Preferred counties/regions
- North Country
- Capital Region
- Hudson Valley
- Mohawk Valley
- Central
- Finger Lakes
- Southern Tier
- Western
Desired acreage
- 5 or fewer
- 6-10
- 11-20
- 21-50
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
I am a young adult who grew up on a farm and didn't realize the effect it had on me. A lot of our food in winter was canned food from our garden and I never made the connection we might not have been well-to-do or took a great interest in it. By the time my grandfather had passed, I had started to appreciate it more but it was too late then. My interests are largely with silvopasture, agroforestry, regenerative methods, as well as forming a commune for other disabled, queer folks that are perhaps fleeing states that are unsafe for them.
My goals for a farm would be methods like Milpa ("three sisters" gone wild, basically) as well as a small herd of animals. I own Border Collies and would love to get into the herding aspect with them again, just need access to land and a teacher.
Farm Experience & Education
I am willing to continue my education with a farming-related course like Animal Sciences, Agribusiness, etc. I have been reading every resource I can find, buying books, watching videos of people doing the types of farming I am interested in and educational videos. Currently I manage a small MILPA-based garden and I have owned chickens.
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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Grains
Primary livestock
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Goats/Sheep
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Pigs
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Poultry
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Bees
As stated before, I am largely interested in silvopasture and regenerative methods. I'd love to start CSAs with a diversity of heirloom variety foods. As for animals, the main interest are sheep and poultry, with some interest in cattle and pigs.
Marketing Method
My goals right now, with 'part time' being in mind, is starting with a roadside market (honor based) for various farm goods: eggs, vegetables and/or fruit, possibly bread and dog treats, and flowers. I would like to sell rovings or fleece on Etsy from sheep, especially in the SE2SE sense, and there's a possibility of hosting field trials for herding dogs, depending on the property (this one is later in the timeline, and I know it means liability insurance for the public on the farm, etc. I own border collies so sheep is a large part of any farm goals for them) I have goals of wanting to donate to local food pantries, as well as CSAs, but in the format of Rock Steady Farm's and not a typical CSA - as in on a sliding based scale for marginalized folks may get access to healthy produce at a discounted cost. My income goals and business goals heavily circle this - making sure marginalized people get access to healthy food.
Farm business plan or farm resume
Farmland Needs
Infrastructure required
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Farmer housing
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Fencing
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Water access
I need a place to live, of course! I have multiple dogs and would prefer a home (fine with converted barns, etc.) separately, as my dogs tend to be loud and active. I do have income so would happily pay rent on such a thing, or be willing to find a cabin or something to be built.
Desired Tenure
I would greatly prefer a lease-to-own model or a sale where the owner holds the mortgage.
