Work as a Farm Caretaker, and Live Rent Free
PHOTO: FOTOLIA/ALMGREN
Are you ready to head for the country, but lack the $$ to buy or rent land? That was Dale and Sandy Deraps' situation exactly . . . until a friend suggested that theycaretake a farm.
You've probably heard of house-sitting, or living in-and looking after—a residence while its owner is on vacation.
Well, farm caretaking is somewhat similar . . . except that, in the kind of cases I'm talking about, the owner is always away, so you don't have to worry about moving out in a couple of weeks or months. Plus, you get to see what farm life is all about—firsthand and close up—without having to invest thousands of dollars in your own "spread".
Sound like a good deal? We thought so, after a friend of ours explained the idea to us. At the time we had just spent weeks gumshoeing around the backwoods in search of low-rent rural housing (to no avail), we were ready to try anything . . . and caretaking sounded like just the answer.
So, at a cost of around $100, we placed the following ad in various newspapers and county journals over a two-month period:
We will protect and maintain your farm property for the privilege of living there. Caretaking includes safeguarding adjacent outbuildings, livestock, equipment, crops, woods, roads, fields, and water systems. No utilities needed except on-site water and stovewood privileges. Must be no more than two hours' driving time from St. Louis. Reply to Box__or call collect (314) 000-0000.
Related Content
MOTHER EARTH NEWS FAIR
Next: September 14-16, 2018
Seven Springs, PA
Whether you want to learn how to grow and raise your own food, build your own root cellar, or create a green dream home, come out and learn everything you need to know — and then some!
LEARN MOREMoney-Saving Tips in Every Issue!
At MOTHER EARTH NEWS, we are dedicated to conserving our planet's natural resources while helping you conserve your financial resources. You'll find tips for slashing heating bills, growing fresh, natural produce at home, and more. That's why we want you to save money and trees by subscribing through our earth-friendly automatic renewal savings plan. By paying with a credit card, you save an additional $5 and get 6 issues of MOTHER EARTH NEWS for only $12.95 (USA only).
You may also use the Bill Me option and pay $17.95 for 6 issues.
Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
International Subscribers - Click Here
Canadian subscriptions: 1 year (includes postage & GST).
Would love to care take farm for some .Im retired military used to own my qwn dairy an beef farm.I know how to operate equipment take care of live stock looking for long term arrangment
Recently retired and divorced. I have carpentry skills and tools. I am looking for a rural (modest) farmhouse for my 3 rescued dogs and myself to live, in return for maintaining home and property. Honest,Respectful and sad.
Looking for a farm/property to live and work on! Hard working, reliable vehicle and very respectful! Willing to travel all over
I am looking for land to live on for free. I would love to be a caretaker for plants, no animals please.
hello my name is Gilbert and I am Looking for a Land or frame to work and live on for free
Hello! My boyfriend and I are looking to live/ work on a farm outside of Portland. I will be taking classes at PSU and I desire to fill my spare time working outdoors/ gardening/ getting my hands dirty on a farm :) My boyfriend has much experience working construction as well as hunting, and farming. We are hard workers who are looking to work in a beautiful setting outdoors while living a simple lifestyle. Farmers, landowners, homeowners we are open to many different types of care taking/farming opportunities :)
Hi! My boyfriend and I are looking to live/work on a farm or large property outside of the Portland Oregon area. I will be attending PSU in the fall, I am studying Psychology and Anthropology. I hope to spend my free time working on a farm/ gardening/ property care taking. My boyfriend has several years experience in farming, construction and hunting. We are hard workers, we are creative, we are honest and reliable. Farm owners, land/property owners we are open to different type of care taking/ farming opportunities. Please contact us :)
Hello! My boyfriend and I are looking to live/ work on a farm outside of Portland. I will be taking classes at PSU and I desire to fill my spare time working outdoors/ gardening/ getting my hands dirty on a farm :) My boyfriend has much experience working construction as well as hunting, and farming. We are hard workers who are looking to work in a beautiful setting outdoors while living a simple lifestyle. Farmers, landowners, homeowners we are open to many different types of care taking/farming opportunities :)
Hi, my spouse and I are looking to find a farm to help work in exchange for room and board. You can contact me at independent51967@gmail.com. Thank you, Charlotte
Hi, my husband and I are looking to find someone who is looking for a farm hand or two in exchange for room and board. Both have experience and would love the opportunity to meet with you and or come to work for you. You may reach us at either indeprndent51967@gmail.com or 4782281378. Thank you, Charlotte.
