Regenerative, organic, pigs, chickens, cows and vegetables, located in the wilderness of Alberta

Alberta

33 reviews • Updated 2 years ago

WE WELCOME REFUGEES FROM UKRAINE! How lucky we are and how much we would like to share. The freshest air, the healthiest food, the opportunities to learn about vegetable and protein production in an organic way. Now more than ever we are focusing on becoming self sufficient. What does that look like? We produce our own meat, vegetables, eggs, and dairy. We have started to produce honey, mill our own flour, bake bread, preserve vegetables, and make pasta, cured meats, butter, yogurt, kefir, and cheeses. We are looking for a volunteer who would appreciate learning these skills or teach us some of their own. Need something different in your life? Pigs, bison, beavers, music, milk cow, northern lights, wilderness, tractors, gardening, organic, turkeys, trees, swans, swimming, skiing, solitude, chickens, community, canoeing, campfires, choir, concerts, cats, cows, cuisine, festivals, fishing, rodeos, etc. etc. etc. Lots happening! No two days are the same! A long time ago (>30 years) we signed up to the WWOOF program. We were the second farm in Alberta to do so. Certified organic for the past 34 years, First Nature Farms is considered an ecological reserve of over 3000 acres of mostly aspen forest, three creeks and several beaver ponds. Organic since 1990 and WWOOF hosts for almost as long, our diverse ranch includes grass finished Belted Galloway cattle, Plains bison, free range chickens and turkeys but our specialty are the Berkshire pigs. We raise heritage breeds in a gentle environment from farrow to finish, outside, year round. "Empress" the milk cow is a close member of our family, supplying all our dairy needs. Easy to milk too! We also have two large dogs, Figaro and Magnifico (super friendly), one inside cat, Ghost and one turtle (38 years old). Help is appreciated throughout the year with most jobs centred around caring for the animals (no shit shovelling as all animals are free range on pasture). Accommodation is either in our log house (5 bedroom, one bathroom and shower), heated with wood. Jerry (the host) lives there along with the cat and turtle. The cabin (rustic plumbing) is just a 30 second walk from the house and gets used mainly in the warmer months. Volunteers should be kind, independent, innovative , motivated and ready for adventure. People wanting to learn skills about raising livestock, micro-greens and vegetables organically will learn lots. Some have even gone on to start their own businesses and farms! Meals include a lot of organics with all meat coming from the farm. Lots of opportunities for cooking or learning how to cook. All living costs are covered with the exception of personal products, outside entertainment, clothes and junk food. Breakfast is something you make yourself, omelettes or toast, sausages or steak, your choice. The day starts at 8:30 AM and mornings are always centred around caring for the animals. No one wears a watch so we quit for lunch around noon and take a couple hours to check emails, snooze or whatever. We usually put in a couple of hours in the afternoon working on projects or whatever needs doing. WWOOF help maxes at 30 hour per week with Sundays and another day of the week off. Lunch and dinner preparation and clean-up is shared. No cooking experience? No problem. We have lots of cookbooks and love to teach the skills needed to turn wholesome, organic ingredients into gourmet dining. Aside from good times on the farm, we also try to provide our guests with a "cultural experience" unique to our area. This can be anything from hiking, canoeing, XC skiing, fishing, visiting waterfalls, concerts, auction sales, star gazing, workshops, protests, rodeos, etc. Lots of campfires and neighbourhood parties. Even the northern lights (aurora borealis) like to visit. Other visitors include moose, deer, coyotes, swans and the occasional bear. Sundays are called Fundays. WWOOFers also have another day off during the week. Cooks and musicians are most appreciated! We have a piano, a couple guitars , an accordion along with other instruments in the house. Internet is high speed (thanks to Elon). And there's over a hundred stories and videos about the farm which can be found at Farm News on our website. How to get here? Bus, plane, drive, cycle, hitchike or parachute. We'll pick you up in Beaverlodge, Grande Prairie or Dawson Creek. Any person of any age or gender is welcome. The longer the stay, the more you learn and the richer the experience becomes. As a matter of fact, some of our neighbouring landowners started out as visitors to our farm. Organic methods: Organic livestock care. Too numerous to list. Certifications: EcoCert Current projects: Food, Water and Shelter. Every morning we: - feed the chickens, ducks, turkeys - milk the cow(s) - feed the pigs - assess the projects for the afternoon.

