Farming part-time
Updated Feb 10, 2026
Seeking
- 101+ Total acres
- 101+ Acres of cropland or tillable land
Desired locations
Seeking landowners to grow perennial grass for sustainable building materials. Flexible lease terms available.
Plan
Plantd Materials is a North Carolina-based company that makes carbon-negative building panels from fast-growing perennial grass. We're looking for landowners who want a low-maintenance crop option for their land.
We handle planting and harvesting—you provide the land. Our perennial grass requires minimal inputs once established and no annual replanting, making it ideal for underutilized acreage or as an easy addition to your current operation.
We pay based on crop volume, so your earnings reflect what your land produces. If you're interested in a long-term partnership with a sustainable, local company, we'd love to connect.
Desired infrastructure
Equipment and infrastructure details
We bring our own equipment for planting and harvesting—no machinery required on your end. Our operations are self-sufficient, so there's minimal infrastructure needed from landowners.
Larger, contiguous plots are preferred as they allow for more efficient planting and harvesting, but we're open to discussing land of various sizes. Basic road access for equipment is helpful, but beyond that, we don't require barns, irrigation systems, or other infrastructure.
If your land is currently unused or underutilized, it may be a great fit for our perennial grass production.
Preferred type of opportunity
Opportunity details
We're seeking long-term land partnerships with landowners who want a hands-off, low-maintenance income stream. Ideal partners have underutilized or idle farmland and are open to a pay-by-volume or multi-year lease arrangement.
We handle everything: planting, maintenance, and harvesting. You provide the land. No equipment or active involvement needed on your part.
We're especially interested in larger plots (100+ acres preferred), though we're happy to discuss opportunities of various sizes. Whether you're a farmer looking to diversify, a landowner with unused acreage, or transitioning away from another crop, we'd love to explore a partnership.
Desired farming practices
Practices details
We focus on sustainable, low-input farming practices. Our perennial grass crop requires no annual replanting and minimal chemical inputs once established. We prioritize soil health and work to improve land quality over time rather than deplete it.
We're flexible and happy to work with landowners who have existing operations or specific practices they follow. Our goal is a partnership that fits your land and your preferences—not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Production goals
Goals details
We practice sustainable, low-input agriculture. Our perennial grass requires no annual replanting and minimal chemical inputs once established. We prioritize soil health and are flexible with landowners who have existing practices.
We plant and harvest perennial grass to supply our manufacturing facility in Oxford, NC, where we produce carbon-negative building panels. Our crop allows multiple harvests per year, and we handle all planting, maintenance, and harvesting.
Our goal is to build long-term partnerships with landowners who want reliable, low-maintenance income from their land while supporting sustainable, locally-made building products.
Farm experience
Years of experience
2 total years of experience
2 years employed as a worker (non-manager)
2 years as a manager
Education, training, and employment experience
Experience details
Our agricultural operations are led by Dr. Janel Ohletz, who holds a PhD in Soil Science and Agronomy from NC State University. Her expertise guides our approach to field establishment, soil health, and sustainable crop management. Combined with hands-on experience cultivating perennial grass at scale, our team brings both academic rigor and practical know-how to every partnership.