FAQs
Here are some quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions!
- Volunteering
- Internships
- CSA
- General
How do I sign up to volunteer?
We ask both new and returning volunteers to fill out our sign up form each season.
What should I wear? What should I bring? What if the weather is bad?
Where are you located?
Our address is 366 W Ave, Ames, Iowa 50014. We are located in Boone County about 10 miles north and 5 miles west of Ames, and this sometimes confuses GPS or internet directions. You will find us on W Ave half a mile south of E18 (130th St).
How can I get a ride to harvest?
Many of our volunteers carpool from Ames. Indicate on your volunteer sign up form that you would like to carpool and we will help connect you with a ride.
What is an Agroecology internship?
Agroecology is sustainable farming that works with nature. Our interns will learn how to apply ecological concepts and principles in human-scale fruit and vegetable production. Sometimes this is also called permaculture, regenerative agriculture, or sustainable agriculture. No farming experience is necessary to intern with us. Internships include 30 hours/week of farm work and interns also will have the opportunity to engage their own skills and interests.
Who can apply?
We consider applicants who are 18+. You do not need to be an agriculture major, or even a student to intern with us. Most often our interns are in their early-mid 20s, but anyone is welcome to apply. We are looking for skilled and enthusiastic individuals who want to experience life on an organic vegetable farm.
When are your internships?
Our internships are a minimum of 8 weeks and can take place anytime from May to October.
What is the deadline to apply?
Application materials are usually posted in November or December. The final deadline to apply is March 15 and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Do you offer paid internships?
Not at this time. We do offer simple room and board, including lots of fresh fruit and veggies. Ask us about opportunities to receive a small stipend through partner organizations like the Women Food and Ag Network (www.wfan.org).
How do I sign up for your CSA?
This year we are offering a full season vegetable CSA share (at least 20 weeks), and/or a 6 week flower CSA. To sign up, send an email to mustardseedbee@gmail.com asking to sign up. Write something in the subject line like “CSA signup?”. We will send you a follow-up form to fill out.
How big is a share? What is included in my box?
Our shares are generous portions and usually include about 10 different items. Take a look at the table on the
I need food or know someone who does. Can you help?
We offer shares on a sliding scale for those in need and can also provide gift boxes directly to individuals/households. Additionally, we donate to Food at First and Primary Health Care in Ames, who distribute our produce free of charge. Please call (978-471-8414) or email us (mustardseedbee@gmail.com) if you need food or know someone who does.
What is the Catholic Worker Movement?
Our farm is inspired by Catholic Worker values.
Are you a Catholic farm?
No. As a collective, we are spiritually diverse. We welcome persons of all backgrounds, spiritual beliefs, genders and sexualities and strive for diversity. Sometimes we like to sing songs together and we take turns offering words of gratitude before meals, but prayer and liturgy are not part of our daily community practice. Occasionally, our farm is used as a retreat space for Catholic Workers and Franciscan Associates.
Where does your food go?
There are three main places our food goes: to our CSA, to our workshares, and to donation sites throughout our community. Occasionally, we sell things like garlic to Wheatsfield Co-Op. Donation sites include Primary Health Care (a nonprofit medical clinic in Ames), Food at First, Harvest Vineyard Church, Martha’s House of Hope, Salvation Army, The Bridge Home, The Romero House, and we give food directly to families.
How can I make a donation?
You can make a financial donation, donate your time and talent, or donate items. Visit our
Where can I find information about upcoming events?
I’d like to have someone from Mustard Seed speak to my group / at my event. Who should I contact?
We are happy to share information about our farm, local food justice, growing food in Iowa, and a variety of other topics. Please email outreach.mustardseed@gmail.com with your request.
and here are some times when our farm community was in the news:
