Learn about ranch life in in the North Thompson Valley in British Columbia, Canada

Canada

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Favourited 283 times

Host rating
Feedback
43
Last activity
26/05/2022
Reply rate
94.1 %
Average reply time:
within 2 days
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Availability

2022

Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

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What's this?

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Description
Looking for help now and into the summer. We've had all our lambs and goat kids for the year so it's just making sure they get out eating the grass now everyday. There are a couple of goat babies to bottle feed now and some prep work in the hay fields.
Our ranch is in the North Thompson Valley in British Columbia where we raise fibre producing sheep, angora goats and alpacas. We have Great Pyrenees dogs to guard our sheep and border collies to move the livestock around. We are 45 minutes north of Kamloops, the same distance to Sun Peaks and a half hour to Wells Grey Park.
Daily ranch chores, herd health, caring for livestock and farm dogs, processing wool, carpentry, house chores, help in the kitchen and any special projects going on at the time...always lots to learn!
Look forward to hearing from you.
Laurie
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
UN sustainablity goals this host is trying to achieve
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What's this?
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Learn how to care for livestock on a daily basis and special care for newborn animals. Tractor driving, haying skills, wool processing and other projects depending on time of year.
Help
Looking for help at the moment with livestock care, farm chores, herd health and care of farm dogs. Always ongoing projects like carpentry or help in the house depending upon a persons skill set and the time of year.. If you are interested in learning new skills you can find that here at our Ranch.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
4 bedroom house, all meals provided
What else ...
The North Thompson is in a beautiful valley and our Ranch borders the North Thompson River. Sun Peaks ski resort is an hour away and Wells Gray Park is close by as well. .
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.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

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Feedback left by and about host (43)

These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.

Accuracy of profile:
(4.8)

Cultural exchange:
(4.7)

Communication:
(4.8)

13/05/2022

Left by Workawayer (Marie & Petr) for host

Workaway experience at Laurie's lovely farm was wonderful! 🤗 With my husband Peter we spent five weeks taking care of all animals (dogs, sheep, lamas, alpacas, goats and chicken). We learned a lot about farm management, veterinary care, shearing and wool processing. Laurie was so nice and careful host and we really loved all meals she… read more

(Excellent )

20/04/2022

Left by Workawayer (Tani & Adva) for host

We had a great time with Laurie at the farm.
Lots of beautiful animal's to work with and so much to learn.
We stayed for a month and a half, and had a good experience.
Learned many new skills, and made new friends.
Laurie always provided lots of hot food, and lots of hot chocolate😋

(Excellent )

09/04/2022

Left by Workawayer (Jonas) for host

Hey all!
Staying at the ranch was such an interesting experience!
I learned about ranching in general, I got to watch little lambs be born and helped take care of them!
Laurie was a great host and I met wonderful people there.
Lots of love!

(Excellent )

04/04/2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Jonas)

Joe was a real pleasure to have at the farm during our lambing season. He has an easy going attitude and always open to new tasks and ever helpful to others. He was a pleasure to have here and he's welcome back any time.

(Excellent )

09/04/2022

Left by Workawayer (Nikola) for host

I stayed with Laurie for four weeks in lambing season and had a great time at the Fram. Laurie taught me a lot of new things about sheep, goat and everything around lambing and it was always nice to come in for a warm meal (or hot chocolate) and a good laugh after work. I got the change to go on some Trips to Kamloops with Laurie, where I got to… read more

(Excellent )

04/04/2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Nikola)

Niki was a great help during her stay during our lambing season. She took on every day tasks with a good attitude and also helped in delegation of duties among other helpers and following thru in everyday tasks.
Niki has a warm thoughtful personality and she's welcome back here anytime!

(Excellent )

10/11/2021

Left by Workawayer (Josee) for host

It is difficult to rate my experience as I stayed at the ranch during what was a very challenging transition time for Laurie, the owner. She had just moved from her small farm back to the ranch, and was facing some unexpected difficulties dealing with a tenant and his animals.

My experience should be rated into 2 parts as I had to interrupt my 3… read more weeks stay due to this undesirable tenant living on the premises. I was told that he was not a good housekeeper, and was given the choice to arrive at a later date, but I did not think it would be an issue. However, the description of "not being a good housekeeper" was a gross understatement, so I elected to leave and come back once that situation was resolved. It was a very stressful time for Laurie as well. Luckily, I had my own transportation and was not too far from my home town. I was able to wait it out and come back a week later once he was moved out and the place was cleaned up and in better shape.

The fact that I came back speaks for itself: I had gotten a taste of ranch life and wanted more! I really enjoyed learning about ranch life, animal welfare and animal care...it is a lot of work, but it is rewarding work. I absolutely loved working with the animals and had lots of opportunities with the sheep, goats, alpacas, llama, chickens and dogs.

