At Heifer Farm in Rutland, Massachusetts, 24 residential volunteers strive every day to promote Heifer’s work through educational experiences with the public. From cooking meals over an open fire in the Global Village to spinning wool and herding animals, not a single day is the same on the farm but the desire to advocate for Heifer’s work around the world stays the same. Volunteers understand the importance of communities passing on the gift of an animal at our project partner sites. On the farm, volunteers feel that they too are able to pass on a gift. The gift that they pass on time after time is the gift of knowledge. With this knowledge participants have better tools to explain Heifer’s work and mission to members of their community and to continue passing on the gift of education.
Hi, I’m Nicole! I’m from Florida and am currently a residential volunteer at Heifer Farm in Rutland, Massachusetts, working in Education. Recently graduating with a degree in International Studies, I chose to volunteer with Heifer International because of my passion for global cultures and having a keen interest in food and farming. I believe my position is important to Heifer’s mission because I provide future generations with a unique experience to bring home. Whether it’s learning to milk a goat or spending the night in a Global Village site with Yaks, it can be remembered for a lifetime. A fun fact I would like to share is that I love exploring new cities and it has taken me all over the world.
Let me introduce volunteers from other departments on the farm!
Adam
Adam is a Livestock Assistant from Arkansas. Previously a volunteer at Heifer Ranch, he chose to continue volunteering with Heifer International because he believes in Heifer’s mission and more importantly how Heifer makes change happen. His interest to work in Livestock came from growing up on a small dairy farm. He believes his position is important to Heifer’s work because he is teaching people good sustainable farming techniques. Additionally, his fun fact is that he firmly believes that Arkansas is the best state in the United States.
Madeline
Madeline is an Assistant Grower from Iowa. Graduating with a B.S. in Agronomy, she chose to volunteer with Heifer International because she enjoys growing organic foods, teaching kids about food choices and nutrition and expanding their food horizons. She believes her position is important to Heifer’s work because she is able to represent Heifers values through garden education and food production. Her favorite part about working in the garden is following the progress of plants through their growth season and the smiles on program participants faces when they eat the produce from the garden! A fun fact she would like to share is she has a bicycle named Mary and they have gotten off the farm for many hilly adventures. This summer they rode to the New Hampshire border together, that’s more than 72 miles!
Ricky
Ricky is a Farmer Chef from Massachusetts. He chose to volunteer with Heifer International because he felt he would be contributing to a noble cause, as well as enriching himself and cooking all the time, which seemed perfect right away. His favorite part about being a Farmer Chef is experimenting with new cooking techniques, ingredients, colors, and presentations to explore and improve upon what he already knows. He believes his position is important to Heifer’s work because he is helping to create a culture of generosity and empathy within our community. A fun fact he would like to share is his cousin was a star on the show Twin Peaks and in the movie A Few Good Men.
Sara
Sara is a Farm Hand from New York. Recently returned from the Peace Corps, her favorite part about being a farm hand is that she gets to try a little bit of everything from each department. She believes her position is important to Heifer’s work because the learning center helps promote Heifer’s mission and it’s the farm hands that keep the Farm running smoothly. A fun fact she would like to share is that her favorite article of clothing is definitely her wellies.
