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 Ann, 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, 16 k west of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Lori Ann is a retired teacher and passionate gardener. Rene operates a landscaping business and manages the mechanical eqipment on the farm. Stefan is a talented cook who works in a restaurant part time. He owns his own mobile kitchen and does catering as well as growing his own organic produce. They have farmed 10 acres organically for 10 years and have been certified organic since 2003. In 2011 they will have 27 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 partnered in renting it for 3 winters of experimantation with sustainable insulation, heat and light. They have recently added chickend to their operation. These birds provid much needed fertility, scratch and loosen the soil like little rototillers and provide nutritious eggs. the animal count on the farm is 1 dog, 1 rabbit, 3 cats, and 24 chickens. None of these animals live in the house. You will join international WWOOFers, living in the family home or the farmhouse sharing their meals and learning every aspectt of organic farming. The season begins in the greenhouse where seedling are started and transplanted outdoors once there is no danger of frost. Other work is seeding, weeding, harvesting, washing produce, filling order for stores, restaurants and CSAs. You will assist in cutting, baling and chopping alfalfa into muich for spreading around the plants. You will have the opportunity to work at a farmer's market and help tend the animals. The farm is a 20 minutse drive from Winnipeg. In hot weather you can swim at their gravel pit which has a lovely beach. they pay a stipend of $100.00 per week.

Location: Winnepeg, MB. 45 km west of Winnipeg, 45 minutes drive.

Farm #3 -New Farm!!

Our farm is located 1 hour north of Calgary with a mountain view, just west of Bowden, with 1200 acres of fields, pasture, bush and a creek on the farm to explore in the off time and the farm. Our goal on the farm all our land sustainably with out the use of any synthetic chemicals while reducing the number of off farm inputs. To achieve this goal we are taking it one step at a time. Currently we farming about 20 acres of vegetables, flowers & trees with out any synthetic chemicals. Also in the summer the farm is open to the public with our U-pick flowers & vegetables along with our Sunflower Maze. We are also helping a young couple start farming, by renting them 10 acres to grow grain and herbs. Apprentices will live on the farm in the staff trailer with WWOOFers and other Full time staff on the farm. 5-6 workers live in the trailer which is fully furnished with kitchen, laundry bathroom & common room. Minimum $2400 stipend available to those who stay the full growing season.

Location:Bowden, AB. 1 hour north of Calgary.

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

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.

Farm #8

Our dream has grown to encompass an opportunity for you to experience what we have built and enjoyed for over 20 years. Our farm is a place where people connect with the outdoors, experience the sky, the land and the taste of farming. We know that you will enjoy being here too. We are a fruit and vegetable u-pick operation focused on farm-direct marketing of produce. 2009 was our first season open to the public; we have over 20 years of farming experience. In 2010 we will increase our Farmers Market exposure and continue to establish ourselves as a tourist destination. A produce box program, garden plot rentals, and community supported agriculture are additional projects we are working to develop. We are in expansion mode and looking to work with apprentices to reach these goals.

Location: 10 minutes east of Lacombe, in Central Alberta.

Farm #9 -New Farm!!

Here, at Coyote Ridge Farm, Al and Hélène grow organic grain and raise organic beef cattle using holistic methods. You will learn to build up soil and control weeds and pests using intercropping, crop rotation, ploughdown crops, the hoof action and manure spreading techniques of stubble and bale grazing animals on crop land. We will introduce you to planned grazing and low stress cattle management. Al, a chemical technologist-turned farmer will share his knowledge of servicing machinery, minor repairs and building and repairing fences, corals and watering systems. Hélène, a retired teacher, will happily demonstrate her gardening and food preparation and preservation techniques, as well as her passion for locally indigenous plants. We will be happy to share our log home and family cooked meals with you. We are 300km north east of Regina, near the Assiniboine river valley, in what is known as the Parkland. We are close to three lakes and two provincial parks, i ncluding Duck Mountain Provincial Park which boasts both downhill and cross-country ski facilities.

Location: Canora, SK.300km northeast of Regina.

Farm #10

On our Holistic Managed, ecological and grass based farm, we raise grass-fed cattle and sheep, and we grow alfalfa seed, alfalfa leafcutter, hay and also beekeep. We have a couple of milk cows, a dozen laying hens, and a vegetable garden for our own food supply (apprentices enjoy are hearty home cooked meals). At Natures Way Farm we believe in building a healthy eco-system and working with nature to provide an environmentally, economically and socially acceptable form of food production. One of our goals is to share our knowledge with others and help the next generation of farmers. The successful applicant will learn about grass based farming, planned grazing, 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 and traditional nutrition practices.

Location: Grimshaw, Northern Alberta (west of Peace River).

Farm #11

My wife and I operate an organic dairy and are expanding into organic beef production as well as an organic market garden complete with a CSA (Community Certified Agriculture). We also operate an on-farm retail store that features a teahouse where we serve lunch and cater special meals and events. Our organic farm is an exciting and diverse operation that is unique to the country community and a fun place to live and work. We are interested in an apprentice that can take a responsible role developing the vegetable market garden and who is willing to learn to work with our cattle which includes milking the cows.

Location: 24 km east of Rocky Mountain House on Highway 11, Alberta.

Farm #12

We are a certified organic market garden and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm located just one-hour northeast of Downtown Edmonton. Our 70 acre farm is mostly treed and has several excellent trails to explore and we use about 20 acres of field for our organic operation. We run a very successful Certified Organic Market Garden serving a 30 family CSA. We also sell on Saturdays at the Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market, to local restaurants and health food stores. Graham has 15 years experience in organic vegetable production. On our farm, apprentices gain experience working in our greenhouse, using irrigation and mechanical transplanting, harvesting as well as processing organic vegetables for market. We offer a unique opportunity to learn about small scale organic vegetable production.

