OK, Randy, I'll bite. What's a woofer?

check the link. these are people who are looking for a farm to work on. they can be short term or long term. they work 5 hours a day for no money. you can provide accommodations and food.

"Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms" WWOOFers generally spend about half a day on a host farm, learn about sustainable agriculture, and receive room and board.

Sounds like a great way to cut costs for the farmer, but I doubt the 'woofer" learns anything useful.

We're on our 4th woofer.

1. bad
2. Ok
3. Great
4. Great
   
   None of the ones we've had really want to become farmers, just have a few weeks (or months) working on a farm for the experience. You can definitely learn by doing, rather than learning from your own mistakes (as we've done).
   Woofer can be very helpful, but realize you also need to provide a social experience for them to some degree.
   
   

We have a vendor who spent a while as a WWOOFer. and he has hosted some interns. My view: some want to learn to farm others are modern day hippies looking for a direction.

emgardener...what do you provide for accommodations?

Be careful. It's just a matter of time until a wwoof-host gets thrown under the bus. If the WWOOFer is doing work for you, you are legally required to pay them at least minimum wage. Most states have strict limits on how much you can deduct from wages for food and lodging.

All it takes is one disgruntled WWOOFer (or another farmer) to turn you in.