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Volunteering on farms can be very important for several reasons, depending on the perspective you take—whether personal, agricultural, environmental, or social.
1. Personal Benefits

• Skill Development: Learn farming techniques, animal husbandry, permaculture, and sustainability practices.
• Health & Well-being: Working outdoors with plants and animals can be physically and mentally rewarding.
• Food Awareness: Gain firsthand experience in food production, fostering appreciation for local and organic agriculture.

2. Agricultural & Economic Impact

• Support for Small Farms: Many small farms operate on tight margins and benefit from extra hands.
• Workforce Supplementation: Helps during labor-intensive seasons like planting and harvesting.
• Knowledge Sharing: Volunteers bring new ideas and skills, contributing to innovative practices.

3. Environmental & Sustainability Contributions

• Promotes Sustainable Practices: Many volunteer programs focus on organic, regenerative, and permaculture farming.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Volunteers may help with agroforestry, seed-saving, or soil regeneration efforts.
• Reducing Food Waste: Volunteers can assist in gleaning (harvesting surplus crops to prevent waste).

4. Social & Cultural Impact

• Community Building: Many farms host educational programs, bringing people together around food and nature.
• Global Exchange: Programs like WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) allow volunteers to travel, work, and learn in different cultures.
• Food Security: Supporting local farms strengthens regional food systems, making communities more resilient.

Many farms in the Virgin Islands and Caribbean in general would love some volunteer help around the farm. Email us today! 

Well I have a small advantage in that I already know what I'm looking for. I'm looking for chickens that lay brown eggs and can also serve as a good source of meat. There is no taste difference between white and brown egg. Its really just in the preference of color. What affects taste is the quality of the chicken's diet. One of the best ways I first figured out what kinds were right for me was volunteering on poultry farms. Begin with getting exposure to what the breeds really look like and their characteristics from first shadowing other poultry producers. Its one thing to see them online and in youtube videos but its another to meet them in person. Choosing the right breed is key for their  purpose. My preference is dual-purpose chickens. They are hardy, productive, and great for both egg and meat production.
Key Factors I Consider:

1. Egg Production – Look for breeds that consistently lay large brown eggs. Some lay 1-2 day to 1 every other day.
2. Meat Quality – Dual-purpose birds should have a good balance of meat yield.
3. Temperament – Friendly breeds are easier to handle, especially in backyard settings.
4. Climate Hardiness – Consider breeds that can tolerate your local weather conditions.

Top Dual-Purpose Brown Egg Layers

• Buff Orpington – My favorite, and for good reason! These golden-feathered beauties are gentle, great layers of large brown eggs, and provide a good amount of meat.
• Rhode Island Red – A hardy and productive breed known for excellent egg-laying and good meat quality. A classic that many of us were raised with. Reliable indeed.
• Plymouth Rock (Barred Rock) – Friendly, traditionally cold-hardy birds that do well in the islands,  they lay well and grow to a decent size.
• Australorp – A close cousin to the Orpington, known for record-breaking egg production and solid meat quality.
• Wyandotte – A stunning breed with great cold resistance however a favorite in the island as well, good egg production, and a meaty body.

Final Thoughts Buff Orpingtons are an excellent choice, but don’t hesitate to mix in a few other breeds for variety. A diverse flock can help with flock dynamics, egg production consistency, and overall resilience. Happy homesteading! If interested in volunteering with our chicks and chickens, email me at [email protected].

Here is one of the top hatcheries we order from: www.hooverhatchery.com 
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- Que Sera Farmer

As a US and local island farmer, I see firsthand the immense contributions that migrant workers bring to the agriculture industry. Without their hard work, dedication, and expertise, countless food producers across the country would struggle to function. Migrant workers are not just employees; they are the backbone of our agricultural system, ensuring that food makes its way from the fields to our tables. Here are some key facts that highlight their critical role:

1. They Are the Majority of the Workforce
Did you know that immigrant farmworkers make up about 73% of all agricultural workers in the United States? These individuals work tirelessly, often in harsh conditions, to plant, tend, and harvest the crops we depend on daily. Their presence is not just beneficial; it’s essential to the survival of farms like mine.

2.  An Aging Workforce
The average age of foreign-born agricultural workers is 41.6 years. The average age of the US farmer is in the 70s. This highlights an aging workforce in our sector, and it’s a stark reminder that we need to invest in attracting and retaining new generations of workers to sustain the future of farming.

3. Education and Hard Work
Despite facing challenges, many migrant workers excel with limited resources. Among undocumented agricultural workers, 73% have less than a high school education, yet they contribute immensely to the agricultural output of this country. Their determination and resilience inspire me as a farmer.

4. This is Wasting funds to deport ppl like the way it’s currently happening.
These deportation flights cost about $800,000 with an average of 80 ppl on a plane. 

5. They are not pulling criminals off the streets.
They’re going into schools, churches, workplaces and those commuting to arrest people. 

6. Why This Matters to Farmers Like Me
Migrant workers aren’t just numbers or statistics; they are real people with families, dreams, and aspirations. And in the islands, often escaping harsh conditions in their home countries. As small and big farmers, we depend on their skills, dedication, and work ethic to produce the fruits, vegetables, and other crops that feed our community. They actually show up for the work. And even come back the next day. 

Yet, the challenges they face are significant—from legal uncertainties to harsh working conditions. I believe we owe it to them to advocate for fair treatment, better policies, and a path to stability. Supporting migrant workers isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s necessary for the sustainability of agriculture in this country. 

When we support migrant workers, we’re not just investing in them—we’re investing in the future of agriculture.

#QueSeraFarms #Agriculture #BackboneoftheAgriculture