Hi, my spouse and I are looking to find a farm to help work in exchange for room and board. You can contact me at independent51967@gmail.com. Thank you, Charlotte
Hi, my spouse and I are looking to find a farm to help work in exchange for room and board. You can contact me at independent51967@gmail.com. Thank you, Charlotte
To PHIL who posted in January - please contact us! trina@akosmopolite.com " phil 1/23/2018 1:22:18 PM "I have a small 17 acre farm in Parsons Tennessee looking to provide housing with good living conditions for a couple that wants to work taking care of our animals. "
PHIL from TN - plz contact us! trina@akosmopolite.com
To PHIL who posted in January - please contact us! trina@akosmopolite.com " phil 1/23/2018 1:22:18 PM "I have a small 17 acre farm in Parsons Tennessee looking to provide housing with good living conditions for a couple that wants to work taking care of our animals. "
My partner and I are very interested in exchange like this - care/protect land/property and open to helping/caring for plants, animals. We are in a pinch right now and need to move out our home by end of June but would like to move out sooner considering our situation. We can chat when you make contact with us! :) We also have a dog and 2 cats. We love animals and nature ♡ He currently works as a Server but has interest in learning carpentry. I work from home as an educational test grader but I am an energy healer, teacher, artist, writer. We are in Kentucky and would be interested in the following areas: KY, TN, GA, FL. We eventually want to make our way West to CA, OR or WA, even HI so if you are out West and need help plz still contact us bc we can save up $ and make our way out there! I've lived alternative lifestyle for years and want to show my partner how amazing life really is outside the matrix ;) My email is trina@akosmopolite.com Thank you so much
My partner and I are very interested in exchange like this - care/protect land/property and open to helping/caring for plants, animals. We are in a pinch right now and need to move out our home by end of June but would like to move out sooner considering our situation. We can chat when you make contact with us! :) We also have a dog and 2 cats. We love animals and nature ♡ He currently works as a Server but has interest in learning carpentry. I work from home as an educational test grader but I am an energy healer, teacher, artist, writer. We are in Kentucky and would be interested in the following areas: KY, TN, GA, FL. We eventually want to make our way West to CA, OR or WA, even HI so if you are out West and need help plz still contact us bc we can save up $ and make our way out there! I've lived alternative lifestyle for years and want to show my partner how amazing life really is outside the matrix ;) My email is trina@akosmopolite.com Thank you so much
My partner and I are very interested in exchange like this - care/protect land/property and open to helping/caring for plants, animals. We are in a pinch right now and need to move out our home by end of June but would like to move out sooner considering our situation. We can chat when you make contact with us! :) We also have a dog and 2 cats. We love animals and nature ♡ He currently works as a Server but has interest in learning carpentry. I work from home as an educational test grader but I am an energy healer, teacher, artist, writer. We are in Kentucky and would be interested in the following areas: KY, TN, GA, FL. We eventually want to make our way West to CA, OR or WA, even HI so if you are out West and need help plz still contact us bc we can save up $ and make our way out there! I've lived alternative lifestyle for years and want to show my partner how amazing life really is outside the matrix ;) My email is trina@akosmopolite.com Thank you so much
My partner and I are very interested in exchange like this - care/protect land/property and open to helping/caring for plants, animals. We are in a pinch right now and need to move out our home by end of June but would like to move out sooner considering our situation. We can chat when you make contact with us! :) We also have a dog and 2 cats. We love animals and nature ♡ He currently works as a Server but has interest in learning carpentry. I work from home as an educational test grader but I am an energy healer, teacher, artist, writer. We are in Kentucky and would be interested in the following areas: KY, TN, GA, FL. We eventually want to make our way West to CA, OR or WA, even HI so if you are out West and need help plz still contact us bc we can save up $ and make our way out there! I've lived alternative lifestyle for years and want to show my partner how amazing life really is outside the matrix ;) My email is trina@akosmopolite.com Thank you so much
