Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba
Farm #1
Be part of this certified organic farm in the Peace River, 50 km NW of Grand Prairie. You will learn Holistic Management principles grazing cattle, sheep and some chicken. We grow a little organic grain and a vegetable garden for our own food supply. Applicants should be physical fit, self motivated and like to learn with us about organic farming. There is no application deadline, and position start date is negotiable. The successful applicant will learn about grass based farming, planned grazing, pasture calving and lambing, mineral balancing of soils and some cropping; Holistic Management, low stress livestock handling, fencing and haying. There will also be the opportunity to learn how to weld and build things. We pay a stipend of a minimal to moderate amount. Room and board with laundry and separate Bathroom will be supplied. All meals will be home cooked following the Weston A. Price principles. On our farm we work with nature encouraging productivity through biodiversity, creating an environmentally, economically socially sound food production model. We like to share our knowledge and are looking forward to the new things (view points) each person brings to us. We are bilingual (German and English).
Location: LaGlace, AB. 50 km northeast of Grande Prarie. 496 km northwest of Edmonton. 5 hr 50 minutes drive.
Farm #2
Join Lori, Rene and Stefan on their developing permaculture farm which grows fruit, herbs and vegetables. It is situated in St. Francois Xavier, a picturesque little town on the Assiniboine River, 15 k west of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Lori is a retired teacher and a passionate gardener and Rene operates a landscaping business in addition to running the farm. Stefan is a talented chef who works in a restaurant part time, has his own mobile kitchen and does catering as well as working on the farm.
The farmers have farmed 10 acres organically for 7 years and have been certified organic since 2003. In 2008 they will have 25 organic acres under cultivation. They have constructed a winter greenhouse which is an experiment in growing food on the prairies all year long. The University of Manitoba and Manitoba Hydro have rented it for 3 winter months to research this possibility and have recorded some interesting studies with insulation materials,heat and light.
You will join international WWOOFers in the family home helping with planting, picking weeding, harvesting and sometimes marketing. Take part in selling to stores, CSAs and Farmers markets. Receive a stipend of $100.00 per week.
Location: Winnepeg, MB. 45 km west of Winnipeg, 45 minutes drive.
Farm #3
Come and enjoy an organic dryland farming experience on the beautiful Saskatchewan prairies. We have four definite seasons in this land of living skies. Be part of our developing of our farm with its great diversity of work. The apprentice will have a great opportunity to witness, par-take and learn the trades and other aspects, working towards sustainability while enjoying the natural life on the farm. We have had "woofers" stay with us and have enjoyed sharing their input including culture, food preparation and stories of experiences. Now we are looking for an apprentice to help with the planting through harvesting. Our workshop is warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Work is as the seasons progress, planting, fencing, berry picking, gardening and preserving, tending to chickens, haying, harvesting, building, mechanical and yard maintenance and preparation for winter. We believe the farm has a lot to offer and hope to share this with someone who wants to par-take in development of our goals and dreams. In turn, the apprentice will have many learned skills and experiences with good memories and understanding of a environmentally friendly farm.
Location: Lloydminister, SK. 274 km northwest of Saskatoon, 2 hr 40 minutes drive. 250 km east of Edmonton, 2 hr 35 minutes drive.
Farm #4
These farmers, experienced in animal husbandry, live on 3350 acres between Grande Prairie and Dawson Creek. They graze beef and bison, and raise chickens, turkeys and hogs. Apprentices have the opportunity to learn skills related to the raising of animals, farm machinery and safety, fencing, building construction, mechanical repair, and selling at farmers markets. Apprentice would live in their own building. A great location for anyone interested in exploring the outdoors.
Location: Goodfare, AB. 78 km west of Grand Prarie, 1 hr 30 minutes drive. 538 km northwest of Edmonton, 6 hr 50 minutes drive.
Farm #5
We offer a unique farm experience that integrates the human experience on a new level. You will learn to communicate and connect with nature on a spiritual level. We don't treat our animals as a commodity, something to be bought and sold and eaten. We treat ourselves, our animals and our plants with respect. We are constantly learning, reading new books about permaculture (e.g. Permaculture Activist), alternative healing (e.g. Alchemical Healing) and children. My wife is taking a year long certification course as a Master Organic Gardener. Our property is situated next to historical Blackfoot property and we honor the traditions of the Blackfoot conducting full moon fire circles. We are like a free school, what you learn is limited only by you. If we don't know, we have the resources to find out.
Location: Westerose, AB. 100 km southwest of Edmonton, 1 hr 20 minutes drive.
Farm #6
Work with Peter, a soil consultant, and Mary and their son on a 640 acre ranch close to the banks of the Peace River in northern Alberta. Aspen, birch, spruce, pine, and willow shelter belts provide wildlife habitat for moose, deer, beaver, foxes, coyotes, grouse, partridge, and migratory birds. The ranch is close to the town of Peace River that has full services, shopping, indoor swimming pool, and community theatre. There is a campground just across the river accessible by ferry where locals go horseback riding, 4 wheel biking, hiking, and canoeing on the river. In the winter there is a ski hill and cross country skiing.
These farmers hope to share their knowledge with others and help the next generation of farmers You will learn about grass based farming, planned grazing of cattle and sheep, pasture calving and lambing, animal nutrition, soils, and mineral balancing. Also you will learn about compost tea brewing and application, Holistic Management, low stress livestock handling, fencing, carpentry, pollination of alfalfa using leafcutter bees and traditional nutrition following the teachings of the Weston A. Price Foundation. You will also learn about selling at the market, use of farm equipment, carpentry, food preservation, milking, and woodworking.
The ranch family has 4 grown children with one son still at home. You will live in a separate house, with appliances and eat most meals in the main house depending on the work schedule. A minimal to moderate stipend will be paid depending on length of stay and expertise.
Location: Grimshaw, AB. 172 km northeast of Grande Prarie, 2 hr drive. 512 km northwest of Edmonton, 6 hr drive.
Farm #7
Farm #8
Be part of a unique highly specialized niche farm that produces, transforms and markets odd, unusual and heritage vegetables, free range ducks, duck eggs, geese, turkeys, cornish game hens, and guinea fowl, and uncompromising high end additive free processed meat products direct to high end restaurants, select retail and farmers market. Here is a chance to learn to develop a small farm operation focused on niche marketing high value products. You will be exposed to all aspects of small scale specialty vegetable and fowl production. This farm family, with over ten years farming experience and over 20 years experience as a professional agrologist, will develop the apprenticeship around the interests and strengths of the individual. The possibility exists for long term involvement for the right individual(s). Located about 30 minutes from Edmonton in gently rolling and partially wooded dairy and cattle country. Separate housing and a good stipend offered.
Location: Leduc, AB. 33 km south of Edmonton, 30 minutes drive.
