Episode Details

Importance of Planning Ahead: Now, we all know that homesteading requires careful planning and dedication. Planning ahead for a holiday is no exception. The key here is foresight and organization. Start by assessing your typical daily and weekly tasks on the homestead and identify what can be done in advance. I like to have systems in place for everything, from feeding animals, to making bread and turning compost. If you can write down what to do when, you are going to find taking a break so much easier. I use Google Site’s to keep a record of everything. I am still filling it out and setting up cheat sheets, but the more you write down the better. Create a Homestead Holiday Calendar: Mark critical dates, such as when to start preparations, when to finish essential tasks, and when you plan to return. I can be a little OCD with this type of stuff, but given I work 3 jobs I have to be organised. I have a Google Family calendar, so both my kids and the Handy Helper can access and see what is on when. I find having a visual aid helps me to map everything. If I’m going away I will move things forward that would occur while I’m away. For example if the chickens are due to be wormed while we are away I will schedule it to be done right before we leave. Inventory Check: Take stock of supplies, from animal feed to essential tools. Create a shopping list well in advance, or what I do is buy extra bags every other fortnight. This also means you don’t have a big expense right before leaving on holidays. Save that cash for your adventure! Ensure there is enough to last your farm sitter and also enough to cover when you return! There is nothing worse than having race off to the produce shop as soon as you get home. You’ll have washing, unpacking and food shopping for the family to worry about first. Emergency Preparedness: Plan for unexpected situations. I cannot stress this point enough, you need to have clear guidelines about what you expect regarding emergencies. Do you want a plumber called if there is a water problem? Does sick animals mean “call the vet”? Have a contact list for local assistance, and make sure your neighbors are aware of your absence. Share emergency procedures for both the animals and the homestead itself with as many people as you feel comfortable. Prioritize Tasks and Create a Checklist: Prioritizing tasks is crucial for a smooth holiday experience. Let's break it down. Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Tasks: Categorize your regular tasks. Should be giving your farm sitter a comprehensive list of what needs doing daily weekly and monthly depending on how long you're going to be away. This list should not just be a list of things that need doing but a list of how to do those things and if there are specifics about doing them in the morning or the evening that should also be included. Daily tasks might include feeding animals and checking water sources, while weekly might be checking and filling water troughs. Monthly tasks might involve garden maintenance and larger projects. Non-Negotiables vs. Delegatable Tasks: Identify tasks that must be done and those that can be delegated. We have to understand that for the farm setter life may get in the way as it does with us on the farm sometimes. so it's important to list priorities on the tasks that need doing and those priorities should detail if there are any tasks that are negotiable or debatable. it should also outline the absolutely non-negotiable tasks that must be done each day for example feeding chickens and collecting eggs. This is where your checklist comes in handy. Delegate Responsibilities: Whether it's a family member, a friend or a neighbor, share your checklist with someone reliable other than the farm sitter. Emergencies can happen and if the farm sitter suddenly becomes ill or injured, you may need to rely on someone else to help. It's probably not a bad idea to have your backup person do a walk through of all the chores with your farm setter so that every