My partner and I are very interested in exchange like this - care/protect land/property and open to helping/caring for plants, animals. We are in a pinch right now and need to move out our home by end of June but would like to move out sooner considering our situation. We can chat when you make contact with us! :) We also have a dog and 2 cats. We love animals and nature ♡ He currently works as a Server but has interest in learning carpentry. I work from home as an educational test grader but I am an energy healer, teacher, artist, writer. We are in Kentucky and would be interested in the following areas: KY, TN, GA, FL. We eventually want to make our way West to CA, OR or WA, even HI so if you are out West and need help plz still contact us bc we can save up $ and make our way out there! I've lived alternative lifestyle for years and want to show my partner how amazing life really is outside the matrix ;) My email is trina@akosmopolite.com Thank you so much
My name is Eddie Gonzalez and I'm willing to work for my rent it's me and my wife an son,, we have been struggling to get a job and we been living in a hotel for a year now and we are tired of living like this my son is 16 years old and I want the best for him please give me a chance to get my family to a better living ..thank you my email is marieloveseddie.13@gmail.com
My name is Arthur and i was born and raised on a farm.I am good when it comes to taking care of animal,crops,construction,carpentry.I would love to share my experince by being a caretaker on someones farm and you will not regret it.I need along term...my email:arthurdvn@gmail.com
My name is Arthur and i was born and raised on a farm.I am good when it comes to taking care of animal,crops,construction,carpentry.I would love to share my experince by being a caretaker on someones farm and you will not regret it.I need along term...my email:arthurdvn@gmail.com
We have 20 acres in need of a caretaker, Klamath River country, very northern California. If you like fishing, woodworking, terrace gardening, maybe small flock tending with guardian animals, and overall mountain living, this might be the place for you. We do wildlife rehab but we don't need the whole 20. 4wheel drive is kind of a necessity up here. Off-grid. Good water. Just like the article says, your presence would be service enough for us. So bring your alternative building ideas and relax. Must love bears :) 530-623-0376 porcupine360@yahoo.com
We have 20 acres in need of a caretaker, Klamath River country, very northern California. If you like fishing, woodworking, terrace gardening, maybe small flock tending with guardian animals, and overall mountain living, this might be the place for you. We do wildlife rehab but we don't need the whole 20. 4wheel drive is kind of a necessity up here. Off-grid. Good water. Just like the article says, your presence would be service enough for us. So bring your alternative building ideas and relax. Must love bears :) 530-623-0376 porcupine360@yahoo.com
We have 20 acres in need of a caretaker, Klamath River country, very northern California. If you like fishing, woodworking, terrace gardening, maybe small flock tending with guardian animals, and overall mountain living, this might be the place for you. We do wildlife rehab but we don't need the whole 20. 4wheel drive is kind of a necessity up here. Off-grid. Good water. Just like the article says, your presence would be service enough for us. So bring your alternative building ideas and relax. Must love bears :) 530-623-0376 porcupine360@yahoo.com
May 5/12/1018. We are interested in talking to someone with experience taking care of a few horses, chickens and general upkeep of farm / home, who may be seriously interested in farm care taking for us for a period of 3 to 6 months in 2019. No rent and we would expect a reliable, sincerely responsible person to care for our animals, upkeep and maintaining property and home. We live in South Western Wisconsin. Email : els.anderson@icloud.com
