Jess McClelland

Certified Farm Seeker

Updated Aug 20, 2024

  • 11-50 Total acres
  • 6-10 Acres of cropland or tillable land
  • 6-10 Acres of pasture
  • 6-10 Acres of hayland
J

Jess McClelland

Certified Farm Seeker

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We have been operating a farm for three years in Watauga co. on very limited, very steep land that we own and some leased land, and are looking to expand. We raise hogs, sheep, and diversified vegetables and flowers using all regenerative practices. We hope to expand our livestock production in particular, and use animals to prep land for flower and vegetable production if needed, using rotational grazing practices. We are no-till, and soil carbon capture is of paramount importance to us. 

Our ideal farmland would have space to build a small house, or already have a smalll home on it. It would offer more than 2 acres of relatively flat land, as well as cleared pasture (any slope) or wooded (reasonably sloped is fine). We would also be very interested in land that already has fencing, out buildings (barn or workshop, or animal housing in general), and a well. Even if your land doesn't meet all of our ideals, please reach out! We are open to any and all conversations with people who are passionate about preserving agricultural land, supporting local food systems, and ensuring that farming can remain a viable livelihood. 

  • Farmer housing
  • Barn
  • Fencing
  • Well / Pond / Other water source
  • Greenhouse
  • Livestock facilities
  • Farm equipment
  • Irrigation equipment
  • Cold storage (cooler/freezer)

Equipment and infrastructure details

Any or all infrastructure would be great, but water source is our only hard requirement.

  • Sale (Cash or Mortgage)
  • Sale (Owner Financed)
  • Lease w/Option to Buy

Opportunity details

We are in search of about 30 acres to farm in western NC. We are looking to work with a landowner ideally in Watauga, Ashe, Caldwell, or Wilkes Co. who cares about keeping farmland in production, building healthy soil, and supporting a new generation of farmers. Ideally, we are looking to purchase land but would be open to other arrangements!

  • Biodynamic
  • Regenerative
  • Conventional
  • Certified organic
  • Transitioning to organic
  • Ecological production but not certified

Practices details

Any or all practices, except for conventional Christmas tree production, are of interest to us.

  • Flowers / Herbs
  • Hogs
  • Orchard / Vineyard
  • Sheep/Goat (Dairy / Meat)
  • Vegetables

Years of experience

4 total years of experience

Experience details

Worked in food systems nonprofits for 3 years and one year in food systems marketing. We are experienced builders and business owners, and additionally operate a drone and remote sensing based GIS consulting business.

Desired locations

  • West