Did you know that Happy Wife Acres accepts Apprentices? Homesteading education is the core of our mission, and apprentices learn while helping us achieve that mission. Apprentices visit on a recurring basis to learn about homesteading. We ask that apprentices visit at least once per week for a minimum of 3 hours.
Our previous apprentices have been aspiring and current homesteaders, those curious about the homesteading lifestyle, and even students with a desire or requirement to volunteer. Apprentices can be as young as 15.
Apprentices learn about caring for chickens, ducks, rabbits, quail, guineas, and bees, as well as gardening, food preservation, wine making, fruit & berry growing, animal processing, building, repair, and operating tools & equipment. Visits are tailored to match each person’s desires.
There is no payment or cost for apprenticeships. Apprentices donate their labor in exchange for homesteading knowledge. The real life experiences gained here aren’t available on the internet or in books.
Many apprentices express interest in the spring, but are welcome any time of the year. What we ask is that apprentices propose a schedule of at least one weekly visit, and then adhere to that schedule. Apprentices may come on any day of the week except Saturday, which we reserve for ourselves. Some apprentices visit 5 times per week, and some just once per week. Consistency is the key to get the most out of being an apprentice. Farm tasks constantly throughout the year, so there is always something different happening!
Please be aware that being an apprentice is physically demanding. Since apprentices trade their labor for knowledge, we expect apprentices to have the physical ability to perform most of the tasks that we do. That includes lifting up to 40 pounds, negotiating rough terrain, bending, using a variety of hand tools and power tools, and standing for long periods of time.
If you are interested in becoming an apprentice, start by filling out the application below. As part of the selection process, we will schedule you for a farm tour. The tour serves as an interview to make sure that being an apprentice is right for you, and to make sure you will be a good fit at the farm. If you have questions about being an apprentice, you can call/text Andrea at 937-361-5798.