Would be great to have someone to help me establish a homestead farm. I'm a single, 37-year-old guy here who lives on a beautiful, 24-acre area of land in Missouri. I'm mainly learning about gardening at the moment, but I also hope to have animals in the near future. bolivarmoman@gmail.com
Would be great to have someone to help me establish a homestead farm. I'm a single, 37-year-old guy here who lives on a beautiful, 24-acre area of land in Missouri. I'm mainly learning about gardening at the moment, but I also hope to have animals in the near future. bolivarmoman@gmail.com
looking for caretaker position 30 yrs experience tailsrwaggin@gmail.com
Hi my name is amanda linville and my fiances name is Robert. I have experience in working as a farm hand taking care of horses. Worked 65hrs a month for rent. I loved it. Looking to do the same again. My fiance grew up around horses so he has experience as well. Im looking for something in salt lake city utah or jorden utah. Please email me at mrsjackson3531@gmail.com
Hi my name is amanda and my fiances name is robert. I use to be a farm hand and im looking for this again in salt lake city utah. Please call me at 5625284122. Also my fiance grew up on a farm so we both know alot about horses and all that good stuff
I am looking for a caretaker position on farm or ranch in Arizona or California. I am an ex racehorse trainer and have experience with rescue dogs. Also an experienced organic gardener. sbump555@gmail.com
I am looking for a farm to caretake around the McHenry, Illinois area. Please email me at nokillshelternetwork@gmail.com Thanks!
I am looking for a farm to caretake around the McHenry, Illinois area. Please email me at nokillshelternetwork@gmail.com Thanks!
Looking to get out of new York . family man ,wife and 4 kids 26,23,11,and 7. looking to work on established farm. I have experience with horses and other animals ..experienced in building maintenance . lawn care and animal care. Look for rent free w/ modest salary or low rent with salary position on working farm where my family can contribute to productivity. Thank you for reading. Mike.
Family with 4 kids looking to get out of new York..bungalow caretakers ..love animals familiar with horses have experience would like to work/ live on farm and raise kids in fresh air...hard worker with multiple talents inc. Bulding maintenance and animal care .
ASAP. Looking to live, reside in a studio or alike, on a farm or large garden around Boulder Colorado for part rent and part labor. I am single, capable man in my 30's who also has a full time job working early mornings. Please call my friend Emme at 707 546 2495.
ASAP. Looking to live, reside in a studio or alike, on a farm or large garden around Boulder Colorado for part rent and part labor. I am single, capable man in my 30's who also has a full time job working early mornings. Please call my friend Emme at 707 546 2495.
I am looking in on being a farm caretaker in ga macon area. I love animals i have worked with horses,chickens and more i would like to live in the county and have the sound of animals to keep me motivated please call me at 706-351-9479 i would love to get a call, and have a good day
I am looking in on being a farm caretaker in ga macon area. I love animals i have worked with horses,chickens and more i would like to live in the county and have the sound of animals to keep me motivated please call me at 706-351-9479 i would love to get a call, and have a good day
I would love to become a caretaker of a horse farm in Mississippi.I am Raymond Swindle this is my wife Mary s cell phone number to contact me on 1 -601-934-1238
I would love to become a caretaker of a horse farm in Mississippi.I am Raymond Swindle this is my wife Mary s cell phone number to contact me on 1 -601-934-1238
I would love to become a caretaker of a horse farm in Mississippi.I am Raymond Swindle this is my wife Mary s cell phone number to contact me on 1 -601-934-1238
I would love to do this and I have always wanted a farm and I want to spend the rest of my days on a farm and I’m only 19 and I have helped out on a few farms
This would be awesome,i woulnt let anyone down,i also have experience in a lot of construction trades.
lo,i also have construction knowledge,carprntry,concrete,framing,roofing,etc.cation doent matter
I would love to learn how to take care of a garden or plants. No animals and live on the farm rent free. Tell Me How Please
This looks like a great opportunity. I would love to take care of Gardens and Plant Life. How do I get started?
