Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba

Farm #1

- Farmer recovering from operation. You may apply for 2008.

This certified organic mixed farm is located on 1280 acres in East Central Alberta. Specializing in livestock including cattle, pigs, and poultry, this farm offers apprentices an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of animal husbandry. Apprentices would be involved in all aspects of caring for livestock and dairy farming including milking cows, herb cultivation, haying and making livestock food. There is also an opportunity to learn about farm machinery. Apprentices live in the family home.

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.

Farm #3

We like to think globally and act locally. We want to work with nature, letting the livestock live naturally in a controlled pasture setting. We believe we are stewards of the land and aim to do the right thing. We lead by example and welcome input of ideas that have this goal. We have been part of a family farm for over 30 years and have been certified organic since 1995. We hope to become more self-sustainable while developing our goals. We have off-farm income and also have two adult children (24 years and 25 years) who have moved away from home although are still part of our decision making process. Our son has completed his education, working away from the farm and daughter is attending college.

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 alot to offer and hope to share this with someone who wants to par-take in development of our goals and dreams. In turn, the apprenitice will have many learned skills and experiences with good memories and understanding of a environmentally friendly farm.

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.

Farm #5

 

We offer an opportunity to see organic farming prairie style. We grow certified organic grains and oilseeds on about 2,000 acres. We have a large garden that feeds us for most of the year, and raise a few chickens each summer. We are a family (including kids ages 4-13) accustomed to welcoming people to our home. We treasure diversity, music, laughter and new ideas. We are glad to train people to do any kind of work in which they have a keen interest, from operating large machinery, to gardening, to food preparation or preservation, to beautifying our yard or home. We offer private room lodging in our home with tasty, nourishing food. Special diets can be accommodated, especially if you are willing to cook sometimes. We are flexible with scheduling, and are willing to pay a stipend, especially for those interested in stays of a few months.

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.

Farm #7

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Learn about soils, grass and animal husbandry from a farming family which is striving for sustainability . These farmers have over 15 years experience raising beef, pork and poultry. Also you will be working with a younger son and his girlfriend from Vancouver who hve a passion for farming. These farmers are documenting organic matter increases as to reduce carbon dioxide. As part of Holistic management they work with other like minded families to learn and solve problems. You would be fully involved in this as well as all other off farm aspects of rural life. The farm is located in Saskatchewan 15 km from Redvers , a small town of 1000 people. A generous stipend is offered.