Shannon Dzikas

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Farming Status and Plans

Description of farming status, plans, and practices:

I grew up on a Conneticut farm and am enrolled in a farmer training program in Texas called Farm Share. We are looking for a home and land in Upstate New York to start a small organic regenerative family farm. 

Description of marketing method:

Farm stand, restaurant accounts after covid, plans for agrotourism events and education.

Does this farmer have a business plan?

In progress

Farm Characteristics

Preferred location:

  • Capital Area
    • Albany
    • Rensselaer
    • Saratoga
    • Washington
  • Hudson Valley
    • Columbia
    • Dutchess
    • Greene
    • Ulster

Desired acreage:

6-10, 11-20, 21-50, 51-100, >100

Infrastructure required:

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

Description of buildings required:

We would like a 3+ bedroom home and a barn would be great.

Description of water access required:

Well preferred and access to city and well water is ideal. 

Description of fencing required:

Any existing fences appreciated. 

Crops and Livestock

Primary crops:

Vegetables, Fruits, Ornamentals

Primary Livestock:

Poultry

Description of livestock/crops:

I will start with egg laying chickens and possibly partner with someone to run pigs and cows on the land for soil regeneration. I will focus on a high production market farm with specialty, fast growing vegetables. A portion of the market garden will be for cut flower production. An orchard would be the next goal. 

Farmland Tenure

Tenure options desired:

For Sale, Other Tenure Agreement

Description of tenure options desired:

A rent to own agreement would make moving from TX easier financially.   

Additional Information

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

Yes

Experience & education:

Farmer training or workshop

Experience description:

Dec. 17th I will graduate from a 4 month intensive farmer starter program by Farm Share Austin. I have grown food for my family for 6 years and grew up on a farm in Connecticut.