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
Primary livestock
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
Farmland Needs
Infrastructure required
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
I'm interested in leasing, buying, or partnering with a landowner who cares about good food.