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
Desired acreage
- 6-10
- 11-20
- 21-50
- 51-100
Farming Status
Aspiring farmer: 1 year or less of farming experience
Currently farming part-time
Primary reason for farming
Farm will generate a portion of my income
Farming status, plans, and practices
The Poppy House is an emerging small-farm business currently being developed in Skaneateles, NY. We are starting by expanding an existing home garden into a more intentional small-scale farming operation, allowing us to gain hands-on experience, establish operating practices, and grow responsibly before acquiring a larger farm.
Our long-term goal is a diversified, sustainable Finger Lakes farm that combines food and agricultural production with thoughtful land stewardship and community engagement. We are interested in growing produce, flowers and other appropriate crops while remaining open to learning from the land, the market, and experienced farmers before determining the final mix.
We are intentionally not looking for the quickest or easiest path into farming. We want to build the knowledge, operating experience and relationships necessary to become responsible long-term stewards of a farm. We are particularly interested in opportunities involving an existing farmer or landowner who values continuity and would consider a gradual transition, mentorship, partnership, lease-to-own arrangement, seller financing, or purchase.
Our goal is to build something financially sustainable that can support our family while contributing positively to the surrounding community and preserving agricultural land for the future.
Farm Experience & Education
My farming experience has developed primarily through years of hands-on home gardening and property management, which I am now formalizing and expanding into a small agricultural operation. My experience includes planning and maintaining garden areas, planting and growing produce, soil preparation, property maintenance, equipment use, and the ongoing problem-solving that comes with growing and maintaining land.
My professional background is in business operations, logistics, sales, and management. I am bringing that experience to the business side of farming while actively seeking to learn from experienced farmers and agricultural professionals. I view the transition to a larger farm as the next stage of that education rather than the beginning of it.
Farming Plans and Practices
Farming method or practice
- Organic (not certified)
- Regenerative/Sustainable
Primary crops
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Vegetables
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Fruits
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Flowers or Ornamentals
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Other Crops
Primary livestock
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Poultry
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Bees
We envision a diversified, regenerative small farm focused initially on vegetables, fruits, flowers and other seasonal crops, with potential for poultry and bees. Our approach will prioritize soil health, responsible land stewardship, biodiversity and sustainable practices. We are intentionally keeping the production plan flexible so it can be shaped by the land, existing farm infrastructure, local market opportunities and knowledge of the current farmer.
Marketing Method
The Poppy House plans to use a diversified direct-to-consumer model, including an on-farm market/stand, local sales, seasonal events and experiences, and online/social media marketing. We envision the farm as both a place to purchase locally grown products and a welcoming community gathering space. As the farm develops, we will evaluate farmers markets, restaurant and local business partnerships, subscriptions/CSA, and other wholesale opportunities. Our marketing approach will remain flexible based on the farm we ultimately acquire, what it produces well, and existing customer relationships that may be worth continuing.
Farm business plan or farm resume
Farmland Needs
Infrastructure required
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Electrical access
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Water access
We are flexible on existing infrastructure and are more interested in finding the right property and long-term opportunity than requiring a specific setup. Reliable water and electrical access are important. Existing barns, greenhouses, equipment storage, farm stand/retail space, fencing, established growing areas, orchards or other agricultural improvements would all be valuable but are not required.
A residence on the property is strongly preferred, particularly for a long-term farm acquisition. We are also very interested in established farms where existing infrastructure, equipment, customer relationships and knowledge could be included as part of a transition from the current owner. We are open to improving or adapting a property over time rather than requiring a turnkey operation.
Desired Tenure
Our ultimate goal is long-term ownership, but we are very open to creative arrangements that provide a responsible path toward that goal. This could include a traditional purchase, seller financing, lease-to-own, phased purchase, initial lease, farm management arrangement, or partnership with an owner transitioning toward retirement.
We are particularly interested in situations where a farmer or landowner wants to see what they have built continue. We would welcome the opportunity to learn from an existing owner and gradually assume responsibility for the land, operation, infrastructure, customer relationships, and other aspects of the business when appropriate.
We are flexible on structure and timing and believe the right relationship and property are more important than forcing a particular transaction structure.
