Farm Stays

The options for farm stays (living and working on a farm temporarily) are growing all the time.  England, the USA and New Zealand are all good options for those after this experience.  You might end up working for free on an organic farm (WOOFING) where you will get accommodation and maybe meals thrown in, or paying for a placement through a commercial program on a ‘gap’ year type placement.

What is wwoofing?

Willing workers on Organic Farms (www.wwoof.org) Is a program where you will be working in exchange for food and board on a global network of participating organic farms.  Membership currently costs around $60AUD and will get you the contacts you need to start organising your farm stay.

Other options

For farm stays in great locations in Britain check out the Visit Britain (www.visitbritain.com.au)

Another option in the UK is staying in heritage trust properties; if you fancy staying in a castle on your own then try their website (just be prepared to book ahead and donate a limb for the privilege).

In New Zealand check out www.truenz.co.nz/farmstays/ for stays in both the north and south islands.

In the USA check out the city slicker style options like www.guestranchs.com for cattle driven’ and farm stays in the American West,  Also have a look at www.klondikeranch.com in Wyoming, or www.realadventures.com for a range of options.

Farmstays International (www.farmstays.org) has expensive placements worldwide.

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