About the Farm//
Good Note Community Farm is a diversified Community Farm, sharing food producing knowledge with families and individuals from nearby cities and acreages. They care for two dairy cows and their young, as well as 8 dairy goats and their young. They have a flock of 100 chickens and 10 Muscovy ducks. In all cases they steward these animals with as much care and attention to their needs and that of their environment as possible. Permaculture techniques are practiced and Good Note is wanting to expand those in terms of perennial fruit and nut harvests in the years to come. The Community Gardens provide 25 families so far with practical skills and a place for family bonding. Winter is relaxed after growing, preparing and storing the summer and fall bounty. Spring is a busy time for planing and incorporating new plans and maintaining the plans that are working. Skill building workshops are ongoing and can be seen at goodnote.ca
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About the Mentors
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Having this land prompted Maryann and Kevin to use it ethically and the privilege of living there makes them desire to share that with others. The doors are always open, the fridge is usually overflowing; Maryann doesn’t know how to cook for fewer than 10 people it seems. Kevin is a Chemical Engineer and works from home. Maryann stewards the mayhem that they call farming; a true generalist, but with a zoology background to draw from when the ferments are looking weird or the goats’ labour is too long. “Its all about the food” is a constant mantra around Good Note. It’s their recreation, sustenance, exercise, medicine, contribution to society and the health of the shared planet.
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About the Apprenticeship//
Apprentices will help raise two dairy cows, their calves and 8 dairy goats and their kids each summer. There will be daily milking of these animals as well as milk handling afterwards. Cheese is made almost daily. Fencing, shelter repair and upkeep, and butchering chickens and ducks will be happening through the season. Extensive home and community gardens are planted and maintained each summer. Produce resulting from them and the greenhouse will be eaten daily as well as stored for winter months as it ripens. Winter heat is supplemented with wood, so collection is another task shared.
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As part of the apprenticeship, you will meet with other apprentices across Alberta who are part of the Young Agrarians Apprenticeship program. Field days, learning opportunities and potlucks will be planned with this group at each host’s farm. You will also be invited to attend the 2023 Organic Alberta Conference.
