Preferred counties/regions
- Finger Lakes
- Genesee County
- Livingston County
- Orleans County
- Wyoming County
- Monroe County
- Ontario County
- Seneca County
- Wayne County
- Yates County
- Southern Tier
- Broome County
- Chemung County
- Chenango County
- Delaware County
- Schuyler County
- Steuben County
- Tioga County
- Tompkins County
- Western
- Allegany County
- Cattaraugus County
- Chautauqua County
- Erie County
- Niagara County
Desired acreage
- 21-50
- 51-100
- >100
Farming Status
Aspiring farmer: 1 year or less of farming experience
Not currently farming
Primary reason for farming
Farm will generate the majority of my income
Farming status, plans, and practices
I am a first-generation aspiring farmer currently working in the restaurant industry while preparing to transition into full-time farming. My background as a professional cook has given me a deep appreciation for high-quality ingredients and the connection between farming and food.
I am seeking farmland in western New York to establish Brooks Valley, a diversified farm focused on fresh produce, orchards, greenhouse production, and handcrafted chocolate. My long-term goal is to create a financially sustainable farm that serves the local community through direct sales, farmers markets, and agritourism while caring for the land and preserving it for future generations.
I value stewardship, continuous learning, and building relationships with experienced farmers. I am looking for land where I can grow alongside the community and continue a property’s agricultural legacy.
Farm Experience & Education
I am a first-generation aspiring farmer with a professional background as a chef and years of experience in the restaurant industry. Over the past year I have begun growing food, studying soil health, crop production, orchard planning, greenhouse management, and sustainable farming practices. I am actively seeking opportunities to learn from experienced farmers and gain hands-on experience while building Brooks Valley. I believe my culinary background gives me a unique understanding of producing high-quality food from the field to the table, and I am committed to being a lifelong student of agriculture.
Farming Plans and Practices
Farming method or practice
- Organic (not certified)
- Regenerative/Sustainable
My plans focus on diversified production, including vegetables, orchards, berries, culinary herbs, and greenhouse crops. I plan to emphasize high-quality, locally grown food while developing handcrafted chocolate using greenhouse-grown cacao as part of a value-added farm business. My goal is to build a sustainable farm that serves the local community through direct sales and agritourism
Primary crops
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Vegetables
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Fruits
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Other Crops
Primary livestock
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Cattle - Dairy
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Poultry
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Bees
My primary focus will be diversified crop production, orchards, greenhouse growing, and value-added products. I plan to keep a small dairy herd to provide milk for handcrafted chocolate and other farm products, along with laying hens and pollinator-friendly beekeeping. My goal is to build a sustainable, community-focused farm where each part of the operation supports the others.
Marketing Method
I plan to market directly to the community through an on-farm market, farmers markets, and partnerships with local restaurants and businesses. My goal is to create a destination where people can purchase fresh produce, handcrafted chocolate, and other value-added farm products while learning about how their food is grown and prepared. My culinary background allows me to help customers understand how to use seasonal ingredients, creating a connection from the farm to the table.
Farm business plan or farm resume
Farmland Needs
Infrastructure required
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Barns - Equipment Storage
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Barns - Livestock
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Electrical access
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Farmer housing
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Water access
I am seeking a family farmhouse with reliable electrical service and year-round water access. Existing barns or agricultural buildings are highly preferred for equipment storage and future livestock, but I am open to properties that need improvement. My goal is to preserve and build upon existing farm infrastructure while developing a diversified farm focused on produce, orchards, greenhouse production, and value-added products.
Desired Tenure
I am open to purchasing, leasing, or entering into a partnership that provides a path toward long-term farm ownership. My goal is to build Brooks Valley while honoring the history of the land and continuing its agricultural legacy. I value honest communication, mutual respect, and relationships that benefit both the current landowner and the future of the farm. I am especially interested in working with retiring farmers who want to see their land remain in agriculture.
