Preferred counties/regions
- Hudson Valley
Desired acreage
- 5 or fewer
- 6-10
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 have no prior farming experience, but I am a very quick study. I know that many people say this, but I do have over a decade's worth of wine knowledge that tends to prefer organic/biodynamic/regenerative farming practices. This knowledge doesn't directly translate into useful skills, but it does provide a very good, broad base to work from. I have a solid vision, but I am also aware of the learning curve. Keep in mind, I spent most of my career in 2 and 3 Michelin starred restaurants, so learning your products thoroughly, executing at a high level and selling what people want, are skills that are necessary to thrive in those environments. That provides a good basis for learning quickly.
I am currently working on the business plan. Once that is complete, I will write a rough draft of the farming plan.
Farm Experience & Education
No current education. I am in the process of reading about multiple aspects of farming and consulting some friends.
Farming Plans and Practices
Farming method or practice
- Biodynamic
- Organic (certified)
- Regenerative/Sustainable
Primary crops
-
Vegetables
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Fruits
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Flowers or Ornamentals
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Grains
Primary livestock
-
Goats/Sheep
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Pigs
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Poultry
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Bees
The primary focus is on alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The plants grown for this will be quite varied and in fairly small quantities. There will be a range of crops, including grapes, rice, barley, sweet potatoes, beets and other market vegetables as well as herbs. The market vegetables and herbs will be used primarily for N/A beverage production, with the nicest ones being sold at farmer's markets or through a CSA.
Any farm animals present will be used to provide natural fertilizer and have additional benefits. The composition of animals can be adjusted to fit the needs of the land.
Marketing Method
Using my extensive contacts made over the years, these beverages will be sold through a distributor in the NYC metro and surrounding areas to restaurants that I have connections with. For the market vegetables, I will either go through the NYC Greenmarkets or through a CSA program.
I am still in the process of writing out the business and farm plans, and this subject will be handled prior to a transaction completing.
Farm business plan or farm resume
Farmland Needs
Infrastructure required
-
Farmer housing
If in a leased position, housing would be necessary, as I would want to be as close to work as possible. If it is a purchase, I just need to know that the zoning allows the building of a primary residence.
Desired Tenure
Ideally, I would like to purchase the land. An owner-will-carry option is very helpful. The state of the land is not important to me, with the exception of use of chemicals. I would prefer less chemicals used. If this doesn't work out, I am open to a business partnership. Terms can be discussed and I am positive that we can come to a win-win situation.
