Right now I'm in the process of planning and preparing for a "help-exchange" stay on a farm.
One such farm is this goat farm in Tenessee. You can see the host, a woman in her 70s, actively carrying out the regular daily duties. I believe she is feeding a calf (baby cow) in this picture, rather than a goat.
I'm a farm-newb. Ok, I admit it.
My newb-ness is adding to whatever insecurity I have. There are always voices trying to get us to stop what we were destinated to do. While challenging, I choose to push through the resistance by not seeing it as resistance at all. It's just a test. Basically, the people or messages coming in which have an effect of making you doubt. They can go.
I'll tell you what I do have: Interest. Desire. Heart. Muscle. Faith.
I feel led by God to a wide open space. He is leading me according to his will. And, furthermore, his will is what is really best for me. Scientifically, it makes sense as well, if we should go this way.
I'm feeling my age at nearly 35, but I'm still half as old as the owners of this farm. Of course, I can lend some muscle into the equation. And I'm genuinely curious about farming, homesteading, going back to nature, and everything else related to it---
If you can't afford a farm, just work on somebody else's for free.
This is my logic essentially:
- Farms are expensive.
- I can't even nearly afford one.
- Rather than never live on a farm, I can live on one basically immediately.
- If I were the owner of the farm, I'd likely still work a full-time job in addition to working the land. This would be necessary to cover all ownership costs.
- So, if I'm working all the time anyway, what difference does it makes whose name the farm is in?
- Also, by adopting a volunteer approach out of the gate, I gain far more experience.
- Rather than study once and develop habits, this avails me many mentors and much practice.
- With this approach, there is zero risk of "losing it all." -- It's mostly all upside.
I thought I'd do a post like this explaining my plan before it comes together. This way, those who follow my posts can sort of follow the story as it unfolds. I already have explicit approval from this host that I can blog, take photos and video and even reveal the name of the farm itself. I'll hold off on doing that until everything is finalized.
What I can share is the name of the site where I'm finding these opportunities:
It's called helpx.net
The site's interface is a bit dated and there is a small yearly membership fee required so that you can send messages to potential hosts. That said, it is working for what it is intended to do.
Maybe you are a homesteader and could use a fellow Steemian on your team this season or next. Maybe you invite @WriteWords. You get free labor and I get a place to stay and food to eat. And, of course, we steem a bunch of great content out there in the meantime.
I'm looking at you @papa-pepper :D Somewhat j/k, but I know there are a lot more homesteaders and farmers on here...
What do you think of my plan? What about my reasoning? Don't give me blind validation. Please offer feedback, ideas, suggestions, and / or content requests. I'm hoping this fuels lots of peaceful, interesting content for us.
thanks for reading.
@WriteWords
Your plan is very cool @writewords I love your ideas and your reasoning is super clear and logical. I'm maybe at a similar point in life, the fellings you expressed stating "I feel led by God to a wide open space. He is leading me according to his will. And, furthermore, his will is what is really best for me. Scientifically, it makes sense as well, if we should go this way." really struck a chord with me. Its like a rewording of my own deep thoughts. I'm planning to solo-hike the Trail of Tears this spring and summer from Cherokee, North Carolina to Tahlequah, Oklahoma. That helpx site seems really sweet, great idea! I would def consider doing something like that. Thanks for sharing.
Hey, you’re welcome. I appreciate your comment. I’m glad someone else feels how I do. Enjoy the adventure! 🐾
I think you have a good idea - I'm in NZ and have a 20 acre farm - In the spring I rear lots of bobby calves like in your picture. I am considering getting some help to live in, maybe someone traveling or just wanting farm experience. It would definitely help me and the other person out. Good luck :)
Thank you and keep me in mind for next year. NZ would be a fun getaway! Hopefully crypto 10x by then 👍🏻✅🙏🏻
Calf season star at the end of July through to October - that would make you a 3 month almost holiday lol
Ok, maybe getaway is wrong. I'd still do it though, if ya wanted a hand.
Great way of thinking of it. Ownership isn't needed to enjoy something. Just go for it, maybe writing your experience down here could make you an income!
That’s what I hope, buddy. Lay me down in green pastures, Lord! 🙌🏻
Having learned a large portion of what I know from working on other people's farms during the many years I spent traveling and Wwoofing, I think it can be an awesome experience. I've resteemed your post @the-hearth, @mountainjewel's curation page for all things earth-centered. The method of working and living on other people's farms to gain knowledge is a model that we love and hope you can find some good fits on Steemit. Each farm is different and so the lessons and learnings at each place will be varied. Some of my best memories are made on other people's farms. Be open to new experiences, being of service, openminded about their methods and forthright if you see alternative solutions.
Best to you and we look forward to seeing how the journey goes.
Thank you @the-hearth -- Glad seeing such a thoughtful comment here alongside news of a re-steem. I'm also glad you've reassured me about this choice. Thanks for all your tips. Looking forward to sharing and learning lots!