At Three Roods Farm, we practice a blend of agricultural philosophies. We have been influenced by permaculture, biodynamic technique and Acres USA. 3RF is an integrated farmstead with a number of opportunities for learning by doing. Organic gardening, beekeeping, animal husbandry and reforestation are actively practiced at 3RF. Apprentices are welcome to come and stay for the season to learn from us in a beautiful natural setting.

We are looking for hardworking, enthusiastic individuals. Apprentices would contribute approximately 30 hours a week to the farm effort. In exchange, you will eat in our home and we will provide shelter for you on our land. In the past, apprentices have enjoyed the solitude and contemplative opportunities available here and on an adjacent 120 acre nature sanctuary. We have had many wonderful apprentices over the years. Some of them came to us from wwoof.

Village life is also right around the corner. Columbiaville, a town of 950 founded in 1837, is within walking distance. Columbiaville has a library, post office, massage studio, karaoke bar and convenience store. It is on the Flint River, so there are opportunities for boating and fishing close by. Columbiaville hosts the Michigan Lily Festival every year on the second weekend of July. The nearest large town is Lapeer, which has a population of 7,500. It can be reached in 15 minutes by car.

The joy of farming is in the relationship cultivated with the natural world. From planting the seeds to eating the freshly picked vegetables to composting the remains or feeding them to the livestock, there is a feeling of relationship. If not for me, the peppers would not be tended. Looked at another way, if I am not here, what is the purpose of the peppers? Similarly with the livestock, they depend on the farmer for their sustenance and quality of life. Domesticated farm animals would not survive long in the wild. Their purpose also seems to be to nourish and sustain the farm family.

In the play of nature and the change of seasons can be found many worthy objects of contemplation. The rigors of farming keep the body fit even as the mind searches for patterns and deeper meanings. There is always plenty to do and much to think about.

Greg serves on the village Parks and Recreation Committee and works with the local school district to develop a wetland nature center attached to the village elementary school. Robin practices and teaches Integral Yoga. Greg has practiced homeopathic medicine for over 20 years. Robin works as a nurse at Lapeer Regional Hospital. They have four children and five grandchildren.

We welcome those interested to experience farming firsthand. We have simple accommodations upstairs in our barn for 1 or 2 persons. If you live nearby and have your own place, we can work with you as your schedule permits. Apprenticeships can be anywhere from a day to a week to a month to a season. Whether you live here or on your own we will want to feed you and will teach you all we can as we work together.