Anyone in Cleveland Ohio
I always wanted to do something like that I have no experience but want to learn everything
I always wanted to do something like that I have no experience but want to learn everything
Extremely interested in finding something in and around ohio. scoffey07@gmail.com
My husband and I are very interested in this, our phone number is 352-247-4030
My fiancé and I are very interested. You can get ahold of us at 262 221 0217
My fiancé and I are very interested. You can give him a call at (262) 221 0217
My husband and I are extremely interested. Please contact us at corywilliams2525@gmail.com or 8034129986. Help us help you ASAP.
My husband was born and raised on a dairy farm with lots of experience in landscaping and even oil fields. I was raised by a country girl obsessed with gardening. We have two kids and two dogs and are animal lovers. This would be such a blessing if we could have this opportunity. We desperately are looking for some sort of break, this would also be an amazing way to teach our kids the importance of hard work. I promise this would be something you would not regret. You can contact me (Ashley Williams) and my husband, Cory Williams at corywilliams2525@gmail.com and (803)412-9986. Help us help you.
My husband was born and raised on a dairy farm with lots of experience in landscaping and even oil fields. I was raised by a country girl obsessed with gardening. We have two kids and two dogs and are animal lovers. This would be such a blessing if we could have this opportunity. We desperately are looking for some sort of break, this would also be an amazing way to teach our kids the importance of hard work. I promise this would be something you would not regret. You can contact me (Ashley Williams) and my husband, Cory Williams at corywilliams2525@gmail.com and (803)412-9986. Help us help you.
I am interested in becoming a care taker live in as a single veteran who wants to reconnectbwith nature. If anyone needs someone willing to work and help out please let me know. Clecain@yahoo.com
Phil i am interested. Rishmaries@gmail.com
Phil i am interested. Rishmaries@gmail.com
I have a small 17 acre farm in Parsons Tennessee looking to provide housing with good living conditions for a couple that wants to work taking care of our animals.
I have a small 17 acre farm in Parsons Tennessee looking to provide housing with good living conditions for a couple that wants to work taking care of our animals.
We'll I got 7 years poultry expierence and mechanically inclined .very stress full . Had small farm horse ,goats,couple cows ivovled in 4h . Looking for somthing a little more at ease with its self as like me . Any one know any thing shit me a line coycooper56@gmail.com
No need to travel over sea's Farm resident seeking farmhand. In exchange for shelter. No electricity with wood burning privilege. No freeloaders needed. Organic non gmo farming is the objective. If interested in forest farm life please contact Denisemohr1960@yahoo.com
No need to travel over seas. Resident of farm seeking farm help for shelter. Things have been neglected and its pretty start from scratch. Organic non gmo is the objective. Interested person please contact Denisemohr1960@yahoo.com
you sound like a GREAT couple to have take care of a farm .I have a small hoobby farm just 3 acres but in a LOVELY mild climate in Costa Rica nebver too hot nor humis and tranquility yet 10 minutes from towns and villages ,YOUR work sounds tough I offer FAR less to do as caretakers WITH owner living in separate house on property but owner wants freedom to travel now and then when caretakers look after 5 rescued dogs and 1 cat, small jobs and most important t feed and play with our 5 beloved dogs and 1 cat while living in a lovely chalet or apartment on same 3 acres ..only need about 4 hours to cut grass or any light handy type "jobs" you or anyone like you ,as long as you can feed ourselves Cheap in Costa Rica, can come and help out LONG TERM if needed , IF serious email for photos and tel us when you would be available and about your lifestyle.. EMAIL . extrapets@gmail.com Good Luck and learn spanish if you wish....
