Preferred counties/regions
- Central
- Cortland County
- Madison County
- Onondaga County
- Oswego County
- Cayuga County
- Finger Lakes
- Genesee County
- Livingston County
- Orleans County
- Wyoming County
- Monroe County
- Ontario County
- Seneca County
- Wayne County
- Yates County
Desired acreage
- 6-10
- 11-20
Farming Status
Aspiring farmer: 1 year or less of farming experience
Not currently farming
Primary reason for farming
Farm will generate a portion of my income
Farming status, plans, and practices
We are LGBT aspiring farmers looking to lease or buy land to create a sustainable organic fruit and vegetable farm paired with an equine sanctuary for neglected animals. On the farm, we commit to handcrafting quality produce that is accessible to the general public while using practices that will benefit the land and the consumers. We strive to make our farm the best it can be and create a space that we are proud of. We plan to achieve this by consistently expanding our knowledge and networking with other farmers and mentors in the area. After experiencing how closed off the agriculture community can be presently and historically we hope to create even more diversity and spark inspiration in others to get more involved with farming, nature, and animals. We hope to work with a landowner who is welcoming, knowledgeable, and willing to work with us to achieve these goals.
Farm Experience & Education
- Formal agricultural education
- On farm work experience
My preferred name is Charlie and I am currently enrolled in the Cornell Small Farms Program studying the basics of farming and farm management and will receive a certificate upon completion. Afterward, my partner Kamryn and I plan on studying fruit and vegetable farming, farm finances, marketing, season extension via high tunnels, and maple syrup production.
My current employment is working at an Equine Sanctuary taking care of horses, ponies, donkeys, and goats. My day-to-day duties include overseeing the farm, maintaining clean barns, and caring for the animals. I fill and transport water buckets, fill hay nets and food containers, muck stalls, transport various debris via wheelbarrow throughout the farm, and carry heavy loads such as hay bales, and water buckets.
Kamryn in his youth worked closely with his father in a previous landscaping business planting garden beds and now after working as a barista, he is spending the winter volunteering at the Equine Sanctuary while planning to complete courses through the Cornell Small Farms Program as well.
Farming Plans and Practices
Farming method or practice
- Organic (certified)
- Regenerative/Sustainable
Primary crops
-
Vegetables
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Fruits
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Maple
Primary livestock
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Equine
-
Poultry
-
Bees
Variety of fruits and vegetables, maple syrup production. Horses, donkeys, bees, and possibly ducks or chickens.
Marketing Method
Social Media, mailing lists, farmers markets, networking with other farms, and local events.
Farm business plan or farm resume
Farmland Needs
Infrastructure required
-
Electrical access
-
Equipment
-
Farmer housing
-
Water access
Housing is required for my partner and me as we plan to live on the land in order to devote as much time as possible to working on the land and the crops. We hope to eventually build a small barn for a couple of horses and donkeys when financially possible.
Desired Tenure
We plan to maintain good and open communication with the landowner while we finalize our business plan and work through leasing agreements, farm management, or a business partnership in the coming year.
