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 paid $10 a shot to run this classified listing in both of the two big St. Louis papers, and we also placed the notice in seven county journals that were published in the areas where we wanted to live.
The widely read St. Louis newspapers pulled the biggest response, from landowners, who lived right in town and from folks as much as 200 miles distant. (The papers' Sunday editions seem to reach small towns within a radius of at least 150 miles.) All told, we received about 60 replies to our little advertisement.
The propositions sent to us were amazingly varied. Landowners with IS to 1,500 acres wrote, asking if we'd like to: perform full-time farming . . . stay just for the winter (or summer) months . . . look after livestock . . . restore, inhabit, and maintain an existing dwelling . . . live in a house trader, or—in one case—a converted city bus . . . bring a trailer and live on the land . . . swap labor for our stay . . . pay token rent and do no labor . . . etc.
After looking into several attractive offers, we moved to a 200-acre farm (with fine old house, barn, and well-preserved sheds) 80 miles west of St. Louis. The nice thing about this "find" is that we didn't have to supply any household items: We simply walked in the door and began living. Not only was the house itself completely furnished down to blankets, pots, and pans . . . but the sheds were jam packed with tools of all sorts, and the barn contained—among other things—a spankin'-new Ford tractor and implements.
We figure that our method of farm hunting should work for anyone, just about anywhere in the country. Remember, though, that situations are always changing . . . and that your ad—if printed in June or July—may not draw quite the response that ours did back in November and December.
Here—based on what we've learned—are some down-to-earth suggestions which we hope will help you to find that perfect owner/caretaker setup:
[1] Steer clear of property which is either already up for sale, or likely to be so offered while you're residing on the place. Ask the landlord about this little detail before you seal any agreement.
[2] Be honest when you explain your situation and your desires to an owner. This could prevent hard feelings later.
[3] When in doubt, get it in writing. Put your duties, privileges, conditions of stay, etc., down on paper and have both parties sign and keep copies of the understanding.
[4] If your farm's owner expects you to work as part of the deal—rather than simply watch over things—come to some sort of mutual agreement as to what a year's rent is worth . . . and then offer to make good this amount in cash and/or labor. Remember, your very presence is a service and thus has a dollar value. On top of that, any work you do should be worth at least $2.50 an hour (or whatever the going rate might be in your area), Set the exchange up on a yearly basis if you can, since you'll be busier some seasons than others.
[5] Regardless of who you are, country people are likely to accept you as long as they can see you're genuine and hardworking. So try to look—and be—genuine and hardworking! (Note: While making our deal I cut my hair for the first time in three years and found that, as a result, I was much more quickly accepted . . . even with my beard still intact.—DD.)
[6] Communicate. Make it a point to talk things over with your farm's owner from time to time. It'll keep hidden misunderstandings from building up.
[7] Finally, know thyself. Farm life, in case you haven't heard, can be pretty demanding. You've got to accept that fact, and come to grips with your own inadequacies . . . or be doomed. We worked three years to get ourselves "together" mentally, physically, and spiritually for the Big Move. Yet even so, as caretakers—not farmers—we've more than once run up against the brick wall of OUR limitations. Our advice—if you have any doubts about whether or not you're ready to go "back to the land"—is don't go.
We feel we've been fortunate in finding our present setup. The owner of "our" farm plans to reside here one day himself but is currently tied to a job in the city. In the meantime we live on his property, chop our own wood, gather wild foods, keep a garden, and rejuvenate old fruit trees . . . among other things. (This summer, we'll paint the house and the roof on the barn, plant walnut trees, and mow pastures.)
Take it from us: You don't have to have money in order to move to the country. All you need is a willingness to work, a desire to leave the city . . . and a landowner who'll let you live rent free in exchange for caretaking his farm!
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