Grace Cannan

I have over 4 years of livestock management experience. I'm proficient in rotational grazing of pigs and poultry, as well as small and large ruminants. I'm looking to start the next chapter of my farming career in or near the capital region.

Preferred counties/regions

  • Capital Region
  • Albany County
  • Columbia County
  • Greene County
  • Rensselaer County
  • Schenectady County
  • Hudson Valley
  • Montgomery County
  • Schoharie County

Desired acreage

  • 11-20
  • 21-50
  • 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 am currently managing a farrow-to-finish pastured pig operation at an established Columbia County farm, and I'm looking forward to establishing my own business.  My farm operation would produce two products for which there is a lot of demand, currently:  high-quality heritage breed feeder piglets (and possibly breeding stock), and chicken processing services.  These are two areas that I have a lot of skills and experience in, and I see a lot of potential for revenue generation.  Secondarily, I'd like to manage summer stock ruminants for other farmers.  

Farm Experience & Education

  • Farm internship/apprenticeship
  • Farmer training or workshop
  • Farm manager
  • On farm work experience

4 years of immersive, full-time work at a Columbia County institution.  2 years prior to that working in whole-animal butchery.  

Farming Plans and Practices

Farming method or practice

  • Regenerative/Sustainable

Primary crops

  • black outline apple icon Fruits
  • black outline of a flower Flowers or Ornamentals

Primary livestock

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

Heritage pigs, reproductive herd as well as feeder pigs.  

Marketing Method

I plan to primarily produce pigs that would be bought by other farmers at weaning.  A farrow-to-finish operation can follow.  I also have existing connections with whole-animal purveyors (butcher shops as well as restaurants), a USDA processor, and hundreds of individual customers.  

There is currently a high demand for chicken processing for small/backyard operations, as well as a commercial kitchen operation that would allow parted out birds to be sold.  

Farm business plan or farm resume

My business plan or farm resume is in progress

Farmland Needs

Infrastructure required

  • black outline barn with silo icon Barns - Livestock
  • black outline electrical icon Electrical access
  • black outline tractor icon Equipment
  • black outline house icon Farmer housing
  • Black outline of a fence Fencing
  • Black outline of a water drop Water access

My farrowing operation would require a barn with sufficient capacity for separate farrowing areas/stalls (minimum of 4).  An equine barn would be very easy to convert.  Will also need electric, and water.  Tractor not required, but would be helpful.  

 

Desired Tenure

Tenure options desired

  • For Lease
  • For Sale
  • Business Partnership
  • Farm Management
  • Cooperative Model
  • Other Tenure Agreement

I'm interested in leasing, buying, or partnering with a landowner who cares about good food.  

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

500,000

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

No

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

Yes

Ag Updates

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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. 

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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. 

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