JOHN YOU HAVE A VERY PESSIMISTIC UTLOOK THUS MAYBE SPOINING AB GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR PLEASNAT FOLKS TO TRAVEL RENT FREE IN LOVELY PACES ALL VER THE WORLD .IN ALL MY YERAS HOSTING COUPLES AND INDIVISIUUALS ON Y LITTLE 3 ACRE FARM I HAVE MADE LOTS OF FRIENDS AND NEVER HAD ONE PROBLEM .MOST WANT TO STAY MUCH LONGER THAN AT FIRST THOUGHT...SO LIGHTEN UP SON AND ALLOW OTHERS TO HAVE AGREAT WAY TO DO A FEW 4 OTR 5 HOURS LIGHT WORK (LIKE FEEDING AND PLAYING WITH MY 4 5 RESCUED DOGS AND A FEW ODD JOBS WHEN NECESSARY.NEVER ALONE HER E WITH GREAT HOSTA IN SEPARATE HOUSE IF WANTED..Her in a LOVELY part of COSTA RICA..we have Spring like temperatures year round 70.80F and VIEWS and WIFI and MORE and 2 days to fgo off touring this great country....anyone out there ant to come and try it? email me at extrapets@gmail.com [ ONLY to really interested people Sorry no time for dreamers :) D andJ
JOHN sounds like a real pessimist.I have had many "volunteer helpers over the years come here to my lovely 3 acres amd less than 4 hours work 5 days weekly in return for lovvely palce to live with sprinlike temeraures YEAR Round Never too hot or humid in this Gorf=geous area of COSTA RICA..I hvae had at least 39 coules and several singles come to help mostly to feed and play with my 5 rescued dogs and 1 cat...and ALL have been here many months, became friends and STILL want to come back. when available . John needs to lighten up... HIS weird pessimism can ruin the chance of a lifetime for MANY people all over the world, and a chance to learn a new language *(here Spanish . which I now speak )n COM on and try it ,what have you gat to lose? Nothing but MUCH to Gain. email extrapets@gmail.com Good Luck
Careful, as an experienced caretaker of more than 7 years and a farm hand of more than 25 yrs, DO NOT rush into a CT agreement before youve done you're homework. Many farm owners will let you live "rent free" to maintain their property of coarse but, there's also seemingly sometimes an infinite number of things to consider before do so. For instance, "Sure, rents free" but, have you considered or clarified w the owner who pays for material when something needs fixed, or gas and deisel costs, and/or on even more demanding farms should more than a standard 40hr worth of work be deemed necessary per pay week..overtime? More examples include (but not limited to) *Any other income if only given "free rent", *Farm vs personal vehicle maintenance and insurance, whos responsible?, If the "free rentals" number of hrs needed to properly maintain a property- exceed more by an hourly rate more than one would pay per dollar value of another home equivalently sized? In other words, if your normal rent cost you say, 20hrs at your normal rates time, and 60 hrs are needed weekly for proper farm management, are you really do yourself any better than what you would be to just keep your 9-5 and pay rent and keep those extra 40hrs for something more profitable? If that makes sense? Also, most land owners don't want alot of your friends, family, (or company) parked on their property very often, so, sometimes company and /or overnight guest may or may not be welcome. Another problem that I've witnessed is that a typical separation notice by either party) wants to give one 30 days to pack up and extract ones belongings in the event of a separation and occasionally (especially if single) may find trouble in storing farm related or non farm related "Accumulations" as well as another place to live for that matter in the typical 30day allotted time period so, that can be possibly difficult as well under the unfortunate circumstance! But, Overall, With Plenty of (Long-Term)Thinking Ahead, a Strong Back, Mind, and Heart, and a Willingness to Work Hard Everyday (or almost everyday🎣) and an overall Determination to persevere and push through ALL that WILL come, caretaking CAN be a Great alternative way of living vs. renting or buying!... but may God be with you regardlessly..lol..bc you're going to need Him!!
when can I begin? where can I find this arrangement?
This sounds ideal for me. Where can I find such an arrangement? I need to move very soon too.
I have always wanted to be on a farm. Sounds ideal. I have to move soon, so this would be ideal for me. Can you tell me where can I find such arrangements?
This is an awesome idea and a great situation to be in. I would love for something like this to be my life. Lol. Idk how well I'd fair in some rural areas as I am pretty obviously a lesbian hippy. But. I'm going to look into this
Could anyone please give me some tips on finding some of these work for rent farming/caretaker in Missouri I really don't know how to look for them since I'm in another state please help my email sweetie6089@gmail.com