Dirty Hands, Clean Soul – Learn to Farm With Texas Farm Stays

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If your definition of having fun involves getting your hands dirty—quite literally—and learning about all things Texas agriculture, then Texas farm stays are for you! 

Also known as agritourism, this tourism sector has seen a rise in popularity over the past couple of years. This trend reflects a wider shift since the pandemic – a reduction in the number of speedy, international weekend getaways has led to an increase in people wanting to immerse themselves in slow travel and wholesome experiences.

Widely popular in Europe, and recently catching on in the United States, working farm stay experiences operate on an exchange basis. This means anybody interested in gaining a deeper understanding of how farming works can opt to live temporarily at a farm and carry out small tasks in exchange for lodging and home-cooked meals (how long do cooked meals last?).

While farmers’ markets bring fresh food to the city, farm stay guests live at a working farm. This can be for any duration – often a month or more. This kind of trip not only lets you break away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but also gives you time to stop and reflect on the simple things in life. 

Texas farm stays are a great way to get to know a new way of life over several weeks or months, and are perfect for those who appreciate being outdoors and don’t mind a bit of manual labor.

How do Texas Farm Stays Work?

Farms, particularly those with a sustainable and eco-friendly approach, often require an extra pair of helping hands. As a result, many open up their land to volunteers who are interested in learning about farming first hand. In return, the host family offers free home-cooked food (think pasture-raised eggs and grass-fed beef), accomodation, and other amenities. The range of activities a guest will be expected to help out with also varies and depends on the work available and the skill set of the lodger.

Where Can I Find Farms Offering Farm Stays in Texas?

If you’re looking for farm stays in Texas, check out websites like WWOOF, WorkAway, and Farm Stay USA. Here, you can browse several Texas farms to find one that suits your taste. Additionally, you can contact the owners directly to find out more and arrange a visit.

How Long Does a Texas Farm Stay Last?

While many farms have a minimum requirement of staying at least a week, the length of your stay should be discussed with your hosts beforehand. Some farms prefer extended stays that span a whole season, while others are happy to host you for a day or two.

What Chores Will I Be Expected to Partake In?

Chores at a working farm stay include anything from fruit picking and tending to animals to learning about organic farming and setting up an irrigation method. A typical working week can range from just a couple of hours of light labor to several hours of manual work. You don’t have to be an expert at what you do, and many farm hosts are open-minded about what work they’ll give to you. What’s important is that you’re willing to participate wholeheartedly in whatever tasks you’re given. Read through the information listed on each farm’s post and discuss your expected daily work hours. This reduces the possibility of a stressful environment and also gives you a good idea of how you should pack for your trip.

On the other hand, it’s worth mentioning that some farms don’t expect you to be actively involved in the farm operations at all. These farm stays are more of a retreat or vacation, where visitors typically pay for their stay and food.

When Can I Do a Farm Stay?

Many Texan farm stays run all year round, unless mentioned otherwise in their listings.

Are Families Allowed?

Depending on the particular farm’s rules, you may be able to stay as a family.

Great! How Do I Get Started?

You can start by setting up an online account on a farm stay website of your choice. For a small yearly subscription, volunteers can sign up to receive access to a complete directory of farms in their chosen location in Texas.

Next, zero in on your choices by filtering what types of farming you’d like to explore. For example, cheesemaking, fruit picking, or working with farm animals. You can then proceed to get in touch with the host family.

Benefits of Texas Farm Stays

Inviting volunteers to partake in farm stays creates a supplementary revenue flow for small farms, helping these small businesses to survive. It also creates a ripple effect in the local community. As “slow travelers” visit a region for an extended period of time, they spend more in the local community, dining in nearby restaurants and purchasing goods at artisanal markets, for example. This economic influx helps the region to maintain their local culture and culinary traditions. And what’s more, it allows farmers to preserve their farm homes and safeguards land from estate developers.

In return, farm stays guarantee visitors a brand new perspective on life. The opportunity to find a connection with nature is incomparable to any other. Staying on a farm will cost you far less than staying at an upscale hotel, with many farms accepting work in exchange for free accommodation.

Guest Guidelines for a Farm Stay

As a guest (holiday or working), remember that you’re an integral part of the complete farm stay experience. Your hosts graciously welcome you into their lives and property to offer you a hospitable time. As a responsible guest, you should thus be mindful of the life of a farmer. You may be expected to rise early, eat what is cooked for you, and be accepting of any changes that are out of your hosts’ control. Most importantly, leave your inhibitions behind, expect to get your hands dirty, and have fun!

Looking for a Texas farm stay this summer? 

Have you taken part in a farm stay? How was the experience? Drop a comment below and let us know!