Expectations:
They say the build-up to a vacation is almost better than the
vacation itself. We imagine the sites and the smells based on
photos we've seen or copy we've read; but there is nothing quite
like driving up to a farm in the countryside and actually smelling
fresh hay, hearing the baaing of baby lambs, or looking through row
upon row of manicured orchards!
This is the rural backbone of your country, maybe only an hour
away from your urban residence, but a lifestyle as unfamiliar as
foreign country. This is where your local foods come from,
and these are the folks who work hard to earn your business.
There is an old saying that rings true for most farmers, "Farming
is a lifestyle, not a living." While farmers and their
children will probably never go hungry, profitability is a hard
chase There are other considerations than profit for pursuing
the country life.
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Clothing:
If you have spoken with your hosts in advance, you have probably
checked out what clothing and footwear to bring. Here in
Oregon, I always recommend boots for winter and spring since the
mud has a way of topping any sneakers, if it hasn't already sucked
them straight off! We have seen wonderful kids' boots: bright
yellow ducks, red and black lady bugs, and green crocodiles.
They all do the job and make the trek into the paddocks and loafing
sheds much more enjoyable, especially once the kids realize they
are walking in manure.
I also recommend layers of clothing and nothing so special that
getting it wet or dirty is a worry. It's a good thing to ask
whether there are laundry facilities because, if you are bringing
kids, clothes need to be dried or cleaned before you can even say,
"Don't…"
Arrival:
Expect that your farm stay hosts will have certain check-in
times, often based on previous guest departures, field work, or
feeding schedules. Most of us can be relatively flexible
depending on the time of year. If I am going to be out, I let
guests know where to find me on the farm or leave written
instructions for self check-in. However, I do my best to meet
and greet. It is important to get the introductions with the
farm dogs out of the way, as they can be noisy and oftentimes wary
of little kids who want to hug them like the family dog.
We always follow this with a tour of the property, including
instructions for behavior around livestock, creeks, farm equipment,
gates, and the hay loft. Farms have hidden dangers, it seems
at almost every turn, so it's good to point these out from the
offset. What I have learned: accidents seem to happen within
the first 30 minutes of arrival!
What's to Eat?
Many farm stays offer breakfast. Depending on their
location and their interests, some will offer other meals,
sometimes even elaborate dinners. Ranches are more likely to
provide three meals a day because of their remoteness. If the
website doesn't say, ask about food for other meals. Can you
graze the gardens in season? Is there a local grocery store? When
is the farmer's market? Is there a kitchen?
During your stay:
Most working farms and ranches will have their own agenda for
what they do and do not allow. Some are overjoyed if you want
to pitch in and help with the chores. But realize this is not
a requirement of your farm stay unless it has been expressly
indicated in the sign-up materials. Most of us want you to
ask questions, learn something, appreciate the life style and hard
work, but primarily have a good time and do things you can't do
back home. We have fields and trails to wander, animals to
brush, creeks to play in, and eggs to collect.
Working farms and ranches are busy places so don't be surprised
if you are left on your own during periods of the day. This
works both ways since vacations, even haycations, are times to get
away from over-programming our lives. There may be things you
are not allowed to help out with (tractor work comes to
mind). It's not that we don't want the assistance, but most
insurance agents take a dim view of mixing guests and farm
equipment. However, we may hand you a pitch fork or a
trowel or pruners if you act interested. And, yes, some of us
have been known to take the kids with us for chores while leaving
mom and dad to a good book or a nap!
Accommodations:
Farm stays come in all forms, from the farm house decorated with
antiques to camp sites provided out in the back pasture next to the
creek. They will vary in price and offering. Always
make sure to check what you are getting so your expectations are
reasonable. Specifically, if your travel plans include children or
pets - are they allowed?!
Where ever you are staying there is likely a long list of things
to see and do. If, when you leave, you have stories to
take with you and a new-found interest in shopping your local
farmer's market, that's great. We have had guests who added
chickens to their suburban back yards. Others now contemplate
moving to a farm to raise their kids. Some took time off from
harried city jobs to read books, reconnect with each other, and
relax with our local wines.
Best of all, many guests leave wonderful comments about what it
has meant to them personally to stay on a farm in the
country. Common sentiments: welcoming, peaceful, quiet, warm,
earthy, fresh, tasty, fun, simple, beautiful, relaxing,
eye-opening. For the farmer, that is often thanks enough!
From a Farm Stay U.S. blog post February 19, 2010