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Host rating
100 %
Last replied
15 Aug 2024
Reply rate
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Description
We are a certified organic family run farm located in Oliver, BC in the sunny south Okanagan valley. Although we need Workawayers help, we hope for an honest and cultural exchange, and for you to leave with a recommendation for others to come. Our focus is ground crop, so much of the work is the daily grind of weeding, pruning, harvesting etc., however we have many on going projects, and will endeavor to give you a diverse and interesting experience. Lose to lakes and hiking there is a lot to do on your days off. 30 min north is Penticton, with Skaha Bluffs for avid rockclimbers, and to the south is the town of Osoyoos boasting Canada's warmest lake. I farm to sustain myself and my kids, and I love what I do. All this to say- it is hectic keeping it all going. The decision to receive volunteers the first time in 2017 was taken in an attempt to strike some balance. Over the last three seasons I haven't ever regretted it.
The exchange, the friendship the conversations over dinner have been a lot of fun. Farming is a lifestyle that is enhanced when it is shared. This wouldn't be the farm it is today without the volunteers who have helped build it.
The farm focus for 2024 is to keep going, and to be sustainable both economically and environmentally. The household focus is to be as self sufficient as possible, but in a modern and reasonable sense. I'm not looking to live on a farm from the 1800s, but to create a modern farm that embraces some of the technics from the past and also employs modern technics to create a more responsible model. I don't ever know how organized things will be, and if I will have the time to mentor people on the side projects, (like our essential oil still and metal forge) but you are welcome to teach yourself and use the tools. If you are interested in farming, I am happy to teach you whatever I can, from how to set up irrigation to how I balance the soil, and if you have questions just ask. I love to cook, and always enjoy woofers/workawayers who share that passion. If you have read this far you are a patient and passionate person and I think you might be a good fit. Please get in touch. Mike and Anja
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
In return I try to include workawayers in what is going on in the community and teach them whatever I can about my interests. Every year I take whoever is on the farm to the Keremeos Rodeo, and twice a month we go to the Firehall brewery for the open mic (so if you play and instrument or sing- this is your chance). Its a lot of fun. For workawayers who don't know Canada, it's something different and hopefully enriching.
The farm also volunteers with the Senpoqcin first nations school, so its a great place for people to get practice teaching kids gardening, and learn about the rich culture and generous spirit of the people who rightfully belong here. It is also an amazing school and a real eye opener to a great approach to pedagogy. Our participation is through the schools cultural department, which encompasses life skills like smoking meat, learning language, traditional practices, cooking and finally a bit of gardening.
Learn about organic/biological methods used on my property:
No till. Stale seed bed. Flame weed. Straw, Fabric and Plastic Mulch. Composting. Biological Predator Control. Heirloom production. Rare breed. Companion Planting.
Methodologies:
Biological pest control, Composting, Crop rotation, Mulching, No-Till Agriculture, Pastured Poultry
Practices:
bread making, CSA (community supported agriculture), culinary herbs, fermentation of foods, gardens, vegetable, greenhouse, machine & equipment mechanics, seed saving
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
Types of Help:
Animal Care, Construction projects, Drying, Egg gathering, Farm Tasks, general, Kitchen help, Landscaping, Maintenance, general
Current projects:
May: Transplanting, Seeding, Weeding, Harvest, Building Dehydrator, Setting up prep room. Breaking Pasture for culture.
June: Transplanting, Seeding, Weeding, Tomato Pruning, Harvest, Breaking Pasture pasture for culture. Chickens
July: Transplanting, Seeding, Weeding, Tomato Pruning, Harvest, Start Greenhouse build. Canning. Chickens
August: Transplanting, Seeding, Weeding, Tomato Pruning, Harvest, Greenhouse build. Canning. Chickens
September:Transplanting, Seeding, Weeding, Tomato Pruning, Harvest, Pull finished crop. Canning. Chickens
October: Harvest, Pull finished crops. Blow out irrigation. Dig winter drainage. Chickens
Languages
Languages spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
French: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
Holiday Camper/Trailer/Caravan
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
Space for parking camper vans
Depending on our capacity we usually have space for multiple Campers or vans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
5 hours/day,5days/week
Feedback (17)
Foood, WOW! So delicious.
Thank you guys for every moment we've shared together, it was great… read more
Photos
Feedback
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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
Foood, WOW! So delicious.
Thank you guys for every moment we've shared together, it was great… read more
In my free time I was able to enjoy the river, which is only a few minutes walk away, as… read more
I am happy to see people who care about environment and… read more
I'm leaving another great review for these exceptional hosts with whom I spent almost two months of my journey. What can I say... Farm life is amazing, working outdoors in a simply fabulous setting amidst mountains and desert landscapes. The Farm is an experience suited for anyone who is ready and willing to… read more
It was great to get busy at their farm and to be able to socialize with the many people around, and get to taste absolutely delicious food !
My most striking memories of my time with these many people ? Delicious cherry tomatoes and… read more
We already miss the amazing food. Mike is a true chef. He always made huge portions of restaurant-quality meals to feed the… read more
I wanted to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible stays at your organic farm in the past 4 months. My time there was mainly filled with building, because I'm a Carpenter. with a own project of building a tiny house out of my mind almost 100% by myself I felt definitely appreciated and Mike trusted me with a lot of… read more
We highly recommend them,… read more
We even did some activities after work or on the weekends with the group, which was really fun.
I really enjoyed my stay at the farm with all the people around! 10/10, would recommend :D
We had a great time working at the farm and sharing meals around the table. The duties on the farm were really diversified during fall. There is a lot of veggies variety and it’s very interesting to learn about it.
Mike is a very nice host, he is generous and he is open to idea to improve his… read more
