Volunteer Considerations

Volunteers: Consideration

To ensure you have the best experience at the farm, we’ve put together these practical suggestions. Remember, this is a working farm—expect to get a little Iowa soil on your shoes!

Transportation & The "Gravel Factor"

The Road: We are located on a gravel road. Regardless of your route, you will be on gravel for at least two miles. If you are protective of your vehicle’s finish, consider bringing a different one.
The Interior: You will get dirty. We recommend bringing a towel, blanket, or extra floor mats for your seats to keep your car’s interior clean for the ride home.

Dressing for the Field

Footwear: Morning dew is heavy here and lasts through mid-morning. We recommend waterproof shoes or rubber boots for morning shifts.
Clothes: Wear items that can get dirty or stained.
Sun & Insects: Dark colors can get very hot; white tends to attract more insects and shows dirt instantly.
Coverage: Long pants and sleeves are a personal choice. Some find certain plants (like squash or cucumbers) "scratchy" and prefer long sleeves for picking. We provide kneeling pads if you prefer shorts but want to protect your knees.

Sun & Hydration

Sun Protection: Most picking areas have no shade. Bring sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
Stay Hydrated: Please bring your own water or sports drinks if possible to keep our costs low for the mission. We have refrigerators and bottled water on hand to make sure everyone can stay hydrated.

Food & Breaks

Lunch: If you’re staying through a mealtime, please bring a sack lunch.
Amenities: We have an air-conditioned breakroom with a bathroom and indoor seating, plus a shaded pond area with picnic tables. A port-a-potty and outdoor hand-washing sink are also available.
Local Eats: If you want to buy lunch, the Nite Hawk Bar and Grill, and Casey’s in Slater or Madrid are just 3 miles away.
We also have an area in the shade with picnic tables and a fire ring.

Tools & Gloves

Gloves: Most tasks don't require them, but feel free to bring your own. We have some on hand if needed.
Hot Pepper Warning: If you are picking hot peppers, we strongly recommend gloves. The oils can cause significant discomfort if you accidentally rub your face or eyes!
Harvesting Tools: We provide all necessary equipment, but if you have a favorite harvest knife or kneeling stand, feel free to bring it.

Families & Physical Accessibility

The "Buddy System": Farming is a great team activity. A common favorite is "The Shuttle"—a parent picks the crop and a child carries it to the crate.
Supervision is Key: This is a working farm with pruning shears, small knives, and equipment. For safety, children must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.

All Ages Welcome: We’ve hosted volunteers from 6 months to 92 years old!
Low-Impact Tasks: If you have physical restrictions, we have "seated" jobs like recording harvest weights or planting seeds in flats. Just let us know your needs when you schedule!