Profile information
Host rating
65 %
Last replied
22 Apr 2024
Reply rate
70.0 %
Usually responds within 43 days
Feedback
-
Email verified
Host offers payment
Details
Description
==================
***PLEASE NOTE WE ARE PRIMARILY LOOKING FOR PEOPLE WHO CAN HELP A WHOLE SEASON FROM MAY UNTIL NOVEMBER***
==================
Our small organic apple farm in Mendocino County is really a family operation. However, sometimes our family is spread a little thin. This circumstance has led us to seek out individuals who would like to experience our way of life.
We love the energy and passion that comes with being young, not to mention the physical strength.
In order to have a real learning experience, more than one season is ideal. Ideally we would like to have someone around for two full years, with some time off during the dead of winter for rest and renewal. However we have learned to take it one step at a time.
Usually we have an initial email or phone conversation, followed up by a personal visit or trial work week. This allows us to assess each other and then take some space before we decide if we are a good fit for each other. The next step is a 3 month period of living and working on the farm. If we still like each other and it feels mutually beneficial, we move to the next 3 month period and so on. Reevaluating is important for both parties, but our hope when we take someone on is that they will be here for a good period of time.
We don’t claim to be experts on anything, but we are happy to share what we have learned from our experience. It takes a huge investment of our time and energy to bring new people along, but we think it is important. We desperately need more farmers in the world and it can be a valuable life experience as well, but it is hard work for everyone and not to be decided on a whim.
Compensation often starts at minimum wage, depending on the skills you bring to the table, and always requires a more in depth conversation. We have found that someone who does not have many outside monthly expenses can live and work here comfortably and probably go away with a bit of a nest egg. We would like someone who can work up to 40 hours a week during our busy harvest times and likely less during our off seasons.
We live a very rich life on the farm and we recommend it, but not for financial reasons.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We take great pleasure and pride in being able to share what we have created and learned with people interested in farming and building a relationship with the land. We believe living and working on a farm provides invaluable life skills and lessons and we love to bring people into our fold and our family and share and exchange. While working on the farm you will have access to the bounty of the land and opportunities to cook and share meals with us and the rest of our staff. We live in a very culturally rich area and love to support our farmhands in connecting with the local community and other opportunities in the area. There's often a lot of fun young people around, and many who grew up here have come back to contribute to this valley that has given them so much, or to take over their family businesses. The farm is a bit of a community hub and friends are often dropping by to visit or work on projects with us.
Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage
This host offers accommodation and payment.
Host has indicated that they will pay at least the minimum hourly wage of their country for each hour worked and that accommodation will also be provided. They are asking for help with a business or business activity. Contact the host directly via the site messenger for more information and details about the wage provided. Any arrangements should be agreed in advance with your host.
Help
There are many facets to our business. We are a working farm with an large apple orchard, extensive vegetable gardens, animals, and we also make value added products. In addition we run a bed and breakfast and offer cooking classes, dinner parties, and host weddings. We need someone versatile who is willing to help with whatever needs to be done. There is much to learn and many skills to be developed if you are willing!
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
Accommodation
We have a very nice campsite set up down by the river, with a big outdoor kitchen and a hot shower and outhouse. We have one tent cabin and a few gypsy wagon caravans.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
Can possibly accept pets
We have a lot of animals here but well behaved dogs are welcome.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
5 days week 6-8 hour days, depending on the season
