Jackie Houle

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since Mar 19, 2014
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Maple Ridge, B.C. Canada
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Recent posts by Jackie Houle

And yes you're right, it is the numbers side of it all that makes it scary for me. I think this could get looked into more realistically when I find the farm willing to work with me and talk it through. Once we agree on expectations and what's possible then the numbers can get looked at.

Mostly just want to make sure I am asking the right questions and not leaving anything unanswered. Thanks
12 years ago
That's really refreshing to hear!!

So maybe my next step would be to contact farms looking for wwoofers and propose to them my idea? I'm also thinking of contacting the farm that got me thinking this way to begin with, just wanted to head into that conversation with a little more understanding of it all.

Perhaps signing a contract with length of stay and expectations would be a great idea too. I guess I'm just concerned that me being so new to this, may end up taken advantage of. I understand it's a tricky thing to forego as it doesn't have a traditional set out way of doing it. I guess I just need more guidance in that department. Does anyone know anyone who is doing something like this? Is the Wwoofing website my best place to turn to?

Again, any help or advise would be appreciated
12 years ago
So through all my reading on this site, I have given a lot of thought to an idea which seems to make a lot of sense to me. Just looking for more input and ideas from people who are living the lifestyle already...

Last summer while WWOOFING I met a farmer who offered me, what I feel to be now, a chance of a lifetime. I didn't take it at the time because I was so new to WWOOFING and still wanted to travel and see what was 'out there'. He offered to help me get my own canning business off the ground (which could expand to educating/workshops and all forms of preserving). He already has a reputable business in place and I would be adding to it. No need for start up costs or marketing. He has so much land and not enough labour to work it. Of course the majority of my earnings would go to him as I am only doing the canning and not paying for the land or the expenses to grow the food. But beyond having shelter and food I wouldn't need much anyway. It's like a wwoofing experience but with more direction.

So this really got me thinking.

I am in a position now where I would like to find an opportunity like this and plan to initialize it in roughly 2 years. I will be looking for a farm in B.C. Canada and I will have about $20,000 if need be to contribute to equipment/outdoor kitchen or whatever else is needed. I am willing to go through a 'trial' period of wwoofing for the farm to see if I'm a fit. Ideally I would find a farm that could contribute my earnings toward paying off a place of my own or small section of land. This may take time before making this decision and I understand that. In the off season I'm willing to help out with whatever else needs to be done. I also understand that all food I use will need to be grown and harvested and I'm prepared to put in the work for that as well. I am willing to put in 10-12 hours a day to see my dream through.

Does this seem doable to you guys? Any suggestions or comments are appreciated. What type of profit sharing ratio should I be looking at? Is there other things I'm not taking into consideration?

Thank you for taking the time to read this.
12 years ago