Job Vacancy
Livestock Farmer in Biodynamic Social Farming Setting
Overview
Lauriston Farm Limited is seeking a Livestock Farmer to undertake the agricultural aspects of the Society’s work in Goldhanger, Essex.  The ideal candidate will have experience with biodynamics and have a passion for this method, be comfortable in a community owned setting and have a keen interest in conservation as the farm is situated in an internationally important wetland site (RAMSAR).  It is home to rare birds and insects with 95% pf the 210 acres designated as Site of Special Scientific Interest.   There are currently six employees (three land based) and around ten volunteers at Lauriston and every day there are people with learning disabilities working alongside the staff and volunteers.  The role will have an educational aspect through Supported Internships with college leavers with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.  The current farmer (Farm Director) is able to give guidance to the new farmer and we are open to training the biodynamic aspects if needed.  The position is full time (40 hours) mainly Mon-Fri but with some weekend/evening work on regular basis and comes with on-site accommodation and the Society pays the National Living Wage to residential employees.
Specific Responsibilities
1.            Day to day management of herd of Shetland Cattle, one bull with six cows and a herd of approx. 35 animals in total. 
2.            Day to day management of flock of North Ronaldsay sheep – 3 rams, 150 females, 50 lambs per year.
3.            Day to day management of flock of lay hens (90 birds).
4.            Working with Farm Director to ensure compliance with Countryside Stewardship agreement and Basic Payment Scheme.
5.            Organising and transporting animals to slaughter.
6.            Making, stirring and applying biodynamic preparations to fields and compost.
7.            General farm maintenance – fencing, gates, water troughs, sea wall tiles.
8.            Liaising with local contractors for hay, straw, fencing, mucking out and compost moving.
9.            Compost making from animal manures.
10.          Assisting with machinery work in horticulture garden.
11.          Working with Supported Interns and college students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
12.          Advising on work for Day Placement attendees with learning disabilities.
12.          Assisting with educational farm walks.
13.          Machinery maintenance and workshop development.
14.          Record keeping and associated paperwork for above.
Applications
The deadline for applications is midnight on Sunday July 25th.  Please send a letter of application and CV to the farm Director, Spencer Christy spencer@lauristonfarm.co.uk where you can also direct any questions.
www.lauristonfarm.co.uk
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There's no stopping Team Lauriston, as we join The High Street Market at St Mary's in Billericay.  We're here every second Saturday of the month between 10am and 4pm.  It's an indoor market so is ideal for the colder months ahead.  The next one will be on 9th November.  Pop down, say hello and stock up with our freshly picked vegetable produce and delicious pasture-fed lamb and beef.  We look forward to seeing you there.

Lauriston Farm steps into the media spotlight yet again when Ben Eagle visited the farm.  Ben is a farmer, environmental and agricultural writer, as well as a podcaster and award-winning blogger.  He came to interview Spencer for his podcast Meet the Farmers, which aims to highlight the realities of running a farm in the UK.  You can listen to the full interview here.  

Something of an exciting new venture for us, there will now be a pop-up farm shop in the barn every Friday between 11am and 2.30pm.  The first is this Friday, 24th May.  You'll be able to buy our seasonal vegetables along with our amazing slow-grown, pasture-fed beef and lamb and, of course, our delicious eggs.  For our lovely customers, we even provide hot drinks too.  The kettle's on, so what are you waiting for?  We look forward to seeing you.

Following the success of our Farm Open Days, we have decided to continue them indefinitely.  We will now be holding them on the last Saturday morning of each month, except December.  They'll be at the usual time of between 10.30am and 12.30pm.  We hope to have some mid-week ones too, details will be posted on our website when their dates are confirmed.

For those that haven't visited the farm already, this is a great opportunity to learn about what we do, biodynamic farming and meet our animals.  You'll get a chance to feed the sheep too.  Much of our farm is wheelchair accessible, we have a drop off point by our main barn, with parking nearby, and have specially adapted toilets as well.  

Booking in advance is essential as spaces are limited.  You can find out more or book your place here.

We go market crazy in 2019!  After joining the Colchester and Bell Inn Farmers' Market earlier this year, we now venture into the Dengie.  Biodynamics meets Burnham-on-Crouch, as we started trading at the Burnham-on-Crouch Farmers' Market in March.

With high winds forecast, we opted to be inside in the relative safety of the Hall.  Again, sales went well and we were cleaned out of our Purple Sprouting.  Word had obviously spread that we were coming to town.     
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The market is on the third Sunday of each month in the Village Hall between 9am and 12.30pm.  For those coming by car, there is plenty of free on-street parking nearby.  We're looking forward to the next market this coming Easter Sunday.  If you live locally or happen to be in the area,  then do drop by.