Farming full-time for income
Updated Oct 14, 2024
Seeking
- 11-50 Total acres
- 6-10 Acres of cropland or tillable land
- 6-10 Acres of pasture
- 6-10 Acres of hayland
Desired locations
Looking for land for vegetable/fruit production. Potential livestock- using silvopasture methods, depending on the site.
Plan
My farming plans depend greatly on the site available. In a perfect world, I would like to maintain an orchard of berries or apples within a Silvopasture setting while also maintaining a small piece of land for intensive vegetable production.
I believe in organic and low till practices. I will use as few inputs from outside sources as possible. I believe the reliance on inputs has put many farms out of business.
My dream is to own a family farm with my wife and daughter that is ecologically sound and contributes to the health and well-being of the community.
Profit is not my primary motivation to become a farmer. But I will do what it takes to earn a proper profit so the farm can thrive.
Desired infrastructure
Equipment and infrastructure details
Preferred equipment depends on the site and existing infrastructure. Willing to purchase my own equipment/infrastructure but would be nice to have some in place already.
Preferred type of opportunity
Opportunity details
Looking for an opportunity for purchase or lease. I currently have a mortgage and have a wife and two-year-old daughter. I am the primary income maker with my wife working part-time. Looking either for land that is close to my current house or is offering housing if leased. I would be able to sell or rent my current house. While we are very frugal, we have a combined expense of around $1,000 a month. Mostly for student loans and car loan. Willing to pair expenses down as low as possible, we are comfortable with not having much disposable income for some time.
Desired farming practices
Practices details
First and foremost will be Real Organic production, focussing on increasing biodiversity both above and below ground. I plan on using low til/no til for vegetable production. If fruit trees are a possibility I will utilize wholistic sprays that are Organically certified. I am interested in integrating livestock such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, goats, pigs and or sheep depending on the site. Ecologically sound agriculture is at the front of my mind. I am not willing to destroy/harm the land in order to turn a quick buck. Having said that, I will ensure my family is well taken care of, no matter what it takes.
Production goals
Farm experience
Years of experience
1 total years of experience
0 years employed as a worker (non-manager)
0 years as a manager
Education, training, and employment experience
Experience details
I do not have any practical farming experience past gardening in my backyard and studying the subject. While I have a lack of experience, I have a very strong vision of how I would like to farm. I believe strongly in Real Organic methods and humanely raised animals. I have no doubt that I would be able to gain experience while creating a profitable farm. It may take a couple of years to be truly profitable or reliant only on farm income. However, I am confident in my capabilities and passion for properly grown/raised food.
I currently work a desk job from home and in dire need to work with my hands and body/ with the real world.