We are a family homestead interested in self-sufficiency and permaculture.
Illinois
Our family is mom, dad, one toddler, and three children located in NW Illinois. We are beginning a journey to build out a permaculture design for our site. We aim to build towards an oak savannah silvopasture, market garden, market orchard, and support the local forest ecology. We have two dogs as pets, two as guardian dogs, a few barn cats, and additional livestock (chickens, guinea, pigs, sheep, goats).
Daily chores include gathering eggs, rotating goat and sheep pens, and feeding pigs and chickens. Current projects include garden tending and harvesting, building a perimeter fence using, in part, trees harvested on site, and animal harvests.
WWOOFers will be housed in our home in a free spare bedroom or if preferred, a pull-out couch in the living room. Meals will be eaten with the family. We generally eat a minimally processed, whole-foods diet, including meat, dairy, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and some grains. We can accommodate some dietary restrictions beyond this.
We're a bit out there geographically, so you will need a vehicle if you want to enjoy the nearby sights. There are several small towns within 30-45 minutes in the Sauk River Valley that have restaurants, bars, and shopping. Extensive hiking trails are a bit further away, maybe a 1-2 hr drive.
Read more
Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Poultry farming
Pig farming
Sheep or goat farming
Wild foraging
Meat processing
Bakery
Mechanics / tools / technology
Methods or systems
Community-supported agriculture (CSA)
No-till farming
Permaculture
Regenerative agriculture
Rotational grazing
Host type
Self-sufficiency property
7.3
Hectares
|
18
Acres
Josh
Member since 2025
Languages spoken:
English
Response rate: 100%
Response time: typically within 3 days
December 2025
- Mon
- Tue
- Wed
- Thu
- Fri
- Sat
- Sun
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 17
- 18
- 19
- 20
- 21
- 22
- 23
- 24
- 25
- 26
- 27
- 28
- 29
- 30
- 31
Open
Planned visit
Closed
Illinois
Rockford, IL
Reviews
Christian
United States
•
July 2025
My time at Josh’s Farm was unforgettable. The entire family treated me like one of their own—warm, generous, and down-to-earth. I was well-fed every day with real, hearty food, and I felt genuinely appreciated for the work I contributed.
During my stay, I had the chance to take care of chickens and pigs, chop wood, and help build a fence from the ground up. I learned so much about permaculture, from the basics of composting (greens vs. browns!) to the efficiency of drip irrigation systems and the rhythm of seasonal gardening. It wasn’t just hands-on labor—it was mentorship. Josh and his family poured wisdom into me about what it truly takes to run a farm and live off the land.
One surprising thing I learned? People will pay up to $300 for a properly prepared and preserved ram skull—just one of the many little skills and insights you pick up here that remind you how nothing goes to waste when you’re connected to the land.
If you’re serious about learning how to farm, live simply, and work with heart, I can’t recommend Josh’s Farm enough. It’s not just a WWOOF placement—it’s a place to grow.
Read more
Elizabeth
United States
•
June 2025
This was a meaningful experience with an extraordinary family. Any work needed was well explained, and the farmers were generous and patient teachers. I felt really present and connected with the land and felt so lucky to be able to work with the garden as well as the animals. The hosts were so kind. I highly recommend this farm to anyone looking to connect with a fulfilling experience!
Read more
