Canada
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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 endeavour to give you a diverse and interesting experience.Close 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 converstations 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 2020 is to keep going, and to be sustainabe 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 responsable model. I don't ever know how organised 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
Gardening
Creating/ Cooking family meals
General Maintenance
Farmstay help
Help around the house
Animal Care
Language practice
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
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 once a month we go to the Cawston Hall for the local talent show and music. Its a lot of fun. For workawayers who don't know Canada, it's something different and hopefully enriching.
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
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 spoken
German: Fluent
English: Fluent
French: Fluent
This 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.
Holiday Camper/Trailer/Caravan
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
This host can provide space for campervans.
More than two
5 hours/day,5days/week
