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Head over to -- https://thriftyhomesteader.com/farm-volunteer-program/ -- and drop it in the commentsāso we can reply!Ā
Description
In this episode, Deborah Niemann welcomes Anne Petersen of Rosasharn Farmāone of the longest-standing Nigerian Dwarf breeders in the U.S.āto talk about her farm's long-running and highly successful volunteer program. What began as hosting a foreign exchange student over two decades ago has evolved into a dynamic educational experience that has inspired many former volunteers to start their own farms and even veterinary careers.
Anne shares how her program organically developed through her involvement in 4-H, homeschooling, and local agricultural organizations. She emphasizes that the key to a successful volunteer program is education, not free labor, and dives into how she models tasks and responsibilities for volunteers of all ages.
Whether you're thinking of starting a volunteer program or just love hearing about farm-based community building, youāll find inspiration, insight, and practical advice in this thoughtful and experience-rich conversation.
What Youāll Learn:
- How Anneās volunteer program started and evolved over 40+ years
- Why education is at the heart of her farmās volunteer experience
- The importance of modeling and working with your volunteers
- Lessons learned from early challenges, including personality mismatches
- Why understanding a volunteerās intentions and mindset is critical
- How former volunteers have launched their own farms and careers
- Advice for farmers considering starting their own volunteer program
Resources Mentioned:
- Rosasharn Farm
- Southeastern Massachusetts Agricultural Partnership (SEMAP)
- 4-H Youth Programs
- Local Young Farmer Networks
Thanks for tuning in!
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š¹ Check out Goats 365 membership
š¹ Or explore The Goat Academy
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Happy goat-keeping! š
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