Connor Gehl

Description of farming status, plans, and practices:

I have worked for various farms from when I was a teenager, doing everything from milking, feeding, crop production, herd management and maintence, etc. I am planning on starting my own Dairy Operation upon graduation from college (Very soon). I also intend to grow cash crops for added income security to my farming enterprise. My plan is to grow almost all the feed needs for my operation within a few years (Hay, Corn Silage, Corn for grain, straw, etc.) I am planning on using modern farming practices to do my farming.

Description of marketing method:

I would either get my own milk market or get one transferred to me from someone looking to get out of the business. For my crops, I will utilize selling my baled crops on the internet and for my grain I will sell them to a local grain elevator.

Does this farmer have a business plan?

Yes

Preferred location:

Desired acreage:

11-20, 21-50, 51-100, >100

Infrastructure required:

Onsite housing, Barns or other facilities for storage of equipment, livestock, and crops, Farm equipment, Water access, Electrical Access

Description of infrastructure:

Housing not required but would bne helpful. I am looking for a barn either tie stall or freestall that has either units to milk in the tiestall or a parlor. Basic farm equipment is not required but would helpful. Would definetly need a water source and access to electric. Also, a milk market that can be transferred would be very helpful to get this business started.

Description of buildings required:

I would like a Tiestall or Freestall barn with milkhouse. Milking system can either be milk-line in tiestall or parlor. An equipment shed would be nice to keep things out of the weather, a calf barn or calf hutches or other place to keep calves. a heifer area/ barn, a palce to keep dry cows. A shop would be nice but not required.

Description of farm equipment required:

Equipment Not required, but preferred as it will be easier to get started. Tractor with manure spreader, skidsteer/laoder tractor, feed mixer, mower, baler, planter, tillage tools, etc.

Description of water access required:

Well or other clean source, with enough supply to provide water to cows and to wash milking equipment.

Primary crops:

Grains, Hay, Other Crops

Primary Livestock:

Cattle - Dairy

Description of livestock/crops:

I am looking to grow hay (grass, alfalfa, clover, etc.) and will have dairy cows. I want to chop and bale hay for silage as well as grow corn sialge and corn for grain. additionally I will grow wheat for bedding, feed supplement and to sell.

Tenure options desired:

For Lease, For Sale, Other Tenure Agreement

Description of tenure options desired:

I would eventually like to purchase the facility/farm. Owner Financing?

Will this farmer's operation qualify an eligible landowner for an Agricultural Assessment?

Unsure

Experience & education:

Formal agricultural education, On farm work experience, Farm internship/apprenticeship, Farmer training or workshop

Experience description:

I have worked for 3 farms (on the payroll) and I have also worked for many other friends, helping them out with milking, harvest, moving cattle, etc. I am going to SUNY Cobleskill for Dairy Production and Management (4.0 GPA), and will be graduating soon. I am very involved in agriculture and keep a close eye on what is going on in the markets.