge, but not at the expense of extant community businesses
             4. Fostering creativity and artistic endeavors
             5.  Developing and implementing appropriate technologies to increase self-reliance
             6.  Continuing to adapt to the changing needs of the Boulder area by evolving these principles to meet those needs

Farm Description

We're a small farm in a small progressive rural town in the high desert of Southern Utah (elevation 6400 ft). The Aquarius Plateau (highest plateau in north america) is just above our town, and provides the tributaries for the Escalante River. Boulder Creek is one of these and it runs right through the farm. The area is quite beautiful,surrounded by public land including the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Dixie National Forest, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park and Glen Canyon National Recreation area.
Red House Farm is committed to using organic methods and closing the loop on inputs. We have one acre in vegetable crops, two in test grain plots and two and a half in alfalfa/pasture grass. the grain we grow is used to make our own bread as well as feed for our animals. We have an old 1950's Allis Chalmers pull-type combine that we use to harvest and thresh the grain. These old combines have become popular on small-scale organic farms. We have also been known to hand scythe the grain. So far, we have grown heirloom wheat, oats and triticale. We also have 6 beehives, 70 laying hens, two sheep, a guard llama George, two pigs, two beef cows and two young Brown Swiss heifers Peaches and Delilah (and don't forget Larkin, our 12-year old daughter who is amazing!). 2011 was our third year at the farm, but our 12th year of growing. We are very encouraged by what we and the soil produced. We are vendors at the local farmer's market and have a winter CSA. We also received a private grant to create a community tool-share program, a USDA grant for a solar/grid inter-tie system, and a state grant for a local arts workshop. These grants were written by past interns!
We started the farm in anticipation of the decline of petroleum and how that will affect agriculture and other systems we all currently depend on so heavily....by creating a more locally-based world. We believe that communities will have to adapt in order to thrive in our changing world. Strong community interdependence is vital. So we would like to do our small part to pave the way for a better future. We see these changes as being positive so do not approach these changes from fear, but rather as an incredible opportunity. The pioneer spirit still exists here in Boulder. We have an interesting mix of Mormon pioneer stock and eclectic progressives. RHF falls into the latter (not Latter-Day) category. As such, we are okay with social drinking, coffee etc. There's a culture of food production and preservation, as well as cooperation. This is the common denominator.  Fortunately, there are other like-minded folks here also working toward a more self-reliant, resilient future. We need help in realizing our vision! Our internship season runs approximately from mid-March through mid-November. We ask interns to commit to a minimum stay of two weeks. Interns interested in longer-term opportunities are especially encouraged to contact us. The nature of volunteering here is intimate, in that you become part of the family, so chemistry is key...we will ask you for references and will want to speak to you on the phone to get a sense of who you are. Most of our longer-term help only planned to be here for a short time, but because the chemistry was right, decided to stay much longer. We still keep in touch with them and many have returned to visit...some are now running their own farms.

  Volunteers can expect to prepare some of their own meals but will have access to farm vegetables and eggs, some preserved garden goodies, and bulk staples. Generally, lunch will be communal. Accommodation options may include a barn loft with a beautiful view, the Hooch (a private mini-house), a room in the farmhouse or a campsite in the trees down by the creek. Because privacy and space are important after long days where we spend alot of time together, the accommodations are rather private with access to both an outdoor and indoor (cooler days) shower, separate bathroom and communal kitchen which is located inside the barn. You will also have access to the farm phone and wireless high-speed internet. There is good cell-phone coverage at the farm.
World-class canyon country hiking in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is out our door. Volunteers must have their own car as Boulder is very isolated. There are many other young folks working seasonally in town(a short walk or bike ride) so you won't be socially isolated. There is a happening local music scene, so bring your instruments.  There is also a primitive skills school as well as a permaculture and wilderness school in town.
We're looking for volunteers with a solid work ethic, self motivation, no emotional baggage and pleasant disposition. We always appreciate a good sense of humor and an appreciation for good food. Some farming experience and general handiness preferred. Experience with livestock would be great. An artistic flair +/or computer skills also good. Should be healthy and strong. If you have the inclination and know-how to adopt a project and run with it, there will be plenty of opportunities. Past volunteers seemed to get the most gratification from projects that they initiated or adopted as their own. We will try to match you with your interests but many chores we all do whether we like them or not. There are opportunities to gain experience with organic gardening, food processing and storage, chickens, irrigation, composting, hoop-house management, farmers market, seed saving, cultivation, beekeeping, community projects and carpentry. You'll be involved in all aspects of our grow scene. Also, Scott loves to scavenge materials from the local dump and freebox and repurpose them for use on the farm. So, we have alot going on for a small farm...we work hard and you will too. Expect to work five full days a week, more if necessary during crunch times like harvest. No dogs, no children please. Public transportation is not available. Email is preferred method of contact. References from previous farms or jobs required.
If this looks and sounds like the kind of things you are passionate about doing, please get in touch.

Brynn and Scott