I learned to lead herds into pastures and to round them up at the end of the day with the help of Shilo, the Border Collie. I was shown how to wrangle sheep and goats in order to weigh them and sort them. Laurie also taught me how to handle sheep and goats in order to give de-worming medication orally via syringe. Working with livestock often requires a subtle approach, and I am grateful that she imparted that knowledge right from the start. Her teaching style is pretty direct, but it works: you will be told if you are doing right or wrong! She is passionate about her animals and their welfare, and has a very interesting breeding program to produce some very unique and beautiful blends of fibres.

My daily chores included morning and evening feeding/watering of all the animals. A very unique side of this was tending to the "orphans": a mixed group of 19 goats and sheep that were bottle fed as babies and that act more like pets than livestock...very endearing!

There were a lot of dogs to look after as well: 3 Great Pyrenees that were about 8 months old and a litter of 7 Border Collie/Great Pyrenees puppies that were 8 weeks old by the time I left. These pups were in addition to 5 other adult dogs part of the ranch, all very nice with their unique personalities. It was also fun to tend to the chickens and look around for eggs that the hens seemed to lay in the most obscured places sometimes! I also helped out Roger, the handyman, with a few projects. That was more by choice than obligation as I tend to like to keep busy...and there is always something to do on a ranch!

I was flattered that Laurie entrusted the ranch to me for 3 days as she needed to go and deliver wool to various processing locations. She was always easily reachable to answer any questions and provide support with any situation that came up during her absence, such as a little ewe lamb becoming quite ill.

The accommodation is simple and comfortable...Be ready to share your living space with some dogs! Evenings were quiet, with some chats at times, but we were most often quite tired from our day's work and retired early to our respective rooms. I think this is a good place for people who are comfortable working independently and who follow instructions well. It is physical work, and you can get quite dirty at times, but that is all part of living on a ranch and working with animals!

Thank you Laurie for your patience sharing your knowledge with me. I enjoyed getting to know you and your four legged family! This was my first Workaway experience and it was quite unique!

(Very good )

05/11/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Josee)

Having Josee help out was a complete pleasure. If you get the opportunity to host her you can't go wrong.
She dug right in here to help with daily farm chores, herd Heath, caring for the dogs and help in the kitchen. She is a very fast learner and when it comes to handling livestock she is a natural! Her skills with handling dogs are also… read more

(Excellent )

05/06/2021

Left by Workawayer (Julia & Finja) for host

We stayed at Laurie's sheep farm for five weeks and already came back for a week twice.

We never learned so much in just a couple weeks before!
We helped with pretty much everything on the farm: walking and feeding dogs, feeding the chickens, refilling water buckets for the animals (when ist was freezing), placing hay, taking care of the puppies… read more

(Excellent )

22/06/2020

Left by Workawayer (Marie & Ludivine) for host

I originally planned to stay for 3 weeks, I ended up staying two and a half at Laurie's. And although none of this was planned, I have no regrets staying !
I learned so much about lambing and farm life. Plus, we had a great team with a great atmosphere which made it really difficult to leave.
Take care of Janet and Annie and all the dogs, I hope… read more

(Excellent )

19/05/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Kiara)

Kiara helped out at my ranch for 2 months during our busiest time. She became an integral part of our 2020 lambing season where she jumped in and took on all tasks with care and enthusiasm. Very mature for her age and got along with everyone well and shared work with all. She was a pleasure to have here and I was sad to see her move on. She is… read more

(Excellent )

18/05/2020

Left by Workawayer (Kiara) for host

I spent 8 amazing weeks at Lauries Farm. I arrived there just before the lambing season started, so I could experience the whole process. It was very intersting to see and I definetly learned a lot there. Besides me there were at least 3 other workawayers there, which was great, as we had a lot of fun together.
Besides lambing related work, we… read more

(Excellent )

29/02/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (Jaqueline)

Jacqueline spent a month at my farm and was a great help and a pleasure to have in my home. She is confident, competent and has a good command of the English language. If she doesn't quite understand, she will ask. She always had a smile on her face and a good sense of humor. She handled the livestock and the dogs well and followed thru on every… read more

(Excellent )

15/12/2019

Left by Workawayer (Lize) for host

If you love dogs, this is the place to be! Lauries animals (dogs,sheeps and goats) are all very sweet creatures with their own character. Really fun once you get to know them ;). Laurie is flexibel, interesting, generous, passionated about the ranch and a good cook!! You will learn a lot about sheeps, goats and farmlife in general. I had a really… read more

(Excellent )

10/11/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Naïs)

Nais was a great help at my place with the animals and a really cute personality. She was a pleasure to have at the farm. I really enjoyed her stay and you can't go wrong having Nais help out at your place. She's welcome back her anytime.

