Looking for the following:
Type of opportunity:
Sale (Owner Financed), Lease (1 to 5 Years), Lease (5+ Years), Lease with Option to Buy, Internship / Mentorship, Incubator / Mentored Lease, Business Partnership.
More info: I am looking for any long-term connection and/or opportunity where I can continue to develop my skills as an organic farmer.
Equipment & infrastructure:
Fencing, Well / Pond / Other water source, Greenhouse, Livestock facilities, Farmer housing, Farm equipment, Irrigation equipment, Cold storage (cooler/freezer).
More info: I do not yet own much of the equipment and resources a market farmer needs. Any existing farm infrastructure would be an enormous jump start. Existing housing on the farm or extremely close by for myself and fiance would be necessary.
Current production on farm:
Herbs, Poultry (Broiler/Layer), Vegetable production.
More info: 2017 is the first year that I've lived on a 1 acre property and is my first step beyond a "small garden." My current production level is still objectively small. I am attempting nightshades, roots, curcurbits, brassicas, okra, legumes, and various herbs; and am hoping to transition into greens, lettuces, and alliums later this year. All plants are being started from seed.
I recently acquired a small flock of laying hens which I am raising on an organic diet.
Current farming practices:
Biodynamic, Ecological production but not certified.
More info: I strive to incorporate bio-intensive, sustainable, organic techniques; such as composting, mulching, compost tea, cover crops, raised beds, and crop rotation.
Qualifications and goals:
Other qualifications:
More info: In 2015 & 2016, I held a 80 sq. ft. community garden plot and taught myself the basics of growing vegetables both from seed and purchased transplants. I had mixed success with nightshades, sweet potatoes, roots, legumes, squash and herbs. I have spent much time since 2015 reading a variety of books on small scale organic farming and permaculture.
Production goals:
Field crops, Hay or pasture, Herbs, Orchard, Poultry (Broiler/Layer), Sheep/Goat (Dairy/Meat), Vegetable production.
More info: My #1 goal is to create and/or nurture a well-sustained, permaculture environment. In addition, successfully operate a 50-150 share CSA, market stand, and/or develop long-term relationships with local restaurants.
Personal experience and production goals summary:
I was born and raised in various suburbs of central New Jersey. After years of fruitless searching for my self-identity in a meaningless consumer culture, I decided that I want to spend the rest of my life forming a postive relationship with nature and community. I have spent the previous 2-3 years teaching myself about a variety of farming techniques and practicing in a small community garden plot. At the start of 2017, my fiance, Melanie, myself, and our pets (Evie and Harvey) relocated 700 miles to Western North Carolina in pursuit of our dreams. We hope to find ourselves on a homestead where we can practice permaculture and operate a CSA and/or market stand providing fresh produce, flowers, dairy, and eggs.
