Certified Farm Seeker
Farming full-time for income
Updated Feb 2, 2025
Seeking
- 0-5 Total acres
- 0-5 Acres of cropland or tillable land
- 0-5 Acres of pasture
Tommie Burch
Certified Farm Seeker
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My name's Tommie Burch and I'm a small scale, organic farmer/educator. I've got 9 years of experience in the field.
Plan
I'm a small scale farmer/educator. I've got 9 years of experience in organic mixed vegetable/fruit production, including creating my own successful 1/3 acre farming business in Tucson, AZ. I'm going to be moving to North Carolina in the next few months and am interested in current farms/landowners looking to lease land for a mixed veg operation or possibly farms interested in incorporating some type of demonstration/agrotourism element to their current mixed vegetable operations. My passions are growing profitable, regenerative food and creating more farmers.
Desired infrastructure
Equipment and infrastructure details
I'd like some type of all the infrastructure listed above. I'm willing to build/repair whatever isn't available to create a functional small-scale farm.
Preferred type of opportunity
Opportunity details
I am interested in current farms/landowners looking to lease land for a mixed veg operation or possibly farms interested in incorporating some type of demonstration/agrotourism element to their current mixed vegetable operation. My passions are growing profitable, regenerative food and creating more farmers.
Desired farming practices
Practices details
I prefer to grow in a bio-intensive, minimal tillage style. I'm best at utilizing smaller acreage to grow more profitable crops such as salad greens, herbs, and other high-value, perishable crops. I've managed a certified organic farm before and see its value, but would choose to skip certification at my own farm.
I enjoy growing with as many local sources of fertility as possible, such as cover cropping and local compost/fertilizers.
Production goals
Goals details
I believe in creating a financially and ecologically sustainable farming business that has a good work-life balance for all involved. I plan to achieve this (just as I did at my previous farm), by using crop budgets that ensure that we're growing profitable crops that meet our local market's demand as well as sustainable growing practices that builds long-term soil health. I believe this style of farming can create more farmers by avoiding economic and social burnout, so I'd like to incorporate some type of agrotourism or educational aspect to my farm once it's up and running.
Farm experience
Years of experience
9 total years of experience
4 years employed as a worker (non-manager)
5 years as a manager
Education, training, and employment experience
Experience details
I've got a Bachelor's Degree in turfgrass management and am certified in Integrated Pest Management through the University of Georgia. I'm certified in Bio-Intensive Agriculture practices through Ecology Action in Willits, CA. I've written multiple articles for Growing for Market magazine. I'm relatively skilled in basic construction, welding, electrical wiring, plumbing, engine repair, and large machine operation.
I've been farming for 9+ years.