(Excellent )

09/11/2019

Left by Workawayer (Naïs) for host

I spent three weeks at Laurie's and it was great! I took care of the dogs but it was an animal that I only knew in my home but with whom I had never worked, it was a very rewarding experience! Laurie also has angora goats, merino sheep, an alpaca and two llamas, my father has angora goats also in France, we were able to exchange a lot on the… read more

(Excellent )

06/09/2019

Left by Workawayer (Jessica) for host

I had an amazing time on Laurie's ranch as my first workaway experience. Most days would involve morning chores such as feeding the animals and checking on everyone followed by special projects before lunch such as loading goats into trailers for transport or singling out lambs for sale. Laurie was always available to guide me through tasks. As… read more

(Excellent )

15/07/2019

Left by Workawayer (Jessica & Mathieu) for host

Volunteering at Laurie's ranch was one of the most life changing experience we had so far! Laurie loves her animals and they might love you back right away! The work is not hard if you put the animals' needs before your own, don't be afraid of chasing goats or sheeps under heavy rain! Laurie will make you feel like you belong and will find the… read more

(Excellent )

12/07/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Jessica & Mathieu)

Jessica and Mathews visit to my ranch came at the perfect time. I could have not asked for better help!! They dug right in and helped out on the ranch with many varied tasks. If you get the opportunity to host them you will not be disappointed! They were naturals with my livestock, took direction well and were very self motivated and made good… read more

(Excellent )

11/05/2019

Left by Workawayer (Naomi & Andrew) for host

We spent two lovely weeks at Laurie’s farm during lambing season and learnt so much about farming life. The area is beautiful and there’s plenty to do but having your own car is definitely a bonus due to the rural location. Laurie provides lots of nice food and we were certainly never hungry. Expect to work hard and have regular days off. Thanks… read more

(Excellent )

13/04/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Naomi & Andrew)

Naomi and Andy were a pleasure to have here at the Ranch. They worked hard, caught on quickly and contributed to a successful lambing season here. If you are lucky enough to host these two lovely people you can’t go wrong! They are welcome back any time here:heart:

(Excellent )

30/04/2019

Left by Workawayer (Pauline) for host

I've had an amazing time at Laurie's ranch ! It was my first workaway experience, I only stayed 3 weeks in february and I learned a lot of stuffs durings these weeks ! After that stay all I wanted was to keep going discover the North Amercia ! It was so fun and so intresting to work with goats, sheeps and her beautiful dogs :)
She has a nice and… read more

(Excellent )

22/03/2019

Left by Workawayer (Franziska) for host

I had a great time helping out at the Ranch! Laurie has an incredible knowledge about all things goat and sheep and her commitment to all her animals' well being is inspiring. I learned a lot, not only the day to day feeding and barn cleaning, but also how to take care of sick and newborn animals, driving the tractors and I got to help with… read more

(Excellent )

03/03/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Franziska)

Franziska has helped out at my sheep and goat ranch for over 2 months now. She has been a great help to me and a pleasure to have around. She's helped with feeding animals, cleaning barns, help in kidding and attending to the needs of newborn animals and has a been my main gal driving the tractor. Fran follows thru on her work and is not afraid to… read more

(Excellent )

07/03/2019

Left by Workawayer (Susi) for host

I had a really great time at Lauries Farm! She's really great with all her animals and you could see how important their health is for her. She cooked us some delicious dinner and we all had a great time enjoying hot chocolate on the couch. Dispite all the lovely goats and sheep I was also so lucky to be around when there were still three adorable… read more

(Very good )

03/03/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Susi)

Suzi helped out at my sheep and goat ranch for a couple if weeks. She was a pleasure to have around and dug right in and help feed animals, clean barns and help with the newborn goats. She was also helpful in the kitchen and liked baking! Suzi is welcome back here anytime!

(Excellent )

23/01/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Vaghul Aditya)

Vaghul stated at our ranch for 2 weeks. He was a very enthusiastic helper and I really enjoyed his time here. He helped with barn cleaning and feeding livestock and caring for sick goats and helped greatly with the dogs. He is welcome back anytime time at the ranch

(Excellent )

25/12/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Felix)

Felix helped out at the ranch for a couple of weeks arriving on a last minute request. He adapted immediately to the farm tasks and was eager to learn and experience what he could during his stay. He worked hard, was easy to get along with and learned how to drive the tractor to help with the chores while he was here. He is on a great travel… read more

(Excellent )

24/12/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Elise & William)

Elise and William helped out at the ranch for a month and it was great to have them here. If you get the opportunity to host these two, go for it as they are lovely, fun, hard working, self motivated individuals that really contribute to the overall well being of your place. Both really easy to get along with, have a well rounded list of skills… read more

