Jen D

Farming part-time

Updated Oct 19, 2026

  • 0-5 Total acres
  • 0-5 Acres of cropland or tillable land
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Jennifer Dobson

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Hi, I'm Jenny! I'm a writer and creative professional looking for a change of pace and a slower, more intentional way of

I'm an aspiring first-generation farmer hoping to transition into a quieter, nature-centered lifestyle around mid-2027. While I don't have formal farming experience, I'm eager to learn through mentorship and hands-on experience. I'm interested in small-scale, low-maintenance agriculture, particularly native wildflowers, pollinator habitats, and ecological land stewardship. I'm also open to community gardening and other manageable agricultural opportunities. My goal is to start part-time, learn gradually, and develop a sustainable arrangement that complements my writing career.

  • Farmer housing
  • Barn
  • Fencing
  • Irrigation equipment
  • Well / Pond / Other water source

Equipment and infrastructure details

My highest priority is affordable, livable housing on or near the farm, ideally with room for a second person if available. I have a cat, and a friend who also has a cat may be interested in joining me or relocating earlier. I'd love a peaceful property with a pond or natural water feature, room for native wildflowers, and perhaps a barn, cottage, or outbuilding suitable for creative workshops or writing retreats. Existing infrastructure is preferred, as I'm hoping to start with minimal capital investment and manageable maintenance responsibilities.

  • Lease (1 to 5 Years)
  • Lease (5+ Years)
  • Lease w/Option to Buy
  • Lease w/Mentoring
  • Incubator Program
  • Employment / Internship / Mentorship
  • Employment with Transfer

Opportunity details

I'm seeking an affordable, housing-inclusive opportunity to gradually transition into rural living and small-scale farming around mid-2027. I'm especially interested in leasing with mentorship, collaborative arrangements, or exchanging professional skills such as writing, marketing, and administrative support for housing or reduced rent. A friend may also be interested and could potentially relocate sooner if additional bedrooms are available. We're both cat owners. I'm flexible about the arrangement and would love to find a mutually beneficial opportunity with room to learn and grow.

  • Regenerative
  • Ecological production but not certified

Practices details

I'm interested in environmentally responsible, low-intensity farming practices that support biodiversity, healthy soil, native plants, and local wildlife. My ideal approach would emphasize ecological stewardship, pollinator habitats, and working with the natural landscape rather than intensive production. I'm especially drawn to native wildflower meadows and sustainable land management. As a beginner, I'm eager to learn appropriate practices for the property and local growing conditions, ideally with guidance from an experienced landowner or mentor.

  • Aquaculture
  • Christmas trees
  • Flowers / Herbs
  • Hay or pasture
  • Woodlot or forest products

Goals details

My primary interest is establishing a small native wildflower or pollinator-friendly flower farm, potentially expanding into seed production or other low-intensity agricultural uses. I'm also open to an existing Christmas tree operation, community garden, or small aquaculture project if suitable infrastructure and mentorship are available. Depending on the property, I'd love to explore complementary activities such as writing retreats or nature-based workshops. My priority is starting small, learning responsibly, and building a manageable operation.

Years of experience

0 total years of experience

0 years employed as a worker (non-manager)

0 years as a manager

Experience details

I don't currently have formal agricultural education or professional farming experience. My background is in writing, communications, and creative work, with transferable skills in research, content development, marketing, and organization. I'm interested in learning sustainable land management, native plant cultivation, and small-scale agricultural practices through mentorship, workshops, or hands-on training. I'm particularly interested in opportunities where I can contribute my existing professional skills while developing practical farming knowledge.

Desired locations

  • Alleghany
  • Ashe
  • Avery
  • Buncombe
  • Burke
  • Caldwell
  • Cherokee
  • Clay
  • Graham
  • Haywood
  • Henderson
  • Jackson
  • Macon
  • Madison
  • McDowell
  • Mitchell
  • Polk
  • Rutherford
  • Swain
  • Transylvania
  • Watauga
  • Wilkes
  • Yancey