Diverse family farm in foothills of Sierra Nevada

California

45 reviews • Updated 2 years ago

The farm is located 8 miles from North Fork up Mammoth Pool Rd. within the Sierra National Forest. We're a small diverse family farm located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. We're on a total of 80 acres of which 10 are currently being farmed, along with 4 greenhouses and barns for goats and chickens. We produce a variety of seasonal vegetables all farmed organically and we were recently certified organic. All of our electricity comes from solar, hydro or wind with occasional generator back-up. We are working to produce healthy food for our local community as sustainably as possible. Chores include planting, weeding, harvesting, occasional farm construction and, if interested, tending to the animals, milking goats, collecting eggs, etc. In the winter there is forest management work (brushing, woodcutting and gathering, etc.)Though we've been hosting Wwoofers for both short term and long term visits, we'd prefer those who'd be willing to make a commitment of at least two months or longer (after a 2 week trial period for compatibility assessment), since we're most interested in working with those who are seriously interested in learning about sustainable agriculture, rather than those who are seeking a low cost way to see the country. We don't think you can really get a sense of what it takes to farm if you're only here for a week or two.We currently have two 2 bedroom trailers (one of which has a full kitchen and bathroom) and four RVs, available for Woofers to use as housing. We also now have a small ""cob"" structure designed by one of our wonderful ""Wwoofers"" that can be used for housing as well. Interns are expected to prepare their own meals from food we supply, except for lunch on work days when our visitors rotate preparing a big meal for the crew in our home. (Please note that we are a working farm and there are lots of cat and dogs around, so if you have strong allergies to furry critters, this might not be the place for you...)We are located in a beautiful forest where interns can hike, swim in creeks (or our doughboy pool during the summer), and we're a little more than an hour from the southern gate of Yosemite National Park. There is a Vipassana Meditation Center several miles from the farm for anyone interested in meditation. North Fork is a small town with a strong sense of community, and there's a local cultural center (the Studio) where there are music and yoga lessons offered and musical and cultural events are held.We also run the local school garden during the school year, and Woofers are welcome to help with that, and we now operate a small local market in our town where we sell our produce and that of other local farms. We ask Woofers to contribute approximately 20 hours/week (weekday mornings) to help on the farm. We do most of the planting and harvesting in the morning and they're free the rest of the day and most weekends to do what they want. We prefer to communicate with you through e-mail, so if you're interested, please send us information about yourself, your interests and experience, and what you're looking for in a visit to our farm.We prefer communication by e-mail. We also ask for a minimum two month commitment if we're compatible.

Learning opportunities

Vegetable farming

Fruit or nut farming

Dairy farming

Viticulture

Methods or systems

Permaculture

Mentoring opportunities

Woman-operated

Host type

Production farm

WWOOF-Verified

Accommodation

4+ WWOOFers

Camper / RV

Cabin / Mobile-home

Children not accepted

Pets not accepted

Meals

Omnivore

Length of stay

Over a month

Hansel and Sue

Member since 2014

Languages spoken: English Response rate: 80% Response time: typically within 1 day

December 2025

Open

Planned visit

Closed

MapLibre | Protomaps | © OpenStreetMap

California

The closest train/Bus station and airport are in Fresno, CA

Reviews

Eva

United States • September 2021

I cannot recommend the experience at the Kern Family Farm highly enough! Their place is a magic of science, nature and spirit. I decided to extend my two-month stay because I couldn't imagine leaving so soon. I have learned so much and made friends for a lifetime. Thank you Kerns!!!!!

Melody

United States • November 2020

I highly recommend the Kern Family Farm. They are wonderful people, extremely welcoming, and very knowledgable. If you want to be remote, out in nature, and learn a lot about farming, going off grid, herbs, and food, this is the place for you. There are many wonderful dogs and cats here as well. I will always treasure my time at the KFF and hope to return again in a different season to experience all that it has to offer.

Larry

United States • April 2020

The Kern Family Farm was my first Wwoofing experience which opened up a whole new world for me! I would highly recommend this farm to anyone looking to REALLY LIVE! I really loved everything that was happening here...ranging from the chickens and goats, to the fruit trees and kale beds. Especially Hansel’s stone art which I was so lucky so be able to see! You are truly a master wizard sculpting young wizards!

Philippe

United States • February 2020

I highly recommend this place if you want to become a farmer. The produce are top quality. Be ready for a life Experience. The farm, the host family, the produce and even the dogs are all amazing. :) I learned so much at this farm regarding permaculture but also how important it is to be generous and kind with others. The owners will make you feel like at home. They are all super kind and knowledgeable regarding farming, constructions, organic, composting, cooking, solar... Thanks for everything Kern Family!

Cambria

United States • October 2019

Oh Kern Family, how I love you all so much! Thank you all for being amazing human beings and showing people how to live and love mother nature! I learned a lot while I was here for 7 weeks and will take all of the knowledge and skills in to my future endeavors. From harvesting, post-harvest, delivieries, farmer's markets, Gnarly Carrot, compost making, seed saving, wine making (and drinking!), daily group lunches, creek trips, thrifting at local stores, planting, school garden at the local elementary/middle school, watering, and just good ol' group camaraderie, this is not a place to miss! If you are in the area, please give this farm and family a visit! Be sure to ask lots of questions as they are eager to teach...be proactive and always ask to help in all projects because you will never stop learning. Thank you, Kerns! I hope to be back to see progress and keep in touch with you all!!

Benjamin

United States • May 2017

Amazing Place! Amazing People! One of the best times of my entire life spending two months here. Incredible.