Introducing Our New Work-Trade Program for 2026

Work-Trade Program for 2026

A New Way to Connect With the Land, the Farm, and Your Food

There’s something special about working on a farm — the rhythm of the seasons, the shift in the orchard from week to week, the way the soil changes in your hands as the day warms. This year, so many of you have asked how you can be more involved, how you can help, and how you can connect more deeply with Blue Heron Farm.

This year, we finally get to say: now you can.

We are thrilled to launch our very first Work-Trade Program for the 2026 season. This is something we’ve dreamed about for a long time, and we can’t wait to welcome the first crew who will help shape this program from the ground up.

Work on the Farm in Exchange for Fresh Food

At its heart, this program is simple:
You help the farm thrive, and the farm sends you home with fresh, seasonal food.

Every week, you’ll join us for a Friday morning shift and take part in the real work that keeps this small, regenerative farm running. You’ll earn food credit for every hour you work, redeemable at our farm stand or our farmers market booths.

This is hands-on, meaningful work — and a chance to experience the farm from the inside out.

Learn Regenerative Farming in the High Desert

Whether you’re completely new to farming or already familiar with the work, this program gives you the opportunity to learn small-scale, regenerative agriculture right here in the Owens Valley.

You’ll gain experience in tasks like:

• Orchard pruning

• Fruit thinning

• Weeding and field care

• Windfall collection

• Soil stewardship

• Seasonal farm rhythms

And you won’t be on your own. Every work-trade member receives training and support. We will teach you the techniques that make these tasks efficient, safe, and effective. Some skills take time to master, and that’s more than okay — we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Why Join?

This is the first year of the program, and we are looking for a small, dedicated team of folks who want to be part of something new. You’ll be joining us at the foundation level and helping shape the Work-Trade Program as it grows in future seasons.

Work-trade members tend to be people who:

• Want a deeper connection with their food

• Enjoy hands-on, physical work

• Like being part of a team

• Find joy in being outdoors

• Care about regenerative farming

• Want to support a local food system

• Don’t mind getting dirty and working hard

If that sounds like you, this program might be exactly the kind of weekly ritual you’ve been looking for.

A Chance to Build Community

One of the best parts of this program is the community that forms when people show up consistently. Week after week, you’ll work alongside others who value good food, care about the land, and want to be part of something bigger than themselves.

We believe that farming is more meaningful when it’s shared — and we hope this program becomes a place where you build new skills, new memories, and new relationships.

Be Part of the First Crew

Since this is our inaugural season, the first group of Work-Trade members will help set the tone for the years ahead. Your feedback, your experience, and your presence will shape how this program evolves. There’s something exciting about being there at the beginning — and we’re honored to invite you into that role.

If you’ve ever wanted to know what it really feels like to work on a small, regenerative farm, this is your chance.

Ready to Join Us?

Applications are officially open, and spots are limited for this first year.
To learn more or apply, visit our Work-Trade Program page:

We are so excited to welcome this first crew, and we are grateful for every person who wants to show up and be part of the farm in this way. This program is new, it’s important, and it’s something we’ve been dreaming about for a long time.

We hope you’ll join us.

Cheers,
Rachel + Aki