Location: One hour northeast of downtown Edmonton.

Farm #13

Sunworks Farm is a Certified Organic Poultry and Cattle farm that direct markets at two year round Farmers Markets and into several food service outlets. We are committed to marketing as much of our products as possible directly to the consumer. In this way we can offer the highest quality meats and eggs at an affordable price. Our family strongly believes in the principals of organic and holistic agriculture, as well as the importance of ethical and humane handling of all creatures, including our farm animals. We make our own feed on the farm in our CFIA approved feed mill. This is a progressive farm that uses rotational grazing for its birds and cattle, farms holistically and in a sustainable manner. Apprentices gain experience working with organic poultry production, organic feed production, summer calving, applying rotational grazing techniques as well as direct marketing.

Location: Armena, 15 minutes North of Camrose.

Farm #14

Explore 78 acres of aspen parkland while you toil in the PrairieFlora greenhouse with Wes, Aimee and Tehya. PrairieFlora is a family-run business which grows native Manitoba wildflowers and grasses for landscaping. Learn how to grow bedding plants in a healthy greenhouse ecosystem. Help with propagation, transplanting, garden bed preparation, and weeding; learn native plant identification and organic fertilization and pest management. We are looking for someone to help us from mid-March through June, but start/end dates and hours/wk are negotiable. The apprentice would live in our home or guest house and eat with the family. Aimee has a degree in Environmental Science with a focus area in ecological agriculture. Wes has a landscape design certificate and now designs landscapes and gardens for PrairieFlora customers. He plans to create a straw-bale home on the farm and is constantly searching for eco-friendly alternatives for the greenhouse. Tehya is our 6 month old baby girl. Together we are striving for a simpler, more sustainable life. Enjoy swimming, fishing and live entertainment at Winnipeg Beach (25 minutes away), golfing at Teulon’s golf and country club, or walking our trails.

Location:35 minutes north of Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Farm #15

This farm is being set up a 5-acre heirloom vegetable test plot on a 104 acre homestead. The land running thru this land is protected or parts of this land is a conservation area. Located approximately 1 hour from Winnipeg , Manitoba. We are deeply committed to practicing sustainable and organic agriculture. Our farm composts with Worms and composts about 10 ton per month on a pickup program. We have developed a by product and will be developing some more, holistic garden products plus vegetable sales from the test plot gardens. There are no chemicals used on this farm. There are 3 positions for interns. 2 intern placements will be working with different projects such as Completing Solar Greenhouse, Chicken tractor design, Setting up educational displays and teaching manuals of different gardening styles, stating March 1 and the 15th. Stipend will be 100.00 per month plus end of season bonus rated on sales ,require 5 months commitment. 1 intern, starting March 15th, will work in alterative healing (Reflexogly, aromatherapy, ear candling) learning to present workshops . Plus herb gardening and Making creams. Stipend will be 100.00 per month, require 6 months commitment.

Location: Ericksdale, MB. 1 hour from Winnipeg.

Farm #16

Founded in 1977, this Farms is a highly diversified farming operation located on 160 acres of rolling prairie and parkland approximately 70 km. northwest of Calgary and about 60 km. away from the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains. In addition to the cultivated acres, there are 35 acres of native prairie with two ponds, one of which is suitable for swimming. The farm is owned and operated by the Vester family and produces cereal grains, forage crops, culinary herbs, vegetables, eggs and meat products, all of which are certified organic and biodynamic and are marketed locally, via a CSA, other box programs, a store, some restaurants and at a Farmers' Market. The emphasis on our farm is on genuine sustainability and joy in equal measure. Apprentices will have the opportunity to learn skills associated with all aspects of running a very diverse commercial farming enterprise, including animal husbandry, machinery and equipment operation, maintenance a nd repair, alternative building techniques, horticulture, permaculture, marketing and more, but will also have the chance to become acquainted with a very interesting and fun social circle which the farm is part of. Bicycles are provided to all guests and there is plenty of beautiful countryside to explore (especially in the foothills and mountains to the west) and there are several small towns which are within cycling distance. Apprentices will primarily be working with Kris Vester, a 37 year old farmer who is a leader in the sustainable agriculture movement in the Calgary bio-region and also the president of Slow Food Calgary, but will also work with other family members, WWOOFers, other volunteers and CSA shareholders. Apprentices have their own shared accommodations (a straw bale cabin and a loft in a small hip roof barn) and a communal building (also straw bale) for cooking (kitchen is fully stocked with fresh and organic ingredients), washing, bathing and recreation. A stipend of a minimum of $2500.00 is available to each apprentice who stays for the entire length of the growing season, which is April 1st to Novembers 1st.

Location: Carstairs, AB.

Farm #17

Become a student of Holistic Ranch Management - Join Sam & Janeen and Lyle & Grace for a season of rewarding work and learning on our direct-marketing, grass-based farm and butchershop! Our farm is located 10 miles west of Endeavour, SK, in the well-treed edge of the Porcupine Provincial Forest which is loaded with trails and big game. The whole farm is 1920 acres but the whole forest is there to explore on horse, quad or foot! and a few tiny but beautiful lakes are close by for fishing, swimming or canoeing... Specifically you will learn about and work with Pastured chickens and turkeys,including butchering, Free-range pigs and grass-fed beef and a milking 4 Jersey cows. You will learn Planned Grazing on spreadsheets as well as practically. There may be opportunity to do some meat-cutting and packaging as well as go along on deliveries. Some help will be needed in the family garden. Guest rooms or a slide-out camper are available to stay in and healthy traditional food (WAPF) meals are provided (help with clean-up is appreciated) A 500/month stipend will be paid and a bonus at the end of the season for an exceptional job.

Location: Endeavour, SK. 10 miles west of Endeavour.