(Excellent )

08/12/2018

Left by Workawayer (Elise & William) for host

We felt right at home at Laurie’s place, cosy house, great food, great company and of course all the animals.
There was always something different to do and we leant a ton about the animals the maintenance of them. It was also great to be left to do the chores ourselves, the work is straight forward and there’s always a side project that can bit… read more

(Excellent )

09/12/2018

Left by Workawayer (Arno) for host

I really enjoyed my farm life experience at Laurie’s place!
I have learned so many things there, managing tractors, cleaning barns, taking care of dogs goats and sheep! I have had the chance to make a breeding preparations days and it was a real sport effort but you have to live that once in your life! There so many animals there and you’re really… read more

(Excellent )

22/11/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Arno)

Arno helped out the the farm for a couple of weeks and was an excellent helper. Farm maintenance caring for animals all with a smile on his face. He was a pleasure to have here and he’s welcome back any time
Laurie

(Excellent )

08/11/2018

Left by Workawayer (Shaun & Joanna) for host

Laurie was a very welcoming and generous host. We had a great time on the ranch, we learnt a lot and it has been one of our best experiences since being in Canada. We wish we could have stayed longer :) thanks a lot Laurie!

(Excellent )

08/11/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Shaun & Joanna)

Shaun and Joanna stayed with me for a couple of weeks and were of great help with an excellent attitude. Big or small projects they were all in. They cleaned barns and feed livestock on a daily basis along with some larger getting ready for winter projects. They were a pleasure to have here and are welcome back any time!
Laurie

(Excellent )

08/11/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Terry)

Terry helped out at the ranch for a few weeks. During that time there were daily barn cleaning chores, tractor driving, and feeding and caring for livestock. Terry picked up on tasks quickly and is very self motivated and follows thru on things without direction. He has a well rounded skill set and is an individual that lives in the present. I… read more

(Excellent )

13/08/2018

Left by Workawayer (Fred & Katharina) for host

We stayed with Laurie for two weeks and had a great time at the ranch! There is lots of work to do, but if you're into working with animals and willing to learn all about it, it's the perfect place to spend time. We had much fun with the other volunteers, Laurie, her dogs and all the animals. We even got to experience the birth of an Alpaca, which… read more

(Excellent )

22/07/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Fred & Katharina)

Fred and Katharina helped out at the ranch for a couple of weeks. They are a great couple and worked really hard while they were here without complaint. Daily chores along with trimming many sheep and goats feet and then lugging hays bales off the field on very hot days. Also some great help in the kitchen. They were always ready to lend a hand,… read more

(Excellent )

23/05/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Martina)

Martina and Daniela helped out at the Ranch for a couple of enjoyable weeks with their smiling faces and enthusiastic attitudes. Setting up electric fences, barn maintenance, feeding livestock, skirting fleeces, taking care of orphan animals and cooking some great meals. They were a greatt help and were a pleasure to have here and they are welcome… read more

(Excellent )

23/05/2018

Left by Workawayer (Martina) for host

Unlukily we were able to spend here just a week but we would have loved to stay longer. If you like to work with animals this is the perfect place. We learnt a lot thanks to Laurie, who really try to teach you as many things as possible. Every day we did a different job, all very interesting. At the beginning the job at the farm seems very tricky… read more

(Excellent )

15/05/2018

Left by Workawayer (Mathilde & Léo) for host

With stayed with Laurie for 2 weeks and we learned a loooot during that time. The farm is a piece of work but it is always interesting and you get to hang out with cute lambs so it’s fine !
We had a lot fun with the other helpers and Laurie and she always helped us when we had some problems which we really appreciated. Finally we stayed in the… read more

(Excellent )

13/05/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Mathilde & Léo)

Mathilde and Leo helped out here for 2 weeks. They were great help always there to lend a helping hand. Barn maintenance, feeding livestock, caring for bottle lambs and sick animals, shearing weekend, and help with herd health and tractor driving. Good attitudes and a very polite nice couple!

(Excellent )

01/05/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Anika)

Anika helped here for 2 weeks with daily chores, herd health, caring for sick animals and baking lots of goodies in the kitchen! She was interested in learning about farming in general and was ready to lend a hand when ever needed. She was a good help here during a very busy time, she has great command of the English language and is a fast learner!

(Excellent )

10/04/2018

Left by Workawayer (Anika) for host

Laurie’s ranch is a nice place to stay, the area around there is beautiful. The property is all the way down to the river so you can take the dogs and enjoy your free time at the river walking along the beach.
I stayed during lambing season and it was a wonderful experience taking care about all these adorable new born lambs and goats. The work is… read more

(Excellent )

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