Type of opportunity:

Lease (1 to 5 Years), Incubator / Mentored Lease, Business Partnership, Employment with Transfer. More info: I would like the opportunity to partner with a small to medium sized row crop farmer nearing retirement to assume operation of the farm enterprise. In the absence of this, I would consider renting or leasing smaller cropland tracts (ie. 5ac to 50ac) to get established on my own. Location must be in Rowan, Cabarrus, Stanly, or western Davidson County areas.

Equipment & infrastructure:

Farm equipment. More info: I have 15+ years experience operating and working with farm equipment but do not own the necessary equipment. I currently own a 40hp tractor which could be used in the operation where feasible. I would seek a lease/purchase of equipment from the mentoring owner as farm revenue allows. I am open to other equipment arrangements, if agreeable to both parties. If I farm on my own, I plan to start by renting equipment from farmer friends (or hire it out) and purchase used/older equipment to fulfill needs as funds allow. My philosophy is that it small acreage profitability is much more likely with older equipment in good repair and "bought right" than new or late model equipment.

Current production on farm:

Field crops. More info: I currently do not farm nor own farm land. I have worked on some large farms in the NC Piedmont region primarily growing corn, wheat, and soybeans.

Current farming practices:

Conventional, Certified organic, Transitioning to organic, Ecological production but not certified. More info: I am open to non-organic "no-till" practices as well as organic/naturally grown, with a focus on row crop grains. I am not interested in livestock, vegetable, or fruit production as much as row crops.

Previous farming experience:

Employee

Number of years experience:

15

Other qualifications:

Farm business training, Academic degree in agriculture or related field. More info: I have worked for two of the most successful farm businessmen in the southern Piedmont of North Carolina. I have also been informally mentored and befriended by several outstanding farmers in the area. In addition to working on these farms by operating equipment, researching irrigation methods, handling USDA/insurance reporting, and managing precision digital data, I have worked a in a sales/marketing role of selling used farm equipment. Furthermore, I trade equity futures contracts and am developing market technical analysis which I hope to utilize in securing profitable commodity prices.

Production goals:

Field crops. More info: My experience and interests are focused on row crop grains such as corn, wheat, and soybeans. I am not interested in livestock, vegetable, or fruit production as much as row crops. My strengths lie in equipment knowledge, leveraging relationships, attention to detail, and overall vision. My weaknesses are on the agronomic side (have general knowledge), which I would need to supplement with a mentor or trusted advisor to get a proper working knowledge of genetics, pesticide, and fertilizer selection and timing.

Personal experience and production goals summary:

The dream of being a successful row crop farmer has been an underlying theme in my life since I was a small child. I believe this partly stems from my ISFP personality type which is introverted, independent, and adventure-seeking. Growing up around some great farming mentors, and directly working for a couple of the most successful in my area, has only intensified that desire to work the land myself and successfully manage the challenges and rewards that come with production agriculture. I have worked for 15+ years in the agriculture industry, and it is a passion of mine. I have experience operating equipment from skid steers to combines, FSA reporting, reporting crop insurance claims, analyzing crop yield data, and creating precision fertilizer/seeding prescriptions. At this time I am not looking for a large operation, but would be comfortable with 50-500 total tillable acres as a way to live my dream, earn income, and have a family life on my terms. There are good markets for traditonal GMO crops in my area which I wouldn't have a problem growing. However, knowing that non-GMO demand is booming, I am open to those crops as long as the price premium is enough to warrant the effort.

My university honors thesis was on small farm agritourism and alternative markets. I have an interest in non-traditional crops such as sunflower, popcorn, qinoua, lavender, or other products for which a niche markets exist or could be developed in North Carolina.  My wife's family owns a natural foods store and it is intereting to see the current food and health trends and niches emerging. In due time, I envision creating a farm-direct brand to supply wholesale and retail niche items to the public and regional retail outlets for items such as packaged popcorn, sunflower oil, and lavender products. 

I left the full-time work force in mid-2019 in pursuit of self employment and landed on day trading equities markets (I also broker some consignment farm equipment on the side). I enjoy trading and am still working to develop the proper discipline to achieve long term profitability. However, being somewhat removed from agriculture and not locked into traditional employement has intensified my desire to be self-employed as a farmer.  Market trading is a career I intend to pursue as a full time income while allow farming to be my part-time passion. I have a wife and three young daughters and am committed to living in Rockwell, NC.