Type of opportunity:

Sale (Standard), Sale (Owner Financed), Lease with Option to Buy. More info: My family is looking to either purchase a functioning farm, or start a farm on a receptive lot. I would like to work to be a full time farmer, relying on a year-round income generated by the farm.

Equipment & infrastructure:

Barn, Well / Pond / Other water source, Farmer housing, Farm equipment. More info: A turnkey farm would be great. Any preparations or equipment that we wouldn't have to purchase up front would lighten the initial financial load.

Current production on farm:

Christmas trees, Hay or pasture, Orchard. More info: Tree crops are an ideal crop, being that is what I am most familiar with. It also requires the most prep work before it begins generating income, thus why it would be nice to buy a farm with existing Christmas Trees or Orchard to cut back on initial expenses.

Current farming practices:

Biodynamic, Conventional, Certified organic, Transitioning to organic, Ecological production but not certified, None, the property is not being farmed. More info: I have no preference on farming practices other than being a responsible farmer, who cares for the well being of the land you are tending. Responsible land conservation efforts are key to the sustainability of a farm.

Previous farming experience:

Employee, Manager

Number of years experience:

5

Other qualifications:

More info: I grew up on a 5 acre apple orchard in southern Michigan. During that time, I also worked with other farmers bailing hay, picking sweet corn, cleaning and caring for horses and assisting in the operation of a Christmas tree farm. Since then I have been pursuing a career in Architecture. I would like to return to my roots and get back into agriculture. Ag has long been a part of my family. My father has worked in Agribusiness, mainly for various Depts. of Agriculture for 35+ years. He is a great asset in my desire to return to farming.

Production goals:

Cattle (Dairy/Beef), Christmas trees, Hay or pasture, Herbs, Orchard, Poultry (Broiler/Layer), Sheep/Goat (Dairy/Meat), Vegetable production, Woodlot or forest products. More info: I would like to dabble in most aspects of farming. Tree crops are my most comfortable aspect but I would also like to try operating an all-around farm. Generating income year-round through farming requires a multi-faceted approach to operations. Not only would we like to have a variety of crops and livestock, but we would like to use our farm to teach other, especially children, about farming, hopefully influencing others to grow up respecting the land and knowing how to take care of it for future generations.

Personal experience and production goals summary:

Our main goal is to set ourselves up to be self-sufficient. We want to be able to provide a healthy, fulfilling life for ourself, our children and benefit those around us through that fulfillment. 

Resume:

MJohnston_Resume.pdf