Why take volunteers?
Think about which parts of the farm are suited to outside help. Seasonal harvest days, community garden work and event help usually suit short-term volunteers, while daily animal care generally calls for people who know the animals and the routine. Matching the job to the helper's availability avoids frustration on both sides.
Volunteers help with planting, harvest, events and projects, and they often bring enthusiasm and fresh ideas. Some people want to learn, and a farm is a place to learn by doing. For you, volunteers can share the load and spread the word about your work.
But a volunteer is a guest on your land and a person who can be hurt. Think about whether you have the time to organize and supervise before you accept anyone.
- Extra hands and fresh ideas
- Chance to teach and share
- A responsibility to supervise
How is a volunteer different from an employee?
Labor laws draw lines between volunteers, interns, trainees and employees, and the lines depend on facts such as whether you gain a benefit, whether the person is promised pay or lodging, and whether the work resembles regular farm labor. Rules differ by state and federal law.
Do not assume that calling someone a volunteer settles the matter. Ask your state department of labor and a qualified attorney or employment advisor before you rely on unpaid help for regular work, especially for for-profit farms.
What should you ask about insurance?
Ask your insurance agent whether your policy covers injuries to volunteers, and whether workers' compensation or other coverage applies in your state. Ask about damage caused by volunteers, animal injuries and use of your equipment. Do not rely on a verbal assurance. Ask for written answers.
Some extension offices publish guides on managing risks with interns and volunteers. Read one for your state and bring it to your agent.
- Injuries to volunteers
- Damage to property and equipment
- Written confirmation of coverage
How do you choose tasks that match the person?
Start with simple, low-risk jobs: weeding, sorting, picking, cleaning or helping at an event. Keep tractors, power tools, chemicals, large animals and heights for trained people, and for young volunteers follow strict age limits. Ask about health limits and experience.
Match the job to what you have observed, not just what the person says. Increase responsibility as someone proves reliable. Never ask a person to do something you would not do yourself.
What should orientation cover?
Give every volunteer a short orientation on arrival: where to park, where the restroom and water are, what areas are closed, what to wear, how to handle animals, hand washing and who to call in an emergency. Show the first aid kit and the address.
Explain the day's tasks, demonstrate each one and check understanding. Pair new volunteers with someone experienced. Stop work if a person seems unsure.
How do you treat volunteers well?
Give feedback kindly and promptly. If someone is doing a task unsafely or wrongly, show the right method calmly rather than waiting. End the day by telling each person what their work achieved. People are more likely to return when they can see the result of their effort and feel their time was respected.
Be clear about hours, expectations and what they will get from the experience. Say thank you, offer water and rest, and share food or produce when appropriate and legal. Listen to their ideas and concerns.
Do not push people past their limits, and respect cancellations. Volunteers who feel valued come back.
What records should you keep?
Store the records in one place and keep them for as long as your insurer or attorney advises. Photos of the work area, a note about the weather and a list of who was present can help later if a question arises. Treat the records as a normal part of running the farm, not an afterthought.
Keep a simple sign-in sheet with names, dates, tasks and emergency contacts. Record injuries and near misses, and fix what caused them. Ask your attorney or insurer whether signed forms or waivers are needed in your state, since their effect varies.
Review how things went each season. Decide what to keep, what to change and when to say no.
Key takeaways
- Take volunteers only when you have time to organize and supervise them.
- Ask your state labor department and an advisor about volunteer and intern rules.
- Ask your insurance agent for written answers about injuries and damage.
- Give a clear orientation, start with low-risk tasks and thank people.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Homestead & Small Farm Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.