Four Thumbs Up For Madison From WWOOF'ers! (With Video)

Ross Shepherd and Abby Burton, 20, of Scotland, disembarked a plane at JFK airport in New York, encountered 100-degree temperatures for the first time in their lives and thought, "what are we doing here?"

They had come for a vacation, and with a short list of possibilities for work and housing, stayed with a friend in Stamford to sort it all out.

"It happened really quick," Burton said of their discovery of Barberry Hill Farm, "we applied and we were accepted within a couple days."

World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms

Burton and Shepherd applied to Barberry Hill Farm through the World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms webisite, which helps willing hands find organic farms to work on in exchange for room and board.

There are 13 farms in Connecticut that accept WWOOF'ers, but this is the first year for Barberry Hill Farm.

Kelly Goddard owns and operates the farm with her husband Kingsley, who began farming the land 25 years ago. 

New people who are excited about farming

"Mostly it was to meet new people who are excited about farming," Goddard said of her decision to accept WWOOF'ers. "Two to three people apply everyday."

The organic farm grows flowers and produce, participates in five farmers' markets, runs a seasonal farm stand and a CSA, where people can buy full or half shares in the season's harvest and receive weekly boxes of fresh vegetables. Visit the farm's blog for more information.

Burton said she became interested in Barberry Hill Farm because of the picture used on the website, which was a close up of a sheep and then really wanted the position after touring the farm and meeting the Goddards.

"We've totally landed on our feet," Burton said of the experience. "I love it here. The family is great, the farm is brilliant, this is awesome."