We are toying with the idea of trying a farm sit in a month or so. We are not really the farming type but are willing to give almost anything a try. I notice here and there on the net that there are several positions available - even a dedicated farm sit website. So if anyone has done one or more, either good or bad we would love to hear of your experience.
We have done a fair bit of house sitting - all good. The only time we went to a farm situation not as sitters but they wanted (so they originally said) someone to be there more as security because they took their produce to markets on the weekends - mostly vegies. But we lasted only 1 day as once we were set up there with our caravan they started to outline out duties all without pay. So what they really wanted was unpaid farm hands. We don't mind doing a bit but what they required was beyond a joke.
We have done a fair bit of house sitting - all good. The only time we went to a farm situation not as sitters but they wanted (so they originally said) someone to be there more as security because they took their produce to markets on the weekends - mostly vegies. But we lasted only 1 day as once we were set up there with our caravan they started to outline out duties all without pay. So what they really wanted was unpaid farm hands. We don't mind doing a bit but what they required was beyond a joke.
Thanks for that Kandagal. Yes, we have done some house sitting...all good. We are about to set off on our big oddesy in north Queensland and we though we might try a farm sit just to see how it goes. We are on a pension and thought that it might be a way of saving a few dollars as we would expect at least free food. Anyway we will see what other comments we might receive.
We have been house/farm/station sitting for the best part of 11 years. Many farmers expect a great deal for very little but most are fair eventhough out of touch with such things as the basic wage. We have found it is very important for both parties to be upfront. the farmer about what he requires and expects and the sitter about the compensation expected. We have a bp fuel card and most of our wages have been in the form of fuel credits. We have also been to some amazing places and met some wonderful people. It is worth a fair bit to us just to be in a beautiful quiet place where one can see the stars and watch the world go round so we do not ask for a great deal of money. Unless there is an inordinate amount of effort required, it is not hard to check water or stock in the farmers vehicle, we are happy with our keep and a few dollars for fuel and it is often nice just to have something to do. Good luck!
We have been house/farm/station sitting for the best part of 11 years. Many farmers expect a great deal for very little but most are fair eventhough out of touch with such things as the basic wage. We have found it is very important for both parties to be upfront. the farmer about what he requires and expects and the sitter about the compensation expected. We have a bp fuel card and most of our wages have been in the form of fuel credits. We have also been to some amazing places and met some wonderful people. It is worth a fair bit to us just to be in a beautiful quiet place where one can see the stars and watch the world go round so we do not ask for a great deal of money. Unless there is an inordinate amount of effort required, it is not hard to check water or stock in the farmers vehicle, we are happy with our keep and a few dollars for fuel and it is often nice just to have something to do. Good luck!
Thanks Tezza. Yes, we dont expect little more than our keep and perhaps some fuel for the same things you mention above. Just a little something to do would be nice. We are 65 and not interested in full time work. Just to help out a little here and there and not be ripped off is what we want.
or bad 
we would love to hear of your experience.
