On-site housing and basic post-harvest infrastructure are required. Will grow for market/CSA, but keep off-site job.
Preferred counties/regions
- Capital Region
- Albany County
- Columbia County
- Greene County
- Rensselaer County
- Saratoga County
- Schenectady County
- Warren County
- Washington County
- Hudson Valley
- Dutchess County
- Ulster County
- Sullivan County
- Orange County
- Putnam County
- Westchester County
- Rockland County
Desired acreage
- 5 or fewer
- 6-10
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 have prior experience in organic vegetable production at scales ranging from small gardens to a 1,000-member CSA. From ages 18–22, I worked on several urban agriculture projects in Detroit, Michigan, managed campus gardens and a farmers market, and completed a semester-long farm internship in southeast India. I then spent a winter working on an organic tea farm followed by a season as an apprentice at Roxbury Farm CSA in Kinderhook, New York. As an apprentice, I also participated in C.R.A.F.T., which included tours at various farms in the region using organic practices.
Across these experiences, I developed a strong foundation in organic and regenerative growing practices, with particular interest in soil health, crop diversity, compost, cover cropping, and careful land stewardship. While I have been focused in the past decade on my career as a public defender, I have continued to grow a few herbs and vegetables each season, with long-term hopes of returning to my passion.
I now have a remote position with flexible hours and am looking to return seriously to food production. My plan is to build a small, intensive vegetable operation using organic practices, no-till permanent beds, season extension, and a long-term focus on improving soil structure, fertility, and biological activity. I also plan to raise fiber sheep.
On-site housing is required for myself and my long-term boyfriend, particularly as I will be hopping between farm tasks and my off-farm work.
Farm Experience & Education
- Farm internship/apprenticeship
- Farmer training or workshop
- On farm work experience
Farming Plans and Practices
Farming method or practice
- Organic (not certified)
- Regenerative/Sustainable
Primary crops
-
Vegetables
Primary livestock
-
Goats/Sheep
-
Poultry
I would like personal layer and fiber sheep.
Marketing Method
I plan to sell at a local farmers market and to have a CSA.
Farm business plan or farm resume
Farmland Needs
Infrastructure required
-
Barns - Equipment Storage
-
Farmer housing
-
Water access
Ideally, I am looking for access to a barn or similar outbuilding that can support equipment and supply storage, a covered wash/pack area, and cold storage. Existing infrastructure would be helpful, but I am also open to improving or adapting suitable space over time, depending on the terms of the lease.
Reliable water access for vegetable irrigation, with enough capacity for drip irrigation during dry periods and the ability to connect basic irrigation infrastructure.
On-site farmer housing is also required. My long-term boyfriend will also live with me.
Desired Tenure
Ideally looking for a multi-year lease to start, but I am open to a wide array of arrangements, depending on the partner.
