Info on the Northern Vermont Farm-Sitting Network:

Each member of this group has a small farm (less than about 30 animals) in northwest Vermont and sooner or later would like to go on a weekend trip or week-long vacation. No money changes hands in this co-operative network. Each member must be known by or referred by at least one other member of the group, or have a phone interview with the moderator. We need to be able to vouch for the sitters as responsible people.

How does this work? Never again will you need to beg your friends to take care of the animals, or bribe them with a fancy dinner. Our members all have small farms of their own so you can feel confident that the person can handle it while you're gone.

Each sitter starts with 10 days of farm-sitting points. To earn more points you can farm-sit for another member. When you want to have someone farm-sit for you then post a request and "pay" your sitter with one point per day. Email the moderator with the number of points changing hands to keep track of your earnings.

Only approved members can read the files in this group. Rest assured that all private information is only available to approved members- such as phone numbers, addresses, and how long you'll be away. Directions to each farm, instructions on caring for the animals and emergency contact information is kept in one central location.

Please keep your member files up to date with the names of adult family members, address, and phone numbers so that we can find your farm and get in touch with you in an emergency. Include instructions on how to take care of your animals, directions, and special things that sitters need to know. Please visit the Files section of this group, click on the folder with your last name, and update any documents in this folder by clicking on Edit.

Tell your friends! There is a flyer to hang up at your local farm store or to give to a neighbor in the Files section. Help us spread the word!