Preferred counties/regions
- North Country
- Mohawk Valley
- Otsego County
- Herkimer County
- Oneida County
- Central
- Cortland County
- Madison County
- Onondaga County
- Cayuga County
- Finger Lakes
- Southern Tier
- Broome County
- Chemung County
- Chenango County
- Delaware County
- Schuyler County
- Steuben County
- Tioga County
- Tompkins County
Desired acreage
- 51-100
- >100
Farming Status
Beginning farmer: 10 years or less of experience managing a farm business
Currently farming full-time
Primary reason for farming
Farm will generate the majority of my income
Farming status, plans, and practices
I'm currently running a wool & pastured lamb (off-grid) operation on 16 leased acres in Verona, NY. This year we added pastured eggs and pork. We have plans to expand, add cattle, and pursue organic certification. We utilize intensive rotational grazing systems, never ever spray herbicides or pesticides, and use minimal equipment. To learn more about my farm, follow me on Instagram - florafaunafarm
Farm Experience & Education
- Farm owner
- Farm manager
- On farm work experience
I started our farm with the guidance of a few excellent mentors (farmers) and a class at the local extension office. I am otherwise self-taught, as I am a first generation farmer, so I read everything I can get my hands on. I do have an animal science/biology background, so that has helped me along the way. My spouse is an Electrical Power Systems Engineer, and therefore very handy with electric fences and wiring, but also an excellent woodworker and all-around handyman. Owning an older home has taught us many skills (eg. glazing windows, repairing shakes) that we hope to utilize one day in the preservation of a beautiful old farm.
Farming Plans and Practices
Farming method or practice
- Biodynamic
- Organic (not certified)
- Regenerative/Sustainable
Primary crops
-
Vegetables
-
Flowers or Ornamentals
-
Hay
-
Other Crops
Primary livestock
-
Goats/Sheep
-
Pigs
-
Poultry
We raise registered Romney Sheep [for wool, breeding stock, and meat], pastured poultry, and heritage breed pigs.
Marketing Method
We market through social media, have a website, and sell directly to local customers at farmer's markets and sheep shows across New England.
Farm business plan or farm resume
Farmland Needs
Infrastructure required
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Water access
Right now, we are farming entirely off-grid. Ideally we are looking for a farm with a functional barn (even if repairs are needed), a good well, and power. If the property is within a reasonable distance from our home, a livable residence is not required - but would be a bonus. Dry/rocky soils are a definite pro for our sheep operation.
Desired Tenure
We are looking for a good fit with a farm owner that believes in the preservation of agricultural land. We love old structures and the idea of maintaining/restoring them for generations to come. We currently lease farmland, and own a home in a suburb. Ideally we are looking for an older farm to purchase and make our primary residence, but would be open to discussing other arrangements such as leasing, leasing-to-own, or transitional plans.
