About
the Ranch
We run a direct-to-consumer diversified farm raising grass-fed and grass-finished cattle, pasture raised pigs, and free range egg chickens. Our farm consists of 165 acres of irrigated and dryland. We focus on feedstock growth with emphasis of cover crops for pasture and harvest, including heritage grains. We also plan for a grain crop for either feed or seed stock or outside market. We do plant a large garden and have a functioning high tunnel which could be transitioned to a CSA if the right management potential exists. The last emphasis is growing soil, and are now incorporating biological applications to enhance our soils. Learn more about Los Rios Farm here.Â
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Regenerative Practices
We use cover cropping, water cycling, and reducing fertilizer and herbicide use. We have recently added chicken egg production to assist with fertilization. Also, we have begun to integrate production of on farm biological additives and growing micro organisms to apply to soils. We are continuing to improve our grazing and drought plans. We do soil monitoring and are working in trying to maximize growth in the nearby riparian area as water is very short this year. Working to keep the birds and wildlife in abundance as well. We also try to utilize bale grazing in winter by feeding in pastures in poor areas and have seen some interesting results during our current drought.
Tour
the Ranch
The Mentor
Larry Lempka
Larry comes from a long line of farmers. His family first settled in the Berthoud area in the 1970s, and he grew up with cattle. He has several decades of experience from conventional farming of row and grain crops, hay, and commercial produce production. He got inspired to implement regenerative practices a few years ago, and is excited to expand into the direct-to-consumer market.
The Duties Of
The Apprentice
What will an apprentice do?
What skills and traits are required?
What skills will an apprentice acquire?
Nuts & Bolts
More Details
Living on the Ranch
Town Information
Los Rios Farm is about 2 miles from the town of Berthoud, Colorado. Many call it a very quaint, cute town. There are several restaurants, gas stations and a grocery store with most needed items. About 5 miles away is the City of Longmont with a Walmart and many supermarkets and restaurants. Each community has a public pool, libraries and social gathering places, along with
parks, open space and many miles of bike trails. As far as recreation, we are near the base of the Rocky Mountains, with many trails, and mountain communities along with Rocky Mountain National park about an hour away. Denver International Airport is about an hour away, depending on route and traffic, as Denver is a very metropolitan area and continuing to grow.
We have several young farm groups and social opportunities within the area, and many venues for music and art, with many micro breweries and gathering spots.
Housing
We will have a fifth wheel camper with running water, plumbing and electricity for the use of the apprentice.Â
Laundry
Apprentice can access the main house for laundry or there are in-town laundry options.Â
Internet Service
There is WiFi on the property.Â
Cell Service
It is not always perfect, but T-mobile seems to be the best service.Â
Visitors
That should be discussed on a case by case basis. Guests should be announced to ensure no animal biohazard exposure.Â
Food
Can provide approximately $500 a month in farm products including meat and vegetables. The apprentice can choose to share meals with the mentor if they want.Â
Pets
Very well behaved dogs that are social are welcome, but they need to be accommodating as we have many pets visit during the year. Control of your dog is required and intense training will be required if they chase farm animals for sport. Cats may be considered, but they are not advised due to area predators and dogs.
Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol
Non-smoking is preferred. If you chew, you must be extremely respectable to coworkers and the environment. While on your own time if you choose to drink, vape or consume, we ask you are very cognizant of your surroundings and it will not affect your ability to perform duties.
Firearms
Please discuss during interviewÂ
Vehicle Info
Ranch Vehicles
Most of the tractors and trucks require use of clutch, so knowledge of or willingness to learn manual is important. Â
Personal Vehicles
Apprentice should have their own vehicle for personal use.
Work Hours / Time Off
Working Hours
In most cases that will be sunrise to sunset. We may take rest time during the day if it is hot or we have projects that fall outside of normal business hours, such as baling or raking hay, or dealing with animals that might have escaped fences. Animals eat 7 days a week, so we attempt to make chores easy on the weekends, but sometimes scheduling activities may occur on weekends such as markets or uncommon jobs requiring additional outside help when they are available.Time Off
We do not run a time clock and will respect when apprentices may have family or friends in the area. We try to be accommodating to all situations. We will ensure at least one full day off per week.
Health Insurance
Explore
Apprentice Stories
Check out past apprentices and what they have to say about their experience.