Farming full-time for income
Updated Feb 20, 2026
Seeking
- 51-100 Total acres
- 6-10 Acres of cropland or tillable land
- 11-50 Acres of pasture
- 11-50 Acres of hayland
Desired locations
Reliable livestock producer seeking pasture for cow-calf & multi-species operation.
Plan
Farming Status
A beginning Farmer currently in the final planning stages of launching Joyce Ridge Farm. While I do not currently own livestock, I have a fully developed business plan for a 25-cow-calf operation and am seeking a long-term lease.
Future Plans
"My 5-year goal is to establish a multi-species, regenerative grazing operation in Guilford Co. agritourism
Farming Practices
"I will utilize Rotational Grazing (Managed Intensive Grazing) to ensure the soil is never overgrazed and the pastures stay productive and green.
- Weed Management: I use sheep and goats as natural brush-clearers to minimize the need for chemical herbicides.
Desired infrastructure
Equipment and infrastructure details
Trained horticulturalist and looking for a property with the foundational infrastructure to support a combined cow-calf operation and greenhouse production facility.
- Barn & Housing: I prefer a property with an existing barn for dry hay storage and equipment sheltering. On-site farmer housing is ideal to ensure 24/7 care for my livestock and greenhouse crops.
Preferred type of opportunity
Opportunity details
I am seeking a long-term partnership (5+ years) that allows for the stable growth of a multi-species grazing operation. Given my goal to eventually secure a permanent home for Joyce Ridge Farm, I am particularly interested in a Lease with an Option to Owner-Financing arrangement.
Desired farming practices
Practices details
"I am committed to strictly following USDA Certified Organic standards to ensure the highest level of land stewardship and animal welfare.
- Soil & Pasture: I will manage pastures to ensure a minimum of 120 days of grazing annually, with at least 30% of livestock dry matter intake coming from certified organic pasture.
- Natural Inputs: Use non-synthetic inputs for soil fertility and pest management.
- Animal Health: My livestock will be raised without the use of antibiotics or added growth hormones, focusing on preventative care through vaccination and rotational grazing to reduce parasite loads.
- Transition Plan: If land not certified, I am prepared to manage it according to organic standard.
Production goals
Goals details
- Achieve 100% pasture cover through managed rotational grazing, ensuring no area is overgrazed and maintaining a minimum "residual" grass height of 3–4 inches to prevent erosion.
- Establish a 1-acre organic "Giving Garden" and greenhouse within the first 2 years to produce vegetables specifically for community donation.
- Complete the 36-month transition to Certified Organic for the entire leased acreage, documenting all inputs to satisfy USDA National Organic Program standards.
- Donate a minimum of 500 lbs of fresh produce annually to local food pantries or neighbors in need by year 3.
- Increase soil organic matter by 0.5% over the first 5 years through intensive grazing and natural nutrient cycling.
Farm experience
Years of experience
5 total years of experience
5 years employed as a worker (non-manager)
5 years as a manager
Education, training, and employment experience
Experience details
"I am a Beginning Farmer and a graduate with an Associate in Horticulture, with specialized certifications in Greenhouse Operations and Landscape Maintenance. While I am currently transitioning from a successful micro-farm in my backyard and volunteer indoor plant management for my church, I am fully prepared to scale my operations to a professional lease."