Learning opportunities

Vegetable farming

Poultry farming

Pig farming

Cattle farming

Raising of other farm animals

Cheesemaking

Meat processing

Renewable energy production

Food justice / sovereignty

Mechanics / tools / technology

Methods or systems

Biological pest control

Holistic management

No-till farming

Permaculture

Regenerative agriculture

Host type

Production farm

Certified organic

1,214.1 Hectares | 3,000 Acres

Accommodation

4+ WWOOFers

Bedroom

Campsite

Cabin / Mobile-home

Children accepted

Pets not accepted

Meals

Omnivore

Length of stay

1-2 weeks

3-4 weeks

Over a month

Jerry

Member since 2008

Languages spoken: English

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Response rate: 100% Response time: typically within 1 day

MapLibre | Protomaps | © OpenStreetMap

Alberta

Grande Prairie AB, Dawson Creek BC

Reviews

Denzel

Canada • November 2025

I had a great experience during my WWOOF stay at First Nature Farms. Jerry was knowledgeable, welcoming, and clear with communication and expectations. The work was meaningful and well-paced, and I appreciated the chance to learn new skills in a supportive environment. The farm has a positive atmosphere, and I felt respected and valued throughout my stay. I would recommend this placement to anyone looking for a solid hands-on learning experience. Thank you Jerry and friends!

Tanishq

Netherlands • February 2025

I unfortunately only had the time to stay on the farm for one week, but my experience on the farm was very lovely. Working with the pigs was an amazing experience and I also learned a lot through the various other tasks I had the opportunity to do. This included helping to build a chicken house, working with microgreens, splitting firewood, etc. The days always passed by quickly. Jerry and Thomas were knowledgeable, willing to teach, and extremely reasonable with the work asked of us. Above all, my most memorable moments at the farm came as a result of the people. The entire Goodfare community was so warm and welcoming. In just the one week, I had the opportunity to have home cooked meals alongside four generations of family, go to a community concert, participate in a Family Day potluck, go cross country skiing, take Jerry on a quad ride, and do even more outside of work! I will never forget my time here and I would highly recommend this as a WWOOF experience! Thank you once again to Jerry, Thomas, Donovan, Lisa, Katia, the kids, the pigs, and everyone else :)

Leonie

Germany • January 2025

I spent 15 weeks on the farm and enjoyed every minute of my stay. It never got boring, there was always something to do, to learn and to explore. We took care of the animals and ensured their well-being everyday and then worked on various projects. The work was always very versatile, I genuinely enjoyed being outside everyday and it was a very fulfilling work too. I got to experience an authentic Canadian farm lifestyle, including an amazing Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's party, snow mobiling, catching pigs, road trips, film festivals, milking their lovely milk cow Empress, working in almost 2 feet deep snow and lots more. I also made my first XC skiing experiences, as well as ice fishing and ice skating, all of which was very memorable. They also have a strong sense of community, and I met some of the most hospitable and kind people I've ever encountered. The neighborhood regularly came together, especially during the Christmas time, and there were entertaining, meaningful conversations and unique stories as well as delicious food all the time. I'm really grateful for the time I was able to spend there, for the awesome experiences I made and the wonderful people I met. I definetly look forward to the next opportunity to visit!

Bethany

Hong Kong • January 2025

My 3-week stay (too short in hindsight) was filled with joy and unforgettable memories. Each morning we followed a routine to feed and water the animals, sometimes giving the pigs fresh straw for warmth. Watching the pigs enjoy the straw in the fresh air was a heartwarming insight of true animal welfare. After the chores, tasks varied, mostly on maintenance and ensuring the animals were well cared for. Everyone I met was kind and welcoming. "Goodfare is a good place" truly reflects the wonderful community. Highlights include Bingo night, Christmas potluck dinner, New Year's countdown, northern lights, documentary movie night, homemade sausage tastings, and every delicious, nutritious meal. Unique experiences included my first ice fishing, XC skiing, carving ice skating paths, learning to grow microgreens and milking their adorable Empress. I’m grateful for the kindness and warmth from everyone and for the conversations that expanded my knowledge on organic, regenerative farming and ethical local food production. Jerry is patient, accommodating, knowledgeable, talented, humorous and witty, while Lisa and Donovan are also lovely friendly hosts. Applying to learn from the Kitts family was one of the best decisions made. Thank you so much Jerry, Sam, Gigi, Kari, Lisa, Donovan, Murray, Everett, baby Levon, my super partner Leonie, Runi, Thomas, Katia, and the Goodfare community for making my stay so memorable. I’m already missing it and would love to return if given the chance.

Amelie

Germany • June 2023

It was a really amazing journey on Jerrys farm. I learned a lot and although some days were long, I always had fun and the work doesn't feel like work at all. I liked feeding the pigs every morning and watching these lucky pigs. Jerry also took me on some adventure trips and I enjoyed all of them. He is so kind and a really great cook. I highly recommend spending some time at Jerrys farm. I enjoyed every minute of my stay and will always remember this time

Léa

Canada • March 2023

I decided to stay a little bit longer, how time past fast when we learn everyday! Jerry is always in a good mood, funny and does everything possible to introduce me to the Canadian culture : farms market, museum, art gallery, rodeos, ice fishing, XC skiing and excellent dishes.. I also love feeding the pigs every morning, they are so funny and the farm is so beautiful! I miss this place already.