Title: Director of Farm and Land Development
Location: Central Kentucky
Supervisor: Motherhouse Service Coordinator
Salary: $35,000-$45,000 plus benefits
Starting date: Fall/winter 2013
Loretto Motherhouse, Nerinx, Kentucky:
Loretto Motherhouse is the traditional “home place” for the Sisters of Loretto, and a spiritual center for
the broader Loretto Community, ‘which seeks to praise God and serve the near and farther neighbor by
educating ourselves and others in the ways of peace and justice.’
The Loretto Motherhouse property has been a working farm from the time Reverend Stephen Badin
purchased the land in 1796 and named it St. Stephen’s Farm. It became home to the Sisters of Loretto in
1824, the center from which Loretto sent teachers to the western frontier and, later as far as China, South
America, Africa, and Pakistan. The 788-acre property today is the permanent home for about 100 sisters
and co-members and includes the farm, a licensed long term care facility, residential buildings, and two
retreat centers. As much as possible, the Community’s spiritual values guide our decision-making and
planning at the Motherhouse.
The Loretto Community Land Ethic, a statement of values affirmed by the entire Community in 2006,
recognizes land as a gift and sign of God and expresses our commitment to tend the land in such a way
that “all life is enhanced and protected, and that the variety of ecosystems is sustained.”
Land Use and Farm:
The current farm engages one full-time farmer in raising commodity crops, managing a cow-calf
operation, and supervising various conservation practices. The farm has a well developed infrastructure
and modern machinery appropriate for current operations. We have engaged in government-supported
conservation practices for about 40 years, principally the Timber Stand Improvement Program and
establishment of riparian buffers. In 2012, seventy-five acres of land were enrolled in the Conservation
Reserve Program and were planted in hardwoods, pollinator habitat and native grasses. We are within
ten miles of the new Wendell Berry Center at St. Catharine College, Springfield KY, where we expect to
form solid collaborations as the Center develops.
Summary of Loretto Motherhouse Property:
Farm and crop land with 2012 CRP:
Woods
322 acres
Lakes (3)
23 acres
Crop land (currently in corn, wheat and soybeans) 188 acres
Pasture land (approx. 45 cows, 35 calves)
174 acres
Native grasses – CRP
36 acres
Wildflowers – CRP
17 acres
Total Farm and Land
760 acres
Buildings, residences
Loretto Motherhouse total property
28 acres
788 acres
41%
3%
24%
22%
5%
2%
96%
4%
The Position of Director of Farm and Land Development
The Director will be an agriculture professional who shares our values and has the training and experience
to make those values a practical reality at Loretto Motherhouse. He or she will help us move forward in
implementing our values regarding 760 acres of our farm and land, while also carrying out the day-to-day
farm operations.
As one part of the Loretto Community long term planning process for the Motherhouse, we anticipate
exploring a diverse set of possibilities for our land. The exploration of possibilities is an important part of
this position and will provide essential information for Community planning.
Essential Functions of the Director of Farm and Land Development
The Director will work in close collaboration with the Motherhouse Service Coordinator and the
Motherhouse Coordinating Board, and in a manner consistent with Loretto’s Land Ethic.
The Director will:
-- Perform the daily work of the current farm operation, while taking steps to implement practices that
are more sustainable;
-- Contribute to the development of a long-term plan;
-- Implement the long-term plan, as applicable;
-- Supervise or manage workers (temporary, part-time, or volunteer workers)
Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate
In the area of farming, the Director should demonstrate:
 Extensive experience in land and farm operations and management
 A firm commitment to sustainable land use compatible with the Loretto Land Use Ethic;
 Training and proven competence in crop and cattle production, management and marketing;
 Training and proven competence in sustainable alternatives for farm and land use;
 Capacity to handle the physical demands of daily farm work;
 Competence in maintaining farm equipment, fencing, and farm buildings as well as in operating a
variety of farm machinery;
 Willingness and experience in collaborating with knowledgeable individuals in the local farm
community, universities and government agriculture agencies;
In the area of management:
 Computer literacy and Internet research skills;
 Training and proven competence in financial planning, computer-based budgeting, and financial
analysis of farming operations;
 Initiative and proven skill in pursuing partnerships, networks, and funding sources for innovative
farm and land practices;
 Experience as an educator preferred;
Additional Qualification
 Ability to think creatively;
 Strength in implementing and evaluating progress toward long-term goals;
 Highly self-motivated with a demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision;
 Proven ability to collaborate effectively with a variety of people and committees.
To apply, send resume and cover letter to farmposition@gmail.com
Screening of applications will begin November 15, 2013, and will continue until a suitable applicant is found.
For further information, visit lorettocommunity.org/motherhouse.