Farm Stays

Moose Meadows Farm is a host farm for farm stays.  Since 2002, we have hosted over 60 persons from all over the world.  We have had people come to stay for a week to up to 3 months from Germany, Israel, Australia, France, Spain, Switzerland, Britain, Denmark, Italy, Japan, and even… Canada.   Many of the tasks people have assisted us with are visible around the farm.

The “Dixon-Traer” family is a typical busy family with commitments both on the farm and in town. Ted works in Quesnel for the Ministry of Forests (provincial government). He generally works Monday – Friday with some Friday’s off. Heloise works both on and off the farm undertaking some forestry and agricultural diversification, consulting work in addition to running the farm business. Tyquira and Amity attend school in Quesnel and are both in French Immersion (the majority of their studies are in French). Tyquira (b. 1997) is in high school whereas Amity (b. 2000) is in elementary. Activities the family enjoys are: travelling, watercolour painting, socialising, canoeing, horseback riding, scouting, kung fu, walking, spending lots of time at home, gardening, watching movies, etc. The family works hard and plays hard.

The farm is a unique farm in that it markets both products and experiences. The products and services the farm offers are diverse and include the following: Christmas trees, Evergreen Products (wreaths, garlands, centrepieces), free range eggs, birch syrup, alpaca / llama products (yarn, socks, blankets, duvets, manure), wild syrups and jellies (Dandelion Blossom, Fireweed Blossom, Rosehip, Rose Petal, Saskatoon, Highbush Cranberry), fresh vegetables, greens, berries and herbs, horse boarding, “Birthday in the Barnyard”, Workshops, and On the Farm Festivals and Events. The farm is also home to “The Antlershed Giftshop” and future plans include offering dog boarding and opening up “The Groom’s Quarter Bed & Breakfast”. The farm markets its products at the farm gate, through farmers markets and via the internet.

The farm is home to a wide range of domesticated animals from all over the world. This includes ducks, chickens, geese, guinea fowl, 21 alpacas / llamas, 4 dogs, 2 cats, 3 horses / 2 ponies, 2 donkeys, 1 highland cow, peafowl, 1 sheep and 3 goats. As the farm is situated in a typically Canadian rural setting wildlife, and /or their signs, are often seen on the property. Farm stay participants are asked to be aware of the likely presence of bear, moose, cougar, coyotes, and deer and to exercise caution at all times.

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation at Moose Meadows Farm is either in the house (downstairs bedroom which also functions as the farm office) or upstairs in the barn (“The Grooms Quarters”).

The Groom’s Quarter is a private living space with a sleeping/living and dining area. There is no running water in “The Groom’s Quarter” and the toilet facilities is an outhouse. Access to a bathroom is in the house. Participants will be required to keep their accommodation clean and tidy in addition to assisting with regular household duties. Most dinners will be eaten with the family whereas breakfast and lunch may be prepared independently (groceries will be provided) in the barn.

Athough the farm does have high speed, wireless internet, its availability is limited as it is not DSL (digital subscriber line). The internet is primarily for business function. Farmstay hosts prefer that participants go to town for internet and computer use. Free wireless internet is available at several downtown Quesnel locations.

FARM DUTIES

It is crucial that participants of the farm stay at Moose Meadows Farm are not only enthusiastic but also possess a strong willingness to learn and work diligently while enjoying the experience. Moose Meadows Farm has been welcoming farm stay participants and WWOOFers since 2002 and can host guests nearly year-round. Participants must be prepared for varied weather conditions—be it hot sun, rain, drizzle, snow, or extremely cold temperatures. They will be required to work both indoors and outdoors and, at times, must be able to operate independently. Participants are generally expected to work for 5-6 hours per day, totaling around 30-35 hours per week. Flexibility in work hours is essential, as some days may require more extended work periods. Participants are encouraged to take two days off per week to explore outside the farm. Upholding a strong work ethic is crucial in this unique setting. Farmstay duties at Moose Meadows Farm are diverse and encompass a wide range of tasks, aiming to provide a comprehensive agricultural experience.

Below is a far from comprehensive list of Farmstay duties and tasks you may accomplish while at Moose Meadows: