Former WWOOFer turned host 👩🌾 with new no-till regenerative fruit, veg and flower farm in IL
Illinois
This is a (NEW) no-till 1.5 acre farm that focuses on organic and regenerative practices. I (Jessi, former WWOOFer and now a full time farm owner and farmer) am looking for farmers that are interested in no-till farming and serious about taking their skills to the next level! I am looking for farmers who are open to staying long term, more specifically an entire season (April 1st - November 1st). I am also open to hosting Spring WWOOFers (April 1st - June 1st), Peak Season WWOOFers (June 1st - September 1st and Fall WWOOFers (September 1st - November 1st). Those who would like to commit to the full season will be prioritized for acceptance.
WWOOFing at Adama Farm is a SERIOUS commitment! Please do not apply if you are not interested in taking this opportunity seriously. I rely heavily on WWOOFers to stick out their commitment here at the farm (it takes a village & we are a team!) In exchange, you will receive SO much knowledge and I am confident that WWOOFers will leave Adama Farm with the skill set to run their own small garden-farm or at least help manage one.
Being a WWOOFer here will imitate an apprenticeship experience. This means that WWOOFers working on the farm will gain a full understanding of what production farming is like on a small-scale by having various chores and responsibilities, managerial roles and having opportunities to expand farm knowledge through educational discussions.
WWOOF HOURS:
7AM-12PM MONDAY - FRIDAY (normal schedule)
FARMERS MARKETS: WWOOFers have the option to work Saturday Park Ridge Farmers Markets for a modest payment. If Adama Farm commits to an additional farmers market this upcoming season, the work schedule could change slightly & WWOOFers will rotate working the extra farmers market.
ABOUT THE FARM:
1.5 acre plot filled with no-till vegetables and cut flowers that will be used for production (farmers markets, wholesale outlets, CSA and farm store). WWOOFers will spend a lot of time in the field with Jessi prepping beds, planting, weeding, pruning and harvesting daily. WWOOFers will learn how to farm vegetables organically and regeneratively on a small production scale.
Adama Farm focuses mostly on veggie and cut flower production. However, we have a small variety of fruit trees and perennial shrubs growing on the property including peach trees, asian pear trees, cherry trees, apple trees, elderberries, aronia berries and rhubarb. All WWOOFers will be able to learn more about fruit trees & perennials if desired.
We have a seeding greenhouse that WWOOFers will utilize for seeding our field crops.
We have farm cats that keep mice away.
We have about 16 chickens and wwoofers will rotate doing chicken chores (cleaning the coop, collecting eggs, feeding). There is a high chance we will have baby chicks in the spring.
Activities:
WWOOFers will learn just about everything that goes into small-scale production farming and rotate through the following managerial roles:
Wash / Pack manager: washing, packing and storing vegetables for wholesale outlets, farm store, CSA and farmers market.
Greenhouse manager: Seeding, watering seedlings.
Animal chores: Feeding chickens and cleaning coop.
Farm store manager: stocking and re-stocking the farm store, making sure the farm store looks presentable for customers.
Flower manager: Seeding and transplanting flowers into the raised beds with Jessi. Harvesting cut flowers, storing and bouquet making.
Aside from those rotational roles, WWOOFers will be engaging with field work daily. Field work includes: prepping beds, turning over beds, transplanting in the field, harvesting and other projects.
Jessi usually takes over these managerial roles, but will also inform wwoofers how to operate these roles if needed:
-Field irrigation. This includes setting up irrigation and turning it on / off throughout the season.
-CSA manager. CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. We have a CSA program where individuals or families can sign up to receive a weekly box of veggies. CSA Pick-up days are twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Food: WWOOFers will have unlimited access to all farm veg and fruit. In addition, WWOOFers will receive monthly bulk goods / groceries from Cosco. We try to get mostly organic groceries for wwoofers. You may provide a grocery list / wish list of things you may need, but please be respectful of the farms budget. We might not be able to get everything on your wish-list.
Farm community dinners will take place once a month, where we (wwoofers & Jessi) will all cook dinner and enjoy a nice farm cooked meal. Participation is totally optional, but I find that these community dinners are super enjoyable and a nice way to come together and reflect.
Housing: WWOOFers will be provided comfortable housing in the farm house. The farm house has 2.5 bedrooms and two bathrooms with full size and twin size beds. There is a high chance that you will be sharing a bedroom. Bedding and towels are included, but feel free to bring your own. Washer / dryer included. Fireplace and fire wood included. Dish washer included. AC / heat included. Full size kitchen and utilities included. Family room with comfortable couch and chairs included. Large porch and outdoor seating overlooking the barn and nearby gardens.
You might want to bring some of your own kitchen things to make your stay more comfortable such as a blender or coffee pot / machine etc.
The farm house also has a gorgeous backyard that just got redone! Nice lawn with outdoor seating and big trees for shade.
WWOOFers will have complete access to all parts of the farm: theres a river that runs through the property, a gazebo, art studio, barn and garden space with lots of magical sitting areas.
Daily Schedule:
WWOOFers will start work at 7am with a morning meeting to discuss what needs to get done for the day. A typical day includes a morning meeting, harvesting, wash / pack, deliveries and then any field work or seeding if there's time. WWOOFers will end work at 12PM Monday through Friday.
WWOOFers are expected to work hard, remain engaged and have a positive attitude throughout the work day. WWOOFers will have Saturday and Sunday off to rest, engage in activities etc.
(AGAIN schedule might change depending on if Adama Farm commits to an additional farmers market)
If WWOOFers need any additional time off, please request at least 2 weeks in advance!
If you plan on leaving early for whatever reason, please let Jessi know 1 month in advance so she has time to find a replacement.
A bit about me: When I'm not farming, I'm usually cooking, spending time with my family, taking photos, reading or painting. I enjoy going on runs and hanging out by the river that runs through the property. On Sundays I try to attend my local church, wwoofers are totally welcome to join!! Also on weekends, I enjoy finding local coffee shops or breweries to go to or taking camping trips on the weekends.
Please note: I am searching for an Assistant Farm Manager for the full 2027 season. This is a PAID position. Ideally, those interested in assistant managing Adama Farm in 2027 have experience as a 2026 Adama Farm WWOOFer. Please reach out if interested (:
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Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Fruit or nut farming
Flower farming
Vegetable or fruit preservation
Beer, cider, wine, or juice making
Bakery
Traditional crafts
Methods or systems
Holistic management
No-till farming
Permaculture
Regenerative agriculture
Mentoring opportunities
Woman-operated
Host type
Production farm
Former WWOOFer
29.5
Hectares
|
73
Acres
Accommodation
Jessica
Member since 2017
Languages spoken:
English
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Response rate: 65%
Response time: typically within 2 days
Illinois
Woodstock Train Station
Reviews
Serena
United States
•
October 2024
I had such a wonderful time working with farmer Jessi for her summer season! I learned so much about soil health, planting, harvesting, and many other aspects of organic farming. The accommodations were amazing, and the location is great for weekend excursions to Chicago or even Wisconsin. I can’t wait to visit again and see the changes that occur as the farm continues to grow! Thanks Jessi! :)
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