Allard Family Farm

Wife and I are looking to find a permanent home to expand our current operation. We currently raise pastured poultry, Alpine Dairy goats, East Friesian sheep, a Jersey heifer and a couple of Hereford cows. Currently in CT but looking to leave the state.

Preferred counties/regions

  • Capital Region
  • Hudson Valley
  • Mohawk Valley
  • Central
  • Finger Lakes

Desired acreage

  • 21-50
  • 51-100
  • >100

Farming Status

Beginning farmer: 10 years or less of experience managing a farm business

Currently farming part-time

Primary reason for farming

Farm will generate the majority of my income

Farming status, plans, and practices

Actively farming, entering our third year of production with pastured poultry as our current centerpiece. In the future we are looking to expand into grass fed beef and lamb as well as pastured pork. We center all of our practices around ecological and ethical raising of livestock providing the most nutritious possible food to our local community. We are currently leasing 5 acres of land in Connecticut but are looking to purchase land to start our family and expand our farming enterprise to become full time employment for us in the future.

Farm Experience & Education

  • Farm owner
  • Formal agricultural education
  • On farm work experience

I am a formally trained chef turned diesel mechanic. I work as a mechanic operating and managing mechanical failures to ensure Amazon can continue day to day shipping of packages in its warehouses. 

My wife is an agriculture teacher at local high school specializing in animal science with knowledge carried from childhood and formal education at the University of Connecticut. She worked for the University of Connecticut’s Department of Animal Science helping to manage the milking of their 110 dairy cattle and management of other operations including their beef, sheep, swine and egg layer facilities. 

Farming Plans and Practices

Farming method or practice

  • Biodynamic
  • Organic (not certified)
  • Regenerative/Sustainable

Primary crops

  • No Crops

Primary livestock

  • black outline cow icon Cattle - Beef
  • Black outline of a sheep Goats/Sheep
  • Black outline of a chicken Poultry

All of our animals are raised following the methods of Joel Salatin in a regenerative style focusing on management that involves rotationally grazing to work with nature instead of against it. Our meat birds and turkeys are raised seasonally on pasture from April through October. These birds are provided non-GMO grain and moved to a new patch of grass each day. Our goats are used primarily for brush clearing and small scale milk and cheese production. Our sheep are raised for wool, meat and grass management around the property. Our cattle are currently used for grass management and are our future milk and beef production animals.

Marketing Method

Our current marketing occurs from Farmer's markets, on-site sales, word of mouth, social media (Instagram, Facebook), and email campaigns via Mail Chimp. 

Farm business plan or farm resume

I have a business plan

Farmland Needs

Infrastructure required

  • black outline house icon Farmer housing
  • Black outline of a water drop Water access

barns would be a plus but a house on the property and water are the only requirement. 

Desired Tenure

Tenure options desired

  • For Sale

Looking to purchase

Estimated price range for a lease or a purchase of a farm property

400,000 Max

Has this farmer received a pre-qualification from a lending institution?

Yes

Will this operation qualify an eligible landowner for an Agricultural Assessment?

Yes

Ag Updates

Dairy Cows eating silage in the barn.

Applications Open for Dairy Funding Accelerator Program

The Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corporation (HVADC) has opened applications for its upcoming Northeast Dairy Funding Accelerator (DFA) program. The 20-month intensive training curriculum will combine virtual and in-person sessions, as well as group and personalized Business Technical Assistance (BTA) training to help each participant meet their individualized needs. Funding for the program is being provided by the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC). Applications are being accepted until December 1, 2023.

Learn More & Apply

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The Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Fellowship Program is seeking participants!

The Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Fellowship (CAMF) Program is designed to empower farmers and agricultural advisors to gain and share both the knowledge and tools needed to be resilient in the face of climate uncertainty.  This cohort-based learning opportunity is for farmers and agricultural advisors who are interested in climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies and planning, as well as peer-to-peer networking and support. Applications are due by midnight on November 11th, 2023. 

Learn More & Apply

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Register Now for Cornell Small Farms Online Courses!

Are you thinking about starting a small farm? Do you already have a farm that you're looking to expand? Invest in your professional development and you'll see the returns in your business. The Cornell Small Farms Program offers a suite of more than 30 online courses, primarily taught by Cornell Cooperative Extension educators, to help farmers improve their technical and business skills. 

2023-2024 Online Course List Learn More

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Looking for an on farm job or have a farm job you are hiring for?

Are you looking for a farm job? Are you a farm looking to hire help? Check out the 'Find a Farm Job' page on the New York Farmland Finder website! 

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