Farm sitting is where you arrange for someone else to stay on your property, providing security and care for your home and property while you are away.
There is a great deal of variation in farm sitting situations. Every property owner has different needs, and different expectations of what their Farm Sitter can/will do for them. However, there is a generally accepted minimum “standard”. As a starting point, most farm sits involve a Farm Sitter moving on to your property and in to your home when you go away. The Farm Sitter takes over the total responsibility of caring for your home, property, gardens, and your pets. Property care is generally restricted to checking waters and livestock unless otherwise agreed. A farm sit period may range from a few days to several months. Your Farm Sitter is expected to maintain the security of your home and property, and to take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety and security of your home and possessions.
Many sitters are travelling the country with a motor home or caravan and may just need somewhere to park. Others prefer to stay in the home to add to the security presence. However it is always up to you to select the preferred option to suit your own requirements.
Farm Sitters come from all walks of life. The reasons why people farm sit are varied. Many people are simply looking to “get back to the bush” being retired farmers, property managers, farm workers or people with rural experiences. Some people look to do farm sitting as a means of assisting someone in need. Some Farm Sitters may be farm workers “in between jobs” or filling in time. Many retired people farm sit as a way of seeing more of the country, or to earn a little bit extra.
A Farm Sitter will take care of any reasonable requirements that you may have. All the usual everyday tasks involved with maintaining and running your property and household can be quite reasonably expected of your Farm Sitter. These may include checking waters, fences and livestock, gardening, lawn mowing, garbage disposal, maintenance, general security, and caring for your pets. In addition to these, you may wish your Farm Sitter to become active in the day to day running of your property while you are away like moving livestock, paying regular bills, readdressing mail to you, forwarding faxes, or other similar tasks. However always make it clear with your Farm Sitter what you don’t want them to do and abide by rules and regulations governing operation of motor vehicles, plant and machinery, use of chemicals and animal welfare.
There are many benefits associated with having a Farm Sitter. The most obvious of these is SECURITY! It is infinitely better than leaving your home and property vacant, or just having your neighbour drop by every now and then. Having your home occupied is a natural deterrent in itself, and a good Farm Sitter will ensure that the integrity and security of your home and property is vigilantly maintained.
PEACE OF MIND! You can take those much deserved holidays, medical trips, visit the kids at boarding school or attend education and training days because you have the opportunity to get the right person at the right time to care for your property.
We recognise that farming is a full-time occupation, sometimes with varying degrees of stress, hardship and heavy workload. A Farm Sitter can assist in relieving some of that pressure so that you can get a well-earned break.
It is normal for the Farm Sitter to pay for personal telephone calls. What they use in terms of electricity, water, gas etc while staying in your home is generally accepted as being included. Arranging how the bills are to be paid is an individual situation, best left up to you to determine and negotiate with the Farm Sitter.
Depending on your situation, do you have a current general, building and contents insurance and third party liability insurance covering your home and property? Maybe check with your insurance provider to discuss a Farm Sitter caring for your property. You may find some insurance companies actually prefer you to have a Farm Sitter for maximum security while you are away. Check if the Farm Sitter has personal insurance. (Reference to insurance does not constitute advice and is general in nature).
The cost of using a Farm Sitter will vary from person to person. Most Farm Sitters charge a daily fee, but for longer periods a weekly fee is usually arranged, or in some cases more formal arrangements are made. Negotiations regarding food, fuel costs etc are left between you and your Farm Sitter. This is something which should be FULLY negotiated when arrangements are made prior to engaging the Farm Sitter.
It is important to let the Farm Sitters know how you thought they cared for your property – either verbally or through a note. It is also important to let Farm Sitters – Australia know – when and by whom your position has been filled – especially if it has been advertised – to avoid unnecessary phone calls and time wasting. We are able to offer you the best support when we know what works best and areas that may need to be addressed based on your experience.
