In this photo we are doing an ultrasound scan on a ewe to confirm pregnancy and get a fetal count.  

Whether you are interested in coming as a helpful visitor or for focused instruction tailored to your specific interest, please email ann@weefamilyfarm.com with a description of your interests and availability.  We look forward to hearing from you. We are proud to be an LGBTQ friendly space.  

Immerse yourself in farm life with our Practicum Training.  Come for a day - or longer - for hands-on learning while lending a hand at whatever needs doing. In the past we used to the title "Farm Volunteers" for helpful visitors. However, we learned recently that labor law in USA makes it illegal for us to host volunteers as we don't have non-profit status.  I find this super unfortunate, yet, my value of empowering aspiring farmers and homesteaders remains the same.  So now we charge a modest fee for providing practicum instruction, not "Volunteers", and no one is turned away for lack of funds. We charge Practicum Visitors $10 per day, with a meal included.  Practicum is for ages 18 and up, or 14 and up with a supervising adult.

Focused Instruction: What part of farm and homestead life is your passion? Improve your skills with Farmer Ann. Please see the "Expereinces" page for seasonal topics. I have been living and teaching old-fashioned skills to both adults and Children for more than 20 years.  Let her me your guide on the topic of your choice.  All ages welcome.  

Half-Day Farm Experience $80 for one or two people, $30 each additional person. 

Full-Day Farm Experience $125 for one or two people, $45 each additional person.

Some activities have an additional material fee... and you get to go home with what you make...Bars of soap? Felted slippers? A loaf of sourdough? What do you want to learn to make?

More about on farm practicum experience: several individuals or couples come to Wee Family Farm for a day long visit once or twice per month. These helpful visitors join Farmer Ann, working side-by-side to gain hand-on skills and experience how farming tasks change with the seasons.  We have capacity to host others with a similar arrangement. 

For those coming from outside the area, we are open to consider a longer stay, with sleeping accommodation as bring your own, RV, travel trailer, or tent.  This can be a great way to trial a long term co-farming arrangement.  For female visitors only a room in the farmhouse is also an option.

A favorite for many is lambing time. In 2027 most lambs will be born in February and early March.  I feel proud that barn sleep outs, to be available as sheep midwife, has led to zero mortality in recent years.  Learning how to assist when birthing complications arise is valuable skill for all aspiring shepherds.

Seasonal tasks include

December - February: Fruit tree and grape pruning.  Building livestock fences to NRCS specifications, and light-duty fences.

January: Sheep sanitary cuts, vaccination, training for milking stanchion.

Late January - May: Start seeds indoors for later transplanting.  Garden bed preparation and planting. 

February - March: lamb births, 24 hours/ day on call as sheep midwife.

April - May: This time of year is focused on the garden, preparing the soil and planting, milking, and dairy processing.  

May - June: Milking, and cheesemaking is a big part late spring and early summer. It is a time to thin fruit so apples size up well. Prepare and plant garden beds with veggies, fruits, and flowers.