Preferred counties/regions
- Hudson Valley
- Dutchess County
- Ulster County
- Sullivan County
- Orange County
- Westchester County
- Rockland County
Desired acreage
- 6-10
- 11-20
- 21-50
Farming Status
Emerging farmer: 2 years or more of on farm work experience
Not currently farming
Primary reason for farming
Farm will generate a portion of my income
Farming status, plans, and practices
I am planning to operate a farm to grow produce, including stone fruit trees, strawberries and berry bushes. I also plan to have a small scale livestock operation for the purpose of producing goat cheeses, eggs, and wool to aid in soil restoration. I plan to integrate sustainable agricultural practices, such as no-till, water optimization, manure fertilization processes, and biodiversity of cover crops and plant life to restore and maximize soil health. I also plan to open my farm to the public for agro-tourism for the purposes of revenue and educational outreach.
Farm Experience & Education
- Formal agricultural education
- On farm work experience
4-H member for 15 years. Participated in several workshops, including soil health, animal husbandry practices, and new sustainable agricultural practices. I have worked for the Utah Department of Agriculture for two years where I participated in the Soil Health Commission, water optimization program and evaluation of practices, and land conservation commission.
Farming Plans and Practices
Farming method or practice
- Biodynamic
- Organic (not certified)
- Regenerative/Sustainable
Primary crops
-
Vegetables
-
Fruits
-
Grains
Primary livestock
-
Goats/Sheep
-
Poultry
-
Bees
Stone fruit trees including apples and plums, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries for u-pick. Pumpkins for u-pick, sweet corn, zucchini, summer squash, eggplant, cucumbers and tomatoes. Goats for cheese, sheep for wool purposes, chickens for eggs, and bee boxes for honey production. Chickens will also be used for fertilization of soil using a roaming pen.
Marketing Method
I will open the farm seasonally for two u-pick seasons, one being in the late spring/early summer for berries and the other in the fall for fall produce, pumpkins, hay rides and a corn maze. I plan to advertise online and in local papers. If possible I would like to offer a small market that could remain open for a longer season from April-November offering produce.
Farm business plan or farm resume
Farmland Needs
Infrastructure required
-
Electrical access
-
Water access
Housing is not needed but BOH approval for structures and a home is a plus.
Desired Tenure
N/A
