There are moments in life when you simply need to get away. This was the case for Christine Weiland after a difficult personal loss, as she sought a fresh start. But where should the journey lead? Three weeks of rehabilitation weren’t enough to restore her inner balance, pilgrimage wasn’t for her, and climbing the Himalayas at 60 years old with a bad hip wasn’t a good idea either.
Christine’s solution was WWOOF – Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms. A long-time advocate of organic food, Christine had thought about trying WWOOF in earlier years, but the timing and finances were never right. After all, it’s often younger people who engage in WWOOF, those taking a gap year after school or seeking career direction.
But at 60 years old, Christine decided to embark on her first WWOOF experience – and it would become an adventure that wouldn’t let her go.
An Unexpected Discovery
The first farm Christine visited was a sheep farm. There, she learned how to raise bottle-fed lambs, milk sheep, and make cheese. The work was not only new to her but also incredibly exciting. She quickly realized that this wouldn’t be her last stop. The spark was ignited, and Christine wanted to explore more of the diversity of organic farming.
Her next journey led her to a vegetable farm in Vorpommern. Here, she experienced a farm where the fields were plowed using draft horses – a true return to the roots of agriculture, without the use of artificial fertilizers or pesticides. The farm’s products were sold directly at the local market. Christine was deeply impressed by this traditional method of farming. She discovered that sustainable agriculture could feed a family on as little as 20 hectares – unlike conventional farms that often require over 2,000 hectares.
A Journey Across 13 Organic Farms
Christine Weiland became so fascinated by organic farming that her originally planned short break turned into a full journey across Germany. She visited a total of 13 organic farms – from goat farms and pig breeders to beekeepers and vintners. At each farm, she learned something new, gained valuable experience, and sometimes made mistakes.
For example, she quite literally “got bitten by the pigs” when trying to complete her tasks, and she learned that milking a cow by hand requires more patience than she anticipated. She also had to figure out why you’re supposed to smear fruit trees with sheep manure.
In addition to the work, Christine met people who produced their products with passion and dedication, and who often turned out to be wonderful hosts. Many of them were surprised that a woman nearing retirement, with a completely different professional background, was interested in working on their farms and was willing to roll up her sleeves.
WWOOF: A Journey through the Green Heart of Germany
Christine Weiland’s journey through the world of organic farming vividly shows that organic farming is not only an ecological necessity but also the only sensible way to farm if we want to protect our planet and produce healthy food. The many stops along her way were not only a step towards finding herself, but also a tribute to the dedication of organic farmers in Germany. We are delighted that she has shared her experiences in a book.
For us at WWOOF Germany, it is especially gratifying to see how people like Christine – regardless of age or background – discover the world of organic farms for themselves. WWOOF is more than just an opportunity to spend a few weeks on a farm. It is a journey towards a more conscious way of living, where respect for nature takes center stage.
If you’re interested in reading more about Christine’s journey, you can order her book, “Mein grünes Glück –
Ackern auf dem Biohof – eine Deutschlandreise“ (published by tredition | ISBN: 978-3-384-22043) from your favorite bookstore!
