Working Farms and Cattle Ranches Offer Volunteer Opportunities to Travelers and Students

There are over 2 million farms across America that produce edible products like peaches, olives, almonds, corn and other grains, with the southern and far western parts of the country producing the lion’s share of comestibles for the American marketplace.

In one southern state alone, over $35 billion is generated annually by farming and other agricultural endeavors. Many states sell their products locally and also export vegetables, fruits, and grains all across the country.

Most farms are owned by families, but the majority live elsewhere. Cattle ranches, a type of farm dedicated to “farming” livestock for food production, are much more likely to have owners living onsite than are family farms.

Sometimes, cattle ranches do offer hunting to interested parties: hunting ranches for sale may not hit the market very frequently, but people looking to hunt their own food may be interested to research horse ranches where the owners offer hunting trips.

Many farms also offer volunteer opportunities to students and travelers, often requiring a commitment of only a few weeks, though longer stays are available. Volunteers learn about all aspects of managing a working farm and are encouraged to trade their labor skills for room and board.

The benefit of volunteering at a farm, taking a hunting trip to a working ranch, or even taking a visit to a local farm is the chance that such a trip offers to gain more knowledge of how food is produced and delivered to the American marketplace.

In an agricultural and livestock market that is worth billions every year, many food enthusiasts are willing to take the time to become more familiar with local food production methods. Not only are these trips educational for children and adults, but may also inspire young people to take up careers as farmers or livestock managers.

The term “cattle ranches” does refer to ranches that grow and distribute cows, but there are bison ranches, emu ranches, and a wide variety of exotic meats that many hunters are happy to travel to, with the intent of trying new foods and having an unusual vacation while staying close to home.