Farming and Conservation practices

Soil

Biodiversity

Soil

We recognize that healthy, living soil is the cornerstone of the entire farm ecosystem. It is the basis for all life on the farm. Healthy soil means healthy crops, which means healthy people and animals. We also recognize the potential of soil processes to sequester carbon, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change and increase farm and community resiliency.

Our specific soil management practices include: Strip tilling into perennial pasture; Minimum/ no-till practices on designated beds with plans to expand to all fields; Annual planting of cover crop and minimizing amount of uncovered soil at all times; Application of compost, compost teas, and manure to maintain soil fertility; No use of synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides; Annual soil testing; Rotation of grazing animals

Water

Biodiversity

Soil

In the arid southwest, water is one of our most precious resources. Our water comes straight from the Arkansas River, whose headwaters start in the Sawatch and Mosquito mountain ranges. Waterways connect all living things, and any impact we have on our water sources affects all other users. We irrigate with a mix of drip, sprinkler, and flood furrow systems.

Our specific water management practices include: Transition from flood furrow to drip and sprinkler systems to conserve water; Cover cropping, mulching, and limited tilling to increase water holding capacity and health of soil; Building soil organic matter to increase drought resiliency; Choosing crops and perennials with lower water requirements

Biodiversity

Pest Management

A healthy amount of biodiversity is what allows the farm to operate as an ecosystem. Promoting biodiversity helps with pest and nutrient management, helps protect vulnerable species, increases resiliency, and makes the farm a more beautiful and enjoyable place.

Our specific biodiversity-promoting practices include: A mix of annual and perennial plants; Creating year-round habitat for pollinators by planting native pollinator friendly perennials; Planting hedgerows that create habitat for beneficial wildlife; Refraining from use of insecticides and herbicides; Planting a wide variety of heirloom vegetable and fruit crops

Pest Management

If you visit the farm during the growing season, you will see rows covered in white cloth. Row covers are our primary pest protection. We also employ crop rotation to decrease pest pressure and use cover crop stripping and borders to create habitat for beneficial insects and birds. We also use hens to deal with the very destructive grass hopper population. Finally, as a last resort, we may use some OMRI certified biological controls that we spray carefully to avoid hurting bees and other beneficials.

Plants

Pest Management

Plants

Coming soon

People

Pest Management

Plants

Coming soon

New Roots Farm Intern Position for 2025 Season
Classification: Full-time, hourly, seasonal
Reports to: Farmer/Owner
Hourly rate: $18/hour, 30-40 hours/week, 7 months
Location: Canon City, CO
Position Dates: April 2025-October 2025

Farm Overview: New Roots Farm, LLC is a small, family owned and operated, commercial vegetable production farm located in Canon City, CO. Established in 2017, we grow and sell fresh produce throughout the state, both direct-to-consumer, through a CSA program and farmers markets, and wholesale through food hubs and buying clubs. We produce diverse vegetable crops, both in the field and in hoop houses, employing regenerative farming practices with an emphasis on soil health.

Job Summary: This farm hand position is an entry level position designed to introduce the intern to all aspects of operating a small, commercial vegetable and herb farm, from planning, prepping and planting to harvest, packaging and sales. This position is a hands-on position designed for individuals interested in pursuing a career in farming. This position provides the opportunity to build connections with the land and its bounty, as well as with the community it feeds.

Duties and Responsibilities:
- Assist with plant propagation and growth, including seeding, transplanting, cultivation, irrigation, disease and pest identification and control.
- Assist with bed preparation, including amending and prepping soil for seeding and transplanting
- Assist with harvest and post-harvest handling and packaging in accordance with the farm’s produce safety plan
- Operate and maintain motorized and hand held tools, including a walk behind tractor and implements, tilther, paper transplanter, and various weeding and harvest tools.
- Manage overhead sprinkler and drip irrigation systems.
- Maintain accurate planting and harvest records.
- Provide quality customer service and demonstrate knowledge of produce and growing practices while interacting with customers at the farmers market.
- Assist with general landscape and building maintenance on the farm.
- Supervise part time employees and volunteers.

Required Skills:
- Enthusiastic desire to learn about healthy food and regenerative, small-scale production farming.
- Ability to pay attention to detail while understanding the bigger picture.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Desire to work outdoors in sometimes extreme weather conditions.
- Ability to engage in physically challenging and sometimes monotonous work under pressure.
- Ability to take direction, ask questions, and accept feedback.
- Ability to work alone or with others.
- Creative problem solving and conflict management skills
- Strong mechanical aptitude and curiosity.
- Good sense of humor is helpful.
- Valid drivers license.

Education/Experience:
- High School Diploma
- Previous farming/gardening experience preferred but not required.
- Previous work experience demonstrating ability to work under physically challenging conditions.
To apply, please send resume and 3 employer references to newrootsfarmllc@gmail.com