Volunteer Pig and/or Calf Feeder
We are looking for volunteers to assist with our hungry young animals, keeping them well fed and their homes clean and cozy. This rewarding and physically intensive work only requires a commitment of several hours/week, in the mid-late afternoon each day.
Pig & calf feeders use a cart to bring buckets of milk to our calves in the barn and buckets of feed to our pigs in several fields and barns. This work involves pouring milk from 5-gallon buckets into smaller bottles and buckets, and thorough cleaning of buckets and bottles after feeding.
After training, this work is completed independently, so requires initiative and ability to work with minimal supervision. Sound judgment and the ability to work efficiently are important for this work, given the level of independence, but a farmer or other team member is typically nearby if guidance is needed.
Many strong high school students have fulfilled their community service hours with this role. Other calf & pig feeders have volunteered for this work simply to have time outside and to support a local farm they care about. It has been a great thing for parents to do with their children who are interested in getting experience with animals. These volunteers have a tremendous impact on the farm when they are able to work reliably and independently!
Duties include:
– Filling and transporting large milk bottles and five gallon buckets of whey and feed
– Providing calves and pigs with fresh water, bedding and hay
– Washing bottles and dishes
Previous experience is helpful, but not required. Ability to lift up to 40 lbs required. This work is physically demanding. You need to be comfortable getting a little messy! This work involves: walking on uneven ground, bending and lifting, working with livestock, ability to lift 5-gallon buckets filled with liquid numerous times each shift.
If interested please contact Topher at Topher@cricketcreekfarm.com. You are welcome to come shadow a feeding to see if it is something that’s for you! We’ve had many long-term volunteers for this work, will you be the next?
Creamery Volunteer
We cut and wrap cheese for farmers’ markets and our farm store every Thursday morning starting at 10 am. Volunteers help with wrapping and other odds and ends, and leave with a couple pieces of “thank-you” cheese! Please email Anna at anna@cricketcreekfarm.com if you are interested in volunteering with us. We need the most help during the months of May-December, but help is welcome year-round.