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Help with fruit picking, gardening, building, carpentry, animal care and other farm projects

The tradition of long-term travelers engaging in seasonal work at big farms has endured from the olden days to today's technologically-rich era. Back then, the wages received were minimal but held much value for workers.

Now, wages have been replaced with a homestay arrangement where volunteers get free accommodation and meals in return for their work in the farm. In their time off they are able to explore the area for a fraction of the cost it would be if they were paying for hotels and meals.

Beyond homestays, this concept has been adopted by organic and non-organic farms, farmstays and ranches. It is cost-effective and gratifying for both parties.

Host: Gilian Mackay, Strathblane, England

Are you Looking for Able-bodied Volunteers to Assist with a Project or Task on Your Farm?

HOSTS

Host: Adriana Whizar, Tijuana, Mexico

If there's a farm project for which you seek human resources, you'll find a list of willing volunteers ready to sweat it out outdoors!

Many of our hosts require help with running the farm, which includes gardening, vegetable picking, and feeding the hens, goats, sheep and horses.

Regardless of the farm project you have in mind, you'll find enthusiastic travelers ready to learn from you and match your step in the great outdoors.

Wins from this experience

As a host with farm work you will learn to cooperate with and take care of your volunteer(s). You’ll be able to get more work done without any huge increases in costs. Furthermore, a host will learn more about the country, background, culture and lifestyle of their travelers – it’s a great experience and exchange.

Travelers interested in farm work

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VOLUNTEERS

Host: Jody Brown, Ilfracombe, Australia

Want to Work in a Natural Setting and Pick up a New Skill?

Volunteering on a farm is an excellent way to learn about rural life. You don't have to be an expert at it; your host will teach you how to go about things. If you're willing to embrace a new experience, sign up now and begin contacting hosts!

This is your opportunity to gain practical experience while living with the local people and absorbing their culture in the most organic way possible! Look at it as a cultural exchange program with a twist. Get a tan, make those muscles more sinewy, and add more color to your cheeks as you ride horses, bask in the sunshine and give your body a good workout!

Some of the farm projects you can expect to assist with include:

  • Farming
  • Gardening
  • Fruit picking
  • Milking cows
  • Ploughing a field
  • Permaculture
  • Landscaping
  • Working with animals
  • Building a smokehouse
  • Carpentry
  • Learning about organic crops
  • Setting up an irrigation system

You don't have to be an expert in those fields. You'll be taught as you go along.

Your hosts will appreciate it if you can also volunteer with other tasks such as cleaning and language practice.

Of course, you'll also be getting a chance to stay and explore a new destination.

As accommodation and meals are provided at no cost to you, you save a lot of money, while ensuring that your trip goals remain viable and accessible.

As for the duration of time you will be required to work on the project, it is something you must discuss with your host. Some hosts may need your help for a few weeks while others may want you to stay for a couple of months. Think carefully about the length of your stay and the kind of physical labor involved. It also makes sense to inquire if you will be working independently or in a team.

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Wins from this experience

As a volunteer in farm work you will create something unique, and you will also learn how to live abroad with another family far away from your familiar surroundings. You will gain insight into their lifestyle and traditions. It's a win-win situation for both sides. Hovos brings hosts and travelers together.

Hosts that need help with farm work

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What is the cost to sign up as a Host or Traveler?

Traveler Membership: $10/Year This gives them full access to all hosts as well as a FREE Travel SIM. However, they can create an account for free so they can start ‘favoriting hosts’ and build their profile - but advanced features such as contacting hosts will be unavailable until they become members.

Host Membership: $0/Year It is free for hosts to sign up and they can begin contacting travelers immediately.

An additional advantage of being a member is that you become more trustworthy and therefore members will be shown first on the website. Members can build up more trust by verifying their mobile phone and passport as well.

Are you interested in different types of work?

If you’re not interested in farm work or you need help with a different type of project, there are many other categories available. Once you sign up, you can select as many different categories as you like.

Hovos offers language practice, help with art projects, gardening, tourist support and many other options!

animal care | art projects | child care / au pair | boat handlers | charity work | child care | computer help | construction | eco projects | elderly care | farm work | forest work | hostel support | fruit picking | gardening | house sitting | help in the house | internet support | language practice | maintenance tasks | pet sitting | music practice | spiritual projects | teaching projects | tourist support