CSA

Flowers

Fruit

Farm Labor

Tasks

The many tasks for workers are easily learned, and involve ladders (6-8 feet for peaches, 8-12 for cherries) for thinning and picking. A full peach picking sack, or container weighs 22-33 lb. (10-15 kg), and can be awkward. Some lifting is unavoidable. You need to learn to judge the maturity of the fruit quickly, and be able to perform the work quickly yet carefully, as the time available to pick the fruit is limited.

An essential skill is communication; you must understand what is needed of you, and your host and coworkers need to know your needs.

Conditions

The main tasks are done in crews, others involve individual work.

Spring and Fall in provide pleasant weather, summer can be hot, but usually cool at night. Intense sun is constant throughout the seasons. Weeds in the orchard can be a nuisance, and peach fuzz irritates most, but is unbearable for only a few. Insects can be managed well with repellent.

Commitment

The peach harvest is most critical for us, so a 4-6 week commitment is required - normally July 20 - September 4.

The sweet cherry season is normally June 10 - June 24.

Between these seasons, we have less work hours available, though enough to buy groceries.  It is a good time for sight seeing and enjoying your time in the USA.

Clothing

Light colored cotton clothing, and long sleeves are best for sun and fuzz protection. Synthetic fabrics catch lots of weed seed. Most light hiking or working shoes/boots are fine. Liberal use of sunscreen is advised.

Housing

Our "hostel" is a new manufactured home with 10 bunk beds in two rooms, with kitchen, 2 baths, washer, heating and cooling. It is reserved for farm laborers.  Workers here share cooking and cleaning responsibilities.  Expect to make good friendships.

Recreation

At Rancho Durazno

Summertime swimming in the irrigation canal is a great way to cool off for strong swimmers. We have a basketball hoop, and great hikes right from the house.

In The Valley

Palisade has tennis courts, a skate park and swimming pool. Popular mountain bike trails begin here. Rafting is excellent. Snow sports, for winter and spring, are close by. Palisade has a saloon with pool table, and Grand Junction, 12 miles west, has many clubs, movies and much more.

In The Region

The mountains of Colorado provide endless activities.  You are welcome to visit our friend's ranch at the edge of the Snowmass wilderness near Aspen. The national parks of Utah are only a couple of hours away.

Contact Us
Rancho Durazno

3940 G 2/10 Road

Palisade, CO 81526

E-mail:
rancho.durazno@bresnan.net