Blog

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Do you own a hobby farm, homestead, or even a large scale farm? We know how hard you work and how important everything that you do is to the health and safety of everything you care for. You are probably already familiar with the feeling that you can’t ever get away. That is what we are trying to change. If you just don’t have anyone who is experienced and wiling to help or even if you do and need a back up, HelpingHomestead.com is trying to improve accessibility of reliable sitters for times when you need to travel, get sick or injured, or even if you just need a second pair of hands. 

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Farmers Need Time off Too!

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Reading that header probably made you laugh and roll your eyes. Of course farmers need time off! They are some of the hardest workers out there and are almost always at the mercy of situations/conditions that are not in their control. It is physically, mentally, and even emotionally exhausting at times. What I often hear is that never getting to step away or take a break is simply “part of the job description.” That’s what I want to change. 

I’ve talked to so many farmers whose families have always farmed, and I hear so many stories of missing out. Whether is missing a wedding because it was more than 30 minutes away, or having to go home from the hospital during birth of a family member to milk the cows, or passing up other amazing experiences because of lack of support, it seems like anyone who farms or homesteads is familiar with this situation. 

What is talked about less but is just as valid is the need for a break. In addition to the lack of vacation time, farmers and homesteaders can’t ever bank on taking a mental health day, or even a sick day! Everything they care for still needs care, whether they are up for it or not. 

Check out our other blog post on Avoiding Burnout on the Farm

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Farm Help during Busy Times

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Not all farmers have hired help outside of the family, and usually that’s because they don’t need it most of the time. However, that can change with or without much notice. If a farm or homestead doesn’t typically need seasonal help but suddenly does, it can be hard to find farm hands as they are likely already contracted elsewhere. If the need for help is small or for a short period of time, this can get even more difficult to find the appropriate hire. 

Farm sitters can be perfect for this gap with last minute availability and flexibility with short or long periods of help. 

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Sharing your Knowledge and Love of Farming

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A lot of farm sitters are aspiring farmers or homesteaders that want to learn as much as they can before they begin their own journeys. Supporting young farmers is so crucial to ensure good and responsible care of land, crops, and animals. If you are willing and able to do some onsite training, you’ll have the opportunity to share what you know and help someone follow in your footsteps.

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Why you Need a Farm Sitter

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You are likely already stressed about hiring a stranger to help care for farm or homestead. All the more reason to be picky, spend time looking, and interview potential sitters before you are faced with the situation of needing one with little time. That way, if you find someone who is a great fit but needs a little training, you’ll have plenty of time to help them get up to speed and feel comfortable with all the duties they’ll have while you’re away.

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Even for those who do have a friend, neighbor, or family member that can help, they are also bound by their availability. They will also be out of luck if they are unable to assist at the last minute. It’s good planning to have a few extra, reliable people as back up just in case!

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If you are a farmer or homesteader looking for a sign to take some time off, this is it! Attend that wedding, go on that vacation, or take some time to just relax and unwind. Sign up for free at helpinghomestead.com to browse sitters in your area, or post an upcoming job for your trip. Don’t forget to take care of you so you can continue to take such good care of everything that lives and grows at your farm or homestead.

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