Prepare for Your Visit
Your farm weekend is hands-on — you'll be in the paddock with the cattle and up close with the hives. A little preparation keeps everyone safe and lets you get the most out of every session.
Sturdy closed-toe boots or shoes
No sandals or thongs — paddocks are uneven and stock can step close
Long pants and a long-sleeved shirt
Protects against sun, scratches and insect stings
Wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen
Most of the weekend is spent outdoors
Refillable water bottle
At least 1L — farm work is thirsty work
Light rain jacket
Sessions run rain or shine
Warm layer for evenings
Overnight temperatures drop quickly on the land
Personal medications (incl. EpiPen if prescribed)
Tell your host about any allergies on arrival — especially bee sting allergies
Sleeping bag and pillow (overnight stays)
Check your booking confirmation for what your host farm provides
Torch or headlamp
Farm paths are unlit after dark
Work gloves
Handy for yard work and fencing activities
Always follow your farmer host
Only enter yards or paddocks when invited, and stay where your host directs you. They know each animal's temperament.
Approach from the side, never from behind
Cattle have a blind spot directly behind them and may kick if startled. Move slowly and let them see you coming.
Speak calmly and move slowly
No running, shouting or sudden movements around stock. Quiet, steady behaviour keeps the whole herd relaxed.
Keep a safe distance from calves
Mothers are strongly protective. Never walk between a cow and her calf.
Watch the animal's body language
A lowered head, pawing, or turning to face you square-on means back away calmly. Tell your host straight away.
Know your exit
In yards, always know where the nearest rail or gate is, and never let an animal corner you against a fence.
Wash your hands after contact
Always wash with soap after touching animals, feed or fences — and before eating.
Children must be actively supervised by an adult at all times when near cattle — even quiet animals weigh over 500 kg.
Tell your host about sting allergies before any hive session
If you or your child has a known bee allergy, let us know at booking and bring your EpiPen. Allergic participants can enjoy honey extraction and observation activities instead.
Wear the protective gear provided — properly
Your host supplies veils and suits for hive visits. Zip everything fully, tuck pants into socks, and have your host check you before approaching the hives.
Stay calm and move gently
Bees react to fast movements and swatting. If a bee lands on you, stand still or walk away slowly — never flap at it.
Approach hives from behind or the side
The entrance is the bees' flight path. Standing in front of it blocks traffic and agitates the colony.
Avoid strong scents and dark clothing
Skip perfume, aftershave and banana-scented products on hive days. Light-coloured clothing keeps bees calmer.
If you're stung
Move away from the hive calmly, scrape the sting out sideways with a fingernail (don't squeeze it), and tell your host immediately. They carry first-aid kits at every session.
Anyone showing signs of a serious reaction to a sting — swelling of the face, difficulty breathing, dizziness — needs emergency help immediately. Hosts are trained